Bill > AB791

This bill requires postsecondary educational institutions participating in the Cal Grant Program to develop and implement a comprehensive cost of attendance (COA) policy that more accurately reflects students' actual expenses. Starting in the 2026-27 academic year, institutions must create a COA methodology that sets off-campus student housing budgets at no less than half the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in their metropolitan area, prominently display the data sources used to calculate their COA budget, and establish an adjustment process that allows students to request modifications to expense categories like housing, food, transportation, books, and dependent care. The bill aims to address disparities in how educational institutions calculate student expenses, as a report found that 53% of California public colleges use COA budgets lower than estimated regional costs and nearly one-third have budgets that have not kept pace with inflation. The COA adjustment process must be accessible, with provisions for electronic and hard copy requests, a 14-day review period, the ability to submit multiple requests, and a second review option if an initial request is denied. By mandating these changes, the bill seeks to ensure that financial aid more accurately reflects students' true living expenses and supports their academic success.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB791