Cost of Attendance

What is it?

Cost of Attendance (COA) is the estimated cost to attend college for one academic year. The U.S. Department of Education requires all colleges and universities to provide a COA that includes both estimated direct costs and estimated indirect costs.

Estimated Direct Costs

Estimated direct costs are charges billed by the University. These costs include tuition, fees, housing, and food costs for students living on campus. Other items such as University-provided health insurance may also be included in direct costs.

Estimated Indirect Costs

Estimated indirect costs are typical expenses associated with attending college and are included in the total Cost of Attendance. These costs are not due directly to the University. The indirect costs include items such as school supplies, personal expenses, transportation expenses, and housing and food costs for those students living off-campus or with parents.