Cost of attendance
| Student loans in the U.S. |
| Regulatory framework |
|---|
| Higher Education Act of 1965 U.S. Dept. of Education · FAFSA Cost of attendance · Expected Family Contribution |
| Distribution channels |
| Federal Direct Student Loan Program Federal Family Education Loan Program |
| Loan products |
| Perkins · Stafford PLUS · Consolidation Loans Private student loans |
In discussions of the cost of college in the United States, the cost of attendance (COA) (also known as the price of attendance) is a statutory term for the estimated full and reasonable cost of completing a full academic year (usually, nine months) as a full-time student. The cost of attendance is published by each educational institution and includes:
- Tuition and fees payable to the institution
- Books and supplies
- Room and board
- Personal costs (medical, toiletries, clothing, laundry)
- Transportation to and from the school
As of October 29, 2011, every post-secondary institution that receives federal financial aid funds is required to post its COA. Colleges are also required to post a Net Price Calculator, that determines for each prospective or current student a personalized Net Price, which is the difference between COA and need- and merit-based Grant Aid (not including loans or work-study programs).
Financial aid cannot exceed the Cost of Attendance.