The cost of attendance (COA) is the total amount to attend a college each year.
Each school determines its annual average cost of attendance by including the total of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies and transportation and personal expenses estimated for the academic year.
Don't forget: Your actual expenses will vary based on your child’s lifestyle.
Some expenses depend on your child’s choices
- Public or private school
- In-state or out-of-state school
- Living on campus, off campus, or at home
Some expenses, such as the cost of textbooks, are similar regardless of which school your child attends.
Knowing the cost of attendance is only the first half of figuring out college costs. What really counts is how much you'll pay out of pocket.
The Education Investment Planner® can help you understand and explore your funding options based on a combination of savings, scholarships and grants, and student loans; forecast estimated repayment costs if student loans are part of your financing plan; and share plans with family and friends for feedback and discussion.
Evaluating affordability
Now that you have a ballpark figure of how much it may cost to send your child to college, evaluate how you'll afford it. You might be surprised.
