Cost of Attendance

Cost of Attendance (COA) is a figure calculated annually by financial aid offices that represents an estimate of the total cost (including tuition, fees, books & supplies, room & board, transportation, and misc. personal expenses) for a full-time student to attend their university during the academic year.

Separate COA figures are determined for students living On-Campus, Off-Campus, and With Parents. The COA can help families budget for all the expenses to attend college. It is important to note that only a portion of the total COA is paid directly to the University. Additionally, the COA is a standardized estimate, and may be adjusted for students on a case-by-case basis with proper documentation (refer to Cost of Attendance (COA) Adjustment Form.)

The cost of attendance is an important factor in determining student financial aid eligibility. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is calculated from the FAFSA data by the federal processor, represents the amount the student and his or her family are expected to contribute to the COA. The EFC is subtracted from the COA to determine the student's financial Need. Financial aid is then awarded to help offset the student's COA.

If the financial aid is not enough to cover the Need, then the remaining amount is considered Unmet Need. It is important to note that a student is not required to have financial Need to be eligible to receive Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, PLUS loans, or merit-based scholarships.