What is Cost of Attendance (COA)?

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is a reasonable estimate of the cost a student can incur for attending the university.  Each student’s COA may vary depending on the type of student, residency of the student, program of study and individual needs.

Estimating Cost of Attendance (COA)

Budgets developed by the Financial Aid office for determining financial aid eligibility include:

Direct Cost (billed to students and paid to the university)

• Tuition
• Average fees (required and academic fees)
• On-campus living expenses (housing and meals)*

Indirect Cost (not billed to students or paid to the university)

• Books and supplies
• Off-campus living expenses (housing and meals)*
• Personal expenses
• Transportation expenses
• Loan fees (for accepted federal direct loans)

*Living expenses (housing and meals) are based on average housing cost and the 21-meals per week meal plan.  This cost is included in the budget regardless of whether the student lives on campus or off campus.  Actual costs will be based on the student’s meal plan and housing arrangement.

All COA components are estimates.  Final tuition and fees are approved annually by the Board of Governors and may be subject to change.  The COA is prorated for students enrolled less than full-time (12 credit hours per semester for undergraduate students and 9 credit hours per semester for graduate students) and the financial aid package is adjusted as required.