Once your application is complete, financial aid officers review your information to determine your eligibility for all types of aid based on your cost of attendance and financial need.
Determination of Need
Financial need is defined as the difference between the cost of attendance (see below) and the student aid index, which is calculated by the federal student aid system from the data you (and parents if you are dependent) provide on the FAFSA form.
Cost of attendance – Student aid index = Financial need
Scholarships, grants, and subsidized Federal Direct Loans cannot exceed your determined financial need. Unsubsidized Federal Direct and PLUS Loans are not based on need. Your total financial aid, including Unsubsidized Federal Direct and PLUS Loans, cannot exceed your cost of attendance.
Special Circumstances
If your financial or personal circumstances have changed since you submitted your FAFSA, you may submit an appeal to the Financial Aid Committee to request a review for a possible financial aid adjustment. Per federal regulations, special circumstances may include the following:
- Change in employment, income or assets
- Change in household status
- Medical, dental or nursing home expenses not covered by insurance
- Child or dependent care expenses
Financial aid appeals must be submitted in writing and include supporting documentation. Please contact Student Financial Services to request our Change in Income Form. Completed forms and supporting documentation should be submitted securely using the Document Upload feature in your MyDCE student account.
2024-25 Cost of Attendance
For summer cost of attendance, see below.
The cost of attendance listed below is for students enrolling half time or more (at least 8 credits per term for fall or spring).
One term (4.5 months for fall or spring)
| Additional Expenses | Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing and food | $12,075 |
| Books, course materials, supplies and equipment (based on 2 courses) | $400 |
| Personal | $1,500 |
| Transportation | $400 |
| Subtotal | $14,375 |
| Total cost of attendance | Subtotal + Your Tuition |
Two terms (9 months for fall or spring)
| Additional Expenses | Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing and food | $24,150 |
| Books, course materials, supplies and equipment (based on 2 courses | $800 |
| Personal | $3,000 |
| Transportation | $800 |
| Subtotal | $28,750 |
| Total cost of attendance | Subtotal + Your Tuition |
Estimated tuition for half time, 8 credits per term
| Type of Program | Tuition |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate candidates | $4,200 ($525 per credit) |
| Graduate candidates | $6,680 ($835 per credit) |
| Premedical candidates | $4,200 ($525 per credit) |
The cost of attendance for students enrolling less than half time (fewer than 8 credits per term in the fall or spring) includes tuition, books and supplies, and transportation only.
2025 Summer Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance listed below is for students enrolling half time or more (at least 4 credits).
One term (seven weeks)
| Additional Expenses | Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing and food | $5,365 |
| Books, course materials, supplies and equipment | $200 per course |
| Personal | $750 |
| Transportation | $200 |
| Subtotal | $6,515 |
| Total cost of attendance | Subtotal + Your Tuition |
The above figures reflect living off campus. Students living on campus or enrolled in study abroad programs will incur different costs.
Dependency Status
Wondering about dependency status? Answer questions to determine if you need to provide parental information on the FAFSA.
