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How We Determine Your Financial Need

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, including tuition, books, living expenses, and transportation, and the expected family contribution, which is calculated by the federal processor from the data you (and parents if you are dependent) provide on the FAFSA.

Cost of attendance – Expected family contribution = 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

You may submit an appeal to the Financial Aid Committee to request a review for a possible financial aid adjustment based on special circumstances. Appeals must be submitted in writing (email is acceptable) and include supporting documentation. 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

2023-24 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 ExpensesCost
Housing and food$11,590
Books, course materials, supplies and equipment
(based on 2 courses)
$400
Personal$1,500
Transportation$400
Subtotal$13,890
Total cost of attendanceSubtotal + Your Tuition

Two terms (9 months for fall or spring)

Additional ExpensesCost
Housing and food$23,180
Books, course materials, supplies and equipment
(based on 2 courses
$800
Personal$3,000
Transportation$800
Subtotal$27,780
Total cost of attendanceSubtotal + Your Tuition

Estimated tuition for half time, 8 credits per term

Type of ProgramTuition
Undergraduate candidates$4,080 ($510 per credit)
Graduate candidates$6,440 ($805 per credit)
Premedical candidates$4,080 ($510 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.

2024 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 ExpensesCost
Housing and food$5,150
Books, course materials, supplies and equipment$200
Personal$750
Transportation$200
Subtotal$6,300
Total cost of attendanceSubtotal + 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.