About the cost of attendance
Each year the Office of Student Finance (OSF) establishes standard student budgets that use cost of attendance (COA) estimates for awarding financial aid funds. The budgets reflect typical "modest but adequate" expense patterns of University of Minnesota students based on research conducted by OSF staff from reliable sources.
Your estimated Cost of Attendance budget is made up of five expense categories:
- Tuition and fees
- Tuition figures are set by the Board of Regents. You can parse out your exact tuition and fees by looking up details such as specific class fees in the tuition and fees section. OSF Cost of Attendance figures include any projected tuition and fee increases.
- Books/supplies
- This figure is based on average course load and book costs. It is meant to represent the academic supplies required to be an effective student.
- Room and board
- Room and board figures vary based on your living situation. OSF works with Housing to do an in-depth analysis of living expenses in the Twin Cities area in order create this budget.
- Transportation
- This figure is based on the cost of the UPass, a Metro transit bus pass. The University does not include a personal vehicle in your estimated cost budget.
- Personal and miscellaneous expenses
- This figure represents all of the other things you need in order to live and function productively, including toiletries, clothing, etc.
Some students will spend more than the standard amounts, while others will spend less, depending on individual lifestyles and circumstances. Eligibility for financial aid, however, will be based on the standard budget allowances, not on individual preferences and spending habits.
Figures vary according to students' residency status, college of enrollment, and degree program. Also, OSF estimates are sometimes higher than the COA estimates provided by the Office of Admissions, which bases COA on current year costs. OSF figures use any projected tuition and fee increases, as well as living expenses (room and board, transportation, and personal expenses).
The COA budgets available on this page provide 2008-2009 academic year figures for fall and spring semesters to assist you in planning your own budget. Note: Your May/summer term COA is determined (and May/summer financial aid awarded) after you have registered for that term.