Explanation of Cost Terms
Tuition - Estimate of the charge you will pay to the college for classes. (Note: this amount does NOT reflect the College Opportunity Fund stipend deduction for eligible students. The stipend pays a portion of total in-state tuition at Colorado public institutions or participating private institutions. )
Required Fees - Estimate of the mandatory fees you will pay to the college such as student government, health and laboratory fees.
Books & Supplies - Estimate of costs for books and supplies. Your actual cost may be different from the estimate based on the classes you take and whether you buy new or used books or even share them with a classmate to save money.
Room & Board - Estimate of the room and board (dining) charges you will pay to the college if you live on campus or an estimate of these expenses if you live off campus or with your parents.
Personal Expenses - Estimate of costs for clothing, hair cuts, entertainment and other miscellaneous expenses. What you actually spend on these types of items may be higher or lower depending on your own lifestyle.
Transportation - Estimate of costs for local bus or train passes or gas and maintenance for a car. What you actually spend on transportation may be different. There are no allowances included for making car payments or paying car insurance.
Estimate of Your Total School Charges, Books & Supplies and Living Expenses for Going to College - The total estimated amount of school charges, books & supplies and living expenses that are allowed as part of the Cost of Attendance (COA) calculation. Your actual expenses may be different.
The above costs could also include purchase or use of a laptop if your college requires you to take a laptop to class. Childcare and disability expenses are not normally included in COA, however, expenses may be added with supporting documentation. Notify the financial aid office at the college if you have these latter two expenses.
If you borrow using a Stafford Loan or your parents borrows through a PLUS Loan and loan fees are deducted from the loan, the school may add these fees to your cost of attendance.