There are two different calculations of the Cost of Education that you as parents should become
familiar with when comparing universities. The first and possibly the most important to you are
the direct costs of attending a college. These are the costs that you and your son or daughter
will need to meet at the beginning of every semester in attendance. Room, board (food), books and
tuition are the big four expenses you will need to pay for with either federal funding or out of your
own pocket. When looking at a variety of schools, try to find out what these costs are to determine
what your financial obligation is. Your student’s account on our network system (Student Info System)
is your best and most accurate statement of direct educational expenses. Your son or daughter can log
on to the SIS and view this information under the Finances Section.
The Cost of Education amounts the Financial Aid Office calculates includes several other components
and are considered 'budgeted' amounts rather than actual. The cost calculated by the Financial Aid
Office is based on averaged and actual costs from reported data, survey data and Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS) data.
- Tuition - Tuition is based on the number of credits you enroll for up to 12 credits as an Undergraduate
and 9 credits as a Graduate student. The full tuition cost includes segregated fees and is billed on a
semester basis.
- Books and Supplies - The estimate of books and supplies is based on average cost for Undergraduate and
Graduate students. Your actual costs may be more or less than the average costs because of your course
requirements.
- Housing - There are three housing costs factored into the cost of education. Students living with parents
or relatives are considered commuter students. Students living on and off campus will have housing costs
calculated that equal the average of the on campus housing for the year.
- Board - Food and toiletries are also calculated differently for commuter and on and off campus students.
The cost is updated each year based on the projected increase in the university food services costs.
- Personal/Miscellaneous - This area is a catch all for those day to day living expenses that don't fall
into any other category. Included are items such as clothing, medical, recreational expenses and insurance.
- Transportation - The transportation allowance is roughly based on trips to school with normal school
courses. There is an additional allowance available for students living more than 20 miles from campus.
In determining financial aid awards, the Financial Aid Office cannot grant a student any aid above
and beyond what the budgeted Cost of Attendance figures allow.
Estimated Costs for 2009 - 2010
On/Off-Campus Students |
Commuter Students (Living with parents) |
| Full-time tuition |
$6600.00 |
Full-time tuition |
$6600.00 |
| Books and supplies |
$800.00 |
Books and supplies |
$ 800.00 |
| Rent and utility |
$3580.00 |
Rent and utility |
$1008.00 |
| Food |
$2910.00 |
Food |
$1362.00 |
| Misc |
$1960.00 |
Misc |
$ 820.00 |
| Transportation |
$ 660.00 |
Transportation |
$ 660.00 |
| Total |
$16,510.00 |
Total |
$11,250.00 |
Travel Abroad Policy
Travel to other countries to study, whether it is through semester abroad programs or January and summer
travel courses, is encouraged. The Financial Aid Office and the International Studies Program will work
with students and parents in an attempt to find adequate funding for these opportunities.
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