COA (Cost of Attendance)

COA (Cost of Attendance) is an estimate of expenses that a student will need to pay in a single year (fall through spring) of college enrollment. It includes: Tuitions, fees, board, books, electronics, personal expense (food, etc) and transportation. COA in-state tuition is much affordable than out-of-state tuition. Knowing this metrics is critical in comparing different awards. Usually a high COA college is more expensive than a low COA college, even with generous aid packages.

2023 national average school tuition is $6,000 for community colleges, $15,000-$35,000 for in-state public college, $35,000 – $70,000 for out-of-state public colleges, and $45,000 – $ 80,000 for private colleges and universities.

College Board research shows: in 2022-2023, average budgets for full-time (FT) undergraduate students range from $19,230 for 2 year public college, and $27,940 for 4 year public in-state college to $45,240 for 4 year out-of-state and $57,570 for 4 year private colleges and universities.

Here at College Tuition Compare, you can compare 2023’s schools’ tuitions, fees, living costs by State, School Type (Public, Private School), School level (Less than 2 year, 2-4 Year, 4 year or more), Undergraduate or Graduate level.