How Your Offer is Determined Using Cost of Attendance
Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the cost for a student to attend Moraine Park for one year.
The COA includes:
- tuition and fees,
- books and supplies,
- food and housing,
- transportation and
- loan fees.
The housing status is based upon independent students living off campus and dependent students living with parent(s). If this is incorrect, please inform the financial aid office by using the Supplemental Form.
Moraine Park may be able to increase your COA for costs relating to child care expenses, obtaining professional license, mileage and/or disability-related expenses. Email the financial aid office for a request for this type of increase to see what you may be eligible for.
Less-than-half-time students’ expense budget includes tuition, books and transportation only.
Financial aid is offered on the basis of need, which is the difference between your Cost of Attendance (COA) and your Student Aid Index or “SAI.” The SAI is calculated using the information submitted on your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Cost of Attendance Example
Estimated Cost of Attendance* $20,639
Less Total SAI $11,433
Financial Need $ 9,206
*This is not your direct cost (see below).
Direct Cost vs Indirect Cost
Components of your cost of attendance are made up of direct and indirect costs. Direct costs are those items you need to ensure are paid each semester to move to the next semester – or – your bottom line. This would be costs set by the college such as tuition, fees and books.
Indirect costs are those that can be different month to month and vary from student to student. Not all costs have to be paid up front. Some expenses, such as transportation, are spread out over the year and can be met by a student working part-time during the year. Some expenses, such as food and housing, may be covered by parents and will not represent an out-of-pocket cost for you.
Need
It is the policy of Moraine Park to first offer as much need based aid as you qualify for; this includes grants and subsidized loans. These funds are limited in quantity so it is important to apply early to receive the best possible funding available.