Cost of Attendance (COA)
What Is Cost of Attendance?
Cost of Attendance (COA) is the estimated total cost of attending a college or university for one academic year. It includes both direct costs charged by the school and indirect living expenses associated with attending college.
Colleges use the COA when calculating financial aid eligibility.
Why It Matters
The Cost of Attendance provides a realistic estimate of the total financial commitment required to attend a school. Financial aid offices compare the COA to the Student Aid Index to determine financial need and create aid packages.
Understanding the COA helps students compare the affordability of different colleges.
How Cost of Attendance Works
Each college calculates its own Cost of Attendance based on typical student expenses.
The COA generally includes:
- tuition and fees
- housing and meal plans
- textbooks and supplies
- transportation
- personal expenses
Financial aid eligibility is determined by comparing the COA with the Student Aid Index.
Example
A university estimates its Cost of Attendance at $28,000 per year. After reviewing a student’s FAFSA, the school calculates financial need and offers grants, scholarships, and loans to help cover part of the total cost.
Cost of Attendance vs Tuition
- Tuition is the cost of academic instruction.
- Cost of Attendance includes tuition plus additional living and educational expenses.
FAQs About Cost of Attendance
Is COA the exact amount students must pay?
No. Financial aid may reduce the final amount students pay.
Does every school have a different COA?
Yes, costs vary by institution.
Does COA affect financial aid eligibility?
Yes, it is a key factor in determining financial need.
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