Northwestern State University’s Cost of Attendance (COA) estimates your total educational costs, including tuition, housing, books, transportation, and personal expenses. Based on federal guidelines, it helps you budget, compare schools, and make informed financial decisions to keep your degree affordable.
Plan Your Future with Cost Clarity
Cost of Attendance
Your Cost of Attendance covers tuition, housing, books, transportation, and personal expenses — all based on federal standards. This complete picture helps you budget smart, compare colleges fairly, and focus on earning your degree without financial surprises.
See the Full Cost Picture and Budget Wisely
Understand and Plan Your College Investment
Your Cost of Attendance (COA), calculated under the Higher Education Act of 1965, provides a comprehensive breakdown of your education investment, including tuition and fees, housing, books, transportation, and personal expenses. This transparency empowers you to plan your finances with confidence. When comparing colleges, go beyond financial aid award amounts and evaluate the total COA to make informed decisions. With NSU’s COA, you can build a budget that covers essential needs, maximizes your aid, and keeps you on track toward graduation without overspending or guesswork.
Understand Your Total Cost of Attendance
A Clear Breakdown of College Expenses
An average estimate for a full-time student’s tuition and fees, based on enrolled credit hours. Actual costs vary by degree program and residency status.
Estimated living costs while attending NSU — including rent, food, snacks, household supplies, and utilities. Actual costs vary by location and personal lifestyle.
Average yearly cost of books, educational supplies, course materials, and technology-related expenses (excluding personal computer purchases).
Covers travel to and from your residence, plus commuting costs to classes and work — including bus fare, gas, tolls, and parking.
Estimates for clothing, haircuts, entertainment, and other lifestyle costs. Your spending may vary based on personal choices.
If your program requires professional licensure or certification (e.g., Nursing, Education, Veterinary Technology), NSU can adjust your COA to include the cost of required exams taken while enrolled. Submit the Request for Special Circumstances with registration receipts for approval.
Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) – Undergraduate
2024 – 2025 Aid Year
| Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) - Undergraduate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 – 2025 Aid Year | |||
| Students living Off Campus | Students living On Campus | Students living With Parents | |
| Tuition and fees | $9,404.00 | $9,404.00 | $9,404.00 |
| Room and Board | $11,802.00 | $10,926.00 | $4,196.00 |
| Books & supplies | $1,353.00 | $1,353.00 | $1,353.00 |
| Transportation | $3,564.00 | $3,564.00 | $3,564.00 |
| Misc Expenses | $2,603.00 | $2,603.00 | $2,603.00 |
| TOTAL | $28,726.00 | $27,850.00 | $21,120.00 |
Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) – Graduate
2024 – 2025 Aid Year
| Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) - Graduate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 – 2025 Aid Year | |||
| Students living Off Campus | Students living On Campus | Students living With Parents | |
| Tuition and fees | $9,953.00 | $9,953.00 | $9,953.00 |
| Room and Board | $11,802.00 | $10,926.00 | $4,196.00 |
| Books & supplies | $1,353.00 | $1,353.00 | $1,353.00 |
| Transportation | $3,564.00 | $3,564.00 | $3,564.00 |
| Misc Expenses | $2,603.00 | $2,603.00 | $2,603.00 |
| TOTAL | $29,275.00 | $28,399.00 | $21,699.00 |
Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) – Undergraduate
Summer 2023-2024
| Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) - Undergraduate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2023-2024 | |||
| Students living Off Campus | Students living On Campus | Students living With Parents | |
| Tuition and Fees | $1,383.00 | $1,383.00 | $1,383.00 |
| Loan Fees | $36.00 | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Room and Board | $3,779.00 | $2,271.00 | $1,344.00 |
| Books & Supplies | $325.00 | $325.00 | $325.00 |
| Transportation | $1,141.00 | $1,141.00 | $1,141.00 |
| Personal | $833.00 | $833.00 | $833.00 |
| TOTAL | $7,498.00 | $5,990.00 | $5,062.00 |
Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) – Graduate
Summer 2023-2024
| Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) - Graduate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2023-2024 | |||
| Students living Off Campus | Students living On Campus | Students living With Parents | |
| Tuition and Fees | $1,515.00 | $1,515.00 | $1,515.00 |
| Loan Fees | $36.00 | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Room and Board | $3,779.00 | $2,271.00 | $1,344.00 |
| Books & Supplies | $325.00 | $325.00 | $325.00 |
| Transportation | $1,141.00 | $1,141.00 | $1,141.00 |
| Personal | $833.00 | $833.00 | $833.00 |
| TOTAL | $7,630.00 | $6,122.00 | $5,194.00 |
Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) – Undergraduate
2023 – 2024 Aid Year
| Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) - Undergraduate | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 - 2024 Aid Year | ||||
| Students living Off Campus | Students living On Campus | Students living With Parents | Students living Out of State | |
| Tuition and fees (Annual Cost*) | $9,212.00 | $9,212.00 | $9,212.00 | $20,000.00 |
| Room and Board (food/housing) | $11,337.00 | $10,617.00 | $4,031.00 | |
| Books & supplies | $1,300.00 | $1,300.00 | $1,300.00 | |
| Transportation | $3,424.00 | $3,424.00 | $3,424.00 | |
| Misc Expenses | $2,500.00 | $2,500.00 | $2,500.00 | |
| TOTAL | $27,773.00 | $27,053.00 | $20,467.00 | |
Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) – Graduate
2023 – 2024 Aid Year
| Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) - Graduate | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 - 2024 Aid Year | ||||
| Students living Off Campus | Students living On Campus | Students living With Parents | Students living Out of State | |
| Tuition and fees (Annual Cost*) | $9,769.00 | $9,769.00 | $9,769.00 | $20,557.00 |
| Room and Board (food/housing) | $11,337.00 | $10,617.00 | $4,031.00 | |
| Books & supplies | $1,300.00 | $1,300.00 | $1,300.00 | |
| Transportation | $3,424.00 | $3,424.00 | $3,424.00 | |
| Misc Expenses | $2,500.00 | $2,500.00 | $2,500.00 | |
| TOTAL | $28,330.00 | $27,610.00 | $21,024.00 | |
*Includes Fall and Spring Semesters. Based on Full Time Enrollment. Tuition components of the COA are estimates and will update based on actual tuition and fee charges each semester.
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