Cost of Attendance (COA) is the total estimated amount it will cost a full-time student (enrolled in 6 semester credit hours per term) to attend school for one academic year (30 semester credit hours). It includes both direct costs, like tuition and fees, that are paid directly to the school, and indirect costs, like housing and food, that the student will incur to attend school. This is not your exact cost, but an average of what it typically takes a student in similar circumstances.

The COA is used by the financial aid department to determine a student’s financial need and eligibility for aid. It can vary depending on whether you are classified as dependent or independent. Since CALS does not provide room and board directly to students, these amounts are estimated.