Cost of Attendance Budget

Each year the Financial Aid Office 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 Financial Aid Office Staff from reliable sources.

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.

Financial Aid Office estimates are sometimes higher than the COA estimates provided by the Business Office, which bases COA on current year costs. Financial Aid Office figures use any projected tuition and fee increases, as well as living expenses (room and board, transportation, and personal expenses).