Cost of Attendance

Understanding Your Costs

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of school related expenses the student can expect to have for the academic year, or the semester of enrollment. The COA is composed of the following categories: tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and food, transportation and personal expenses. These components are determined by law, Higher Education Act of 1965, section 472, and are designed to cover the educational-related expenses to the student. In addition, the cost of attendance will consider the residency status and living arrangements.

When comparing financial aid packages from other schools, make sure you are comparing the total cost of attending that school, not just the total financial aid awarded. It is important for you to budget and make wise decisions regarding how to utilize the financial aid funds you receive. Students are not allowed to receive an aid package that exceeds their cost of attendance.

Helpful Definitions for Understanding COA
Tuition and Fees: The average cost of tuition and fees for a typical student based on enrolling for a certain number of hours per year. The actual costs that a student incurs will vary depending on the student’s degree and residency.

Food and Housing (also known as Room and Board): A reasonable estimate of what it would cost to live while attending school. Actual costs may vary by individual choices related to location and circumstances. Typically includes rent, food, snacks, household supplies and utilities.

Books, Course materials, Supplies and Equipment: The average cost of books and supplies for a typical student for an entire academic year. Typically includes books, educational supplies, course materials, and computer-related expenses excluding the purchase of a personal computer.

Transportation: Represents travel to and from student/parent’s residence and transportation costs to and from class and work (e.g., bus fare, gasoline, tolls, parking).

Personal Expenses and Miscellaneous: Estimate of costs for clothing, haircuts, entertainment and other miscellaneous expenses. What you actually spend on these types of items may be higher or lower depending on your own lifestyle.

Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA)

2025 – 2026 Aid Year

*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.

2024 – 2025 Aid Year

*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.

Tuition & Fees

See the breakdown of tuition and fees by semester. How much you pay in tuition and fees each semester is based on a few factors:

• Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student
• How many credit hours you’re taking that semester and
• Whether you’re an in-state, out-of-state, or international

Cost Resources

The following links can provide more precise information regarding cost:

• Tuition & Fees: Student Accounting & Cashiering
• Housing: Housing
• Meal Plan: Sodexo
• Books & Supplies: NSU Bookstore

Licensing and Certification Cost

Students enrolled in a program requiring professional licensure, certification, or a first professional credential can have the cost of obtaining the license, certification, or first professional credential in their Cost of Attendance.  If the board exam is required for employment in the student’s field of study and the cost of the exam is incurred while the student is still enrolled, NSU can use the actual cost of the exam to increase the student’s COA, even if the exam will not take place until after the student is no longer enrolled.  Degree programs offered at NSU that require license and/or certifications include Nursing (all levels), Education and Veterinary Technology.

Students requesting an increase in their Cost of Attendance will need to complete the Request for Special Circumstances and provide the registration receipts for the actual cost of the exam.