What is the cost of attendance (COA)?

The cost of attendance (COA) is a number (generally a yearly figure) that is designed to help summarize the various costs of attending a school that takes into account:

1. Tuition and fees
2. On-campus room and board (or an allowance for these amounts for off-campus students)
3. Allowances for books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and if applicable, dependent care

It also generally includes various miscellaneous and personal expenses including an allowance for a purchase or rental of a personal computer and can also include additional costs related to a disability.

Most schools publish the COA annually in brochures and online college search sites, so it may help to check with some of these resources. Additionally, if you have unusual circumstances which have higher costs, it might help to discuss these with the financial aid office.

Tagged: Cost of Attendance (COA), Hot Topics, personal spending