What is “cost of attendance”?

The estimated cost of attendance reflects estimated expenses for the nine-month academic year. Standard expenses include the cost of state tuition fees, books and supplies for two semesters of full-time enrollment, as well as an allowance for room and board and other living expenses based on where you plan to live while in school. See How Cal State Fullerton assigns your COA. If you attend Cal State Fullerton only one semester, or if you attend summer session in addition to the regular semesters, we prorate your costs. Tuition and fees reflect the new tuition fee costs approved by the CSU Board of Trustees in July 2011.

*Note: All CSU tuition fees listed are estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the CSU Board of Trustees.

Standard 9 month Student Budget 2011-2012 - Full Time Tuition Fees (Enrolled in 7 or more units per semester)
Budget Item Undergraduate Commuter Undergraduate Living in Dorm Undergraduate Living in Off-Campus Apt. Teacher Credential Living Off Campus Apt. Graduate Student Living Off Campus Apt. Fees* $6,128 $6,128 $6,128 $7,004 $7,394 Books & Supplies 1,656 1,656 1,656 1,656 1,656 Room/Board 4,347 10,587 12,000 12,000 12,000 Misc. 2,900 2,900 2,900 2,900 2,900 Transportation 1,300 1,200 1,300 1,300 1,300             Total $16,331 $22,471 $23,984 $24,860 $25,250
Standard 9 month Student Budget 2011-2012 - Part Time Tuition Fees (Enrolled in 6 or less units per semester)
Budget Item Undergraduate Commuter Undergraduate Living in Dorm Undergraduate Living in Off-Campus Apt. Teacher Credential Living Off Campus Apt. Graduate Student Living Off Campus Apt. Fees* $3,830 $3,830 $3,830 $4,340 $4,562 Books & Supplies 1,656 1,656 1,656 1,656 1,656 Room/Board 4,347 10,587 12,000 12,000 12,000 Misc. 2,900 2,900 2,900 2,900 2,900 Transportation 1,300 1,200 1,300 1,300 1,300             Total $14,033 $20,173 $21,686 $22,196 $22,418

 

How does Cal State Fullerton assign my COA?

When we receive your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), we check to see if you indicated your housing plans on your FAFSA. If you did, we assign one of these three budgets:

• At home with parent/relative
• On-campus (please see below for further information)
• Off-campus apartment/house

 

What is the policy if I plan to live on campus?

Starting in early summer, the Housing and Residential Life Office sends us lists of students who have secured a space on campus. In the meantime, our policy is to assign an “at home” budget.

Later, if we receive confirmation that you will be living on-campus, we will adjust your budget and your awards as needed.

 

What happens if I left my housing plans blank on my Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?

If you did not tell us your housing plans on your FAFSA, we assign an “at home” budget. If this is not correct and you will not live at home, with a parent or relative, you need to notify the Office of Financial Aid of this correction.

You may contact the Office of Financial Aid for instructions on how to make this change, or you may download and complete the “Housing Update Form” and attach the appropriate documentation to the form, which is then submitted to the Office of Financial Aid.

 

What if I want my assigned COA to be changed?

A change in COA usually does not affect grant awards but it may affect the amount of loan you may borrow for the year. This is because the “family contribution” determines eligibility for most grant programs. If you need to know whether a change in housing status will affect your awards, please feel free to contact our office. We will be happy to change your COA if necessary. We may require documentation, such as a copy of your lease or rental agreement, before changing your budget from at home to off-campus. If your budget increases your eligibility for financial aid funds, we will adjust your awards according to funding availability at the time you make the request.