The GIA Office of Student Financial Assistance establishes student budgets to be used in determining your financial need. These budgets include an amount for the cost of living at a moderate level, depending on your living arrangements as well as the tuition, fees, books and materials charges for your program of enrollment. We derive the living allowance portion of your budget utilizing several sources: Rental surveys of local housing situations, Student Expense Surveys and the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index. The student budget utilized for your individual circumstance will be reflected in your Estimated Award Letter and your final Financial Aid Award Notification.