Cost of Attendance
2026-2027
Cost of Attendance (COA) is the estimated total cost of attending a college or university for one academic year. It is used by the financial aid office to determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid and to help students understand the full cost of their education.
COA includes both direct costs (expenses billed by the university) and indirect costs (estimated external expenses).
Direct Costs
- Tuition
- Mandatory Fees
- Housing (for students living in university housing)
- Meal plans (for students living in university housing)
Indirect Costs
- Books, course materials, and equipment
- Transportation expenses
- Personal expenses
- Off-campus food and housing expenses
- Loan fees (when applicable)
Why Is Cost of Attendance Important?
The Cost of Attendance is not necessarily the amount a student will pay. Instead, it serves as a budgeting tool and forms the basis for calculating financial aid eligibility. A student’s total financial aid cannot exceed their Cost of Attendance.