The estimated cost of attendance, or COA, is a standardized estimate of the overall cost of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for a specific period. It represents the best estimate of expenses a student might expect to incur. The following components are automatically included in a students estimated COA as required by federal law:
- Tuition and fees;
- Living expenses (housing and food);
- Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment;
- Transportation;
- Miscellaneous personal expenses;
- Federal student loan fees, if applicable; and
- Professional licensure, certification, or first professional credential, if applicable.
The COA is not a bill, but an estimate of the overall cost of college at Nebraska. There are many enrollment decisions and choices you can make to minimize costs. You may also receive certain scholarships or financial aid for specific costs. It's important to consult with your academic advisor regarding academic decisions and with Husker Hub regarding financial decisions so that you can stay on track to graduate on time and maximize your affordability.
Development of the Standardized Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance is developed based on federal guidance. It uses average costs to arrive at reasonable and realistic figures. A student's individual costs may vary based on enrollment decisions and other factors.
The practical use of the cost of attendance is to help you estimate your overall net price (i.e., costs minus financial aid), but is also the maximum amount of financial assistance one may receive from all sources combined, including loans. If your individuals costs exceed the standard COA, actual costs can be used to increase your COA through professional judgment or added if you have dependent care expenses, disability-related expenses, study abroad expenses, or cooperative education costs.
The cost of attendance for students enrolled less than full-time is reduced accordingly.
Tuition and Fees
- Estimated based on 15 credits of base tuition per fall/spring semester for undergraduates and 9 credits for graduate students over a nine-month period.
- Law tuition and fees are based on 15 credit hours per semester.
- Fees include the technology, library, registration, and university program and facilities fees as well as average course fees (including online course fees).
Living Expenses (Housing and Food)
- A standard food allowance that provides the equivalent of three meals each day.
- A housing allowance for on-campus students based on the average or median housing rates charged to students (whichever is higher).
- A housing allowance for off-campus students based on rent or other housing costs.
- A housing allowance for students who live at home with parents that is not zero.
Net Price Calculator
- For high school juniors or students planning to apply to the University, the net price calculator can help you with an early estimate of your scholarship and financial aid eligibility in relation to your college costs to help you understand what your net price might be. Once you can apply to UNL and are admitted, you will be considered for an early scholarship offer and financial aid by filing the FAFSA at fafsa.gov.
- Nebraska's Net Price Calculator
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment
- An estimate based on a biennial student survey.
- A reasonable allowance can also be added for the rental or purchase of a personal computer.
Miscelleneous Personal Expenses and Transportation
- An estimate of personal costs such as clothing, toiletries, sundries, etc.
- An estimate of transportation costs, including fuel, maintenance, travel home, etc.
Loan Fees
- An estimate of the origination fees charged by the federal government on Federal Direct Loans for those who borrow.
Other Educationally Related Expenses
- The cost of dependent care is not automatically included in the standard cost of attendance, but students with dependents may have their COA increased, if necessary, with documentation (email huskerhub@unl.edu for details).
Reducing Your Costs
- The estimated cost of attendance is a standardized estimate. Your individual costs and your individual scholarships, grants, and other aid may vary from the average based on individual factors. You can maximize affordability by making good financial decisions.
- For ideas on how you might be able to reduce costs or to schedule a financial mentoring session, visit Big Red Resilience at Nebraska in the University Health Center.