Awards for most of the Title IV programs are based on some form of financial need.  Unlike scholarship programs that may award funds based on academic merit or the student’s field of study, “need-based” grants, loans, and work-study are based on the student’s demonstrated financial need for assistance.  The cost of attendance (COA) is the cornerstone of establishing a student’s financial need, as it sets a limit on the total aid that a student may receive for purposes of the Campus-Based, and Direct Loan programs, and is one of the basic components of the Pell Grant calculation.

 

Your Cost of Attendance Budget consists of Direct Cost and Indirect Cost.  Direct Costs are those expenses charged by the school such as tuition and fees.  They would also include room and board if you are living on campus and books charged to your school account at the school bookstore.  Indirect Costs refer to expenses you may incur while enrolled in school but not charged by the school.  The transportation allowance included in your budget is an example of an indirect cost.  These are detailed in your student ROAR account.

 

The following localized Cost of Attendance budgets provide a comprehensive estimate based on full time enrollment.  Budgets will be adjusted accordingly for students enrolled less than full time.