Need and Cost of Attendance

Once the application for student aid is completed, the information is used in a formula established by the U.S. Congress that calculates need and helps determine eligibility. When combined with other aid and resources, a student’s financial aid package may not exceed the student’s calculated cost of attendance (COA.)

Tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation, personal expenses, and other education expenses are considered in determining the student’s cost of attendance. Information on how those costs are derived may be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid.