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.
Every student is assigned a Cost of Attendance (COA), which is required by the U.S. Department of Education. The COA is not your bill or the amount you owe the university. Instead, it is an estimate of the total cost of attending school for one academic year.
Your Cost of Attendance may include estimated expenses such as:
• Tuition and fees
• Books and supplies
• Housing and food
• Transportation
• Personal and miscellaneous expenses
Federal regulations require that your total financial aid package cannot exceed your Cost of Attendance. If your total financial aid is more than your COA, your aid may need to be adjusted to comply with federal regulations.
Remember, the COA is simply a budgeting estimate used to determine financial aid eligibility—it is not your actual university charges.
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
2026 – 2027 Aid Year
| Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) - Undergraduate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 – 2027 Aid Year | |||
| Students living Off Campus | Students living On Campus | Students living With Parents | |
| Tuition and fees | $10,772.00 | $10,772.00 | $10,772.00 |
| Room and Board | $12,572.00 | $11,761.00 | $4,421.00 |
| Books & supplies | $1,385.00 | $1,385.00 | $1,385.00 |
| Transportation | $3,755.00 | $3,755.00 | $3,755.00 |
| Misc Expenses | $2,742.00 | $2,742.00 | $2,742.00 |
| TOTAL | $31,226.00 | $30,415.00 | $23,075.00 |
Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) – Graduate
2026 – 2027 Aid Year
| Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) - Graduate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 – 2027 Aid Year | |||
| Students living Off Campus | Students living On Campus | Students living With Parents | |
| Tuition and fees | $11,418.00 | $11,418.00 | $11,418.00 |
| Room and Board | $12,572.00 | $11,761.00 | $4,421.00 |
| Books & supplies | $1,385.00 | $1,385.00 | $1,385.00 |
| Transportation | $3,755.00 | $3,755.00 | $3,755.00 |
| Misc Expenses | $2,742.00 | $2,742.00 | $2,742.00 |
| TOTAL | $31,872.00 | $31,060.00 | $23,721.00 |
Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) – Undergraduate
2025 – 2026 Aid Year
| Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) - Undergraduate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 – 2026 Aid Year | |||
| Students living Off Campus | Students living On Campus | Students living With Parents | |
| Tuition and fees | $10,212.00 | $10,212.00 | $10,212.00 |
| Room and Board | $12,085.00 | $11,306.00 | $4,297.00 |
| Books & supplies | $1,385.00 | $1,385.00 | $1,385.00 |
| Transportation | $3,650.00 | $3,650.00 | $3,650.00 |
| Misc Expenses | $2,665.00 | $2,665.00 | $2,665.00 |
| TOTAL | $29,997.00 | $29,218.00 | $22,209.00 |
Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) – Graduate
2025 – 2026 Aid Year
| Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) - Graduate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 – 2026 Aid Year | |||
| Students living Off Campus | Students living On Campus | Students living With Parents | |
| Tuition and fees | $10,817.00 | $10,817.00 | $10,817.00 |
| Room and Board | $12,085.00 | $11,306.00 | $4,297.00 |
| Books & supplies | $1,385.00 | $1,385.00 | $1,385.00 |
| Transportation | $3,650.00 | $3,650.00 | $3,650.00 |
| Misc Expenses | $2,665.00 | $2,6653.00 | $2,665.00 |
| TOTAL | $30,602.00 | $29,823.00 | $22,814.00 |
Estimated Summer Cost of Attendance (COA) – Undergraduate
2025 – 2026 Aid Year
| Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) - Undergraduate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2025 – 2026 Aid Year | |||
| 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 | $4,028.00 | $2,330.00 | $1,432.00 |
| Books & supplies | $693.00 | $693.00 | $693.00 |
| Transportation | $1,217.00 | $1,217.00 | $1,217.00 |
| Personal | $888.00 | $888.00 | $888.00 |
| TOTAL | $8,245.00 | $6,547.00 | $5,649.00 |
Estimated Summer Cost of Attendance (COA) – Graduate
2025 – 2026 Aid Year
| Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) - Graduate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2025 – 2026 Aid Year | |||
| 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 | $4,028.00 | $2,330.00 | $1,432.00 |
| Books & supplies | $693.00 | $693.00 | $693.00 |
| Transportation | $1,217.00 | $1,217.00 | $1,217.00 |
| Misc Expenses | $888.00 | $888.00 | $888.00 |
| TOTAL | $8,377.00 | $6,679.00 | $5,781.00 |
*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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