Cost of Attendance

Cost of Attendance (COA) is a school's best reasonable estimate of how much it costs to attend college during a given period.

What is included in the Cost of Attendance?

For full-time students the COA includes the price of tuition and fees, living expenses, books and supplies, and other indirect costs associated with attending school. These expenses include both direct costs that the school will charge you, and indirect costs that students incur over the course of a school year, such as transportation to and from campus events or hygiene products.

COA components are based on student category (ex. full-time undergraduate on-campus) and are calculated using the school's rates as well as an assessment of the local indirect rates for items such as transportation and rent. The Office of Financial Aid uses the COA to determine a student's individual total eligibility for financial aid in the academic year and to calculate a student's financial need. The Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) is calculated through federal formulas based on the information provided through the FAFSA or WASFA. An EFC with the COA is used to determine the student 's eligibility for need-based aid. COA-EFC= Financial Need. 

Summer COAs vary on a case by case basis; if you need further information on your summer COA refer to your student aid portal or contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Cost of Attendance Appeal

A cost of attendance appeal can be completed if a student has unusual expenses that are not taken into account in their standard budget (COA). Students can submit this form to have their budget reviewed and financial aid eligibility re-evaluated. Documentation is required upon submission of the COA appeal to provide enough information to make any adjustments and allow the Office of Financial Aid to comply with federal and state regulations.

Learn more about Cost of Attendance Appeals Cost of Attendance appeal form