Total Cost of Attendance

Total Cost of Attendance (TCOA) is the full amount of money needed to attend a college or university for a year. It includes tuition and fees, which are the direct costs of classes, as well as additional expenses like housing (rent or dorms), food, books, supplies, personal items, transportation, and sometimes health insurance. TCOA provides a comprehensive view of the financial investment required, helping students and families plan and understand the overall expenses involved in education beyond just tuition.