How Much Does College Cost?

Cost of Attendance (COA):
College expenses vary greatly. Each college estimates the COA by adding together: Tuition, fees, room and board, transportation, books, supplies, and other miscellaneous living expenses.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC):
Using the information your family provides on the FAFSA, the federal government calculates your EFC (the amount you and your family are expected to be able to contribute toward college expenses). This is only an estimate. The EFC is determined by family income, assets, and size. It takes into consideration your family’s living expenses and the number of family members in college.

Financial Need:
This is the amount of the financial aid award package that you need from the college. The award may consist of a combination of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study.