Cost of Attendance (COA)

Costs to Attend & FAQs 

The costs to attend California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), also called the Cost of Attendance (COA), reflects the estimated expenses for the nine-month academic year. Standard expenses include the cost of state tuition fees, basic educational expenses such as books and supplies for two semesters, an allowance for food and housing, transportation, and other basic living expenses.

A standardized set of budgets is used as the basis for determining the cost of attendance at Cal State Fullerton.  The figures used for all categories (except Tuition, CSUF Campus Fees and On Campus Housing and Food) represent the average expenses reported by Cal State Fullerton students in the 2021 Student Expenses and Resources Survey (SEARS), conducted by the California Student Aid Commission.  This survey establishes base cost of attendance amounts which are adjusted annually based on inflation and the Consumer Price Index for non-surveyed years.

In accordance with California Assembly Bill 990, CSUF provides the typical market cost for: 1) a one bedroom apartment, 2) a two-bedroom apartment, and 3) renting a bedroom in a private residence, within a within a 5 mile radius of campus.   The monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,278 and the monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,700, based off the HUD 2025 Fair Market Rents. The monthly rent for a  bedroom in a private residence is $1,000, based on data from College Pad, a rental listing service provided as part of the CSUF STARREZ housing system.   Note:  The food and housing expenses included in the off-campus cost of attendance represent the average costs CSUF students pay when enrolled at CSUF, where many students living off-campus have roommates, which decreases their individual housing costs. Actual costs of food and housing will vary.

 

What is included in my Cost of Attendance?

• Tuition & CSUF Campus Fees: Cost paid to Cal State Fullerton for courses, including mandatory campus fees.  This figure is based off anticipated enrollment in 7 or more units.  More information on tuition and campus fees can be found on the All Student Fees | CSUF - Student Business Services webpage                 
• Books and Supplies:  The average amount students spend on books and educational supplies as reported by Cal State Fullerton students on the 2021 SEARS survey, adjusted annually for inflation
• Housing and Food: The average cost per academic year to live in the Fullerton/Orange County area while attending Cal State Fullerton.  Actual costs may vary by individual choices related to location and circumstances (on-campus, off-campus, living at home) 
• Commuter Food and Housing figures reflect the lower costs of living at home. 
• On-Campus Food and Housing (Residence Halls) is based on the weighted average of on-campus housing contracts plus the projected costs associated with 21 meals per week.  For specific CSUF on-campus housing and food costs, visit  Housing Rates | CSUF - Housing and Residential Engagement
• Off-Campus Food and Housing is based on the average amount reported by Cal State Fullerton students on the 2021 SEARS survey, adjusted for annual inflation.  These figures assume a roommate.
• Food =  $782 per month
• Housing = $1,425 per month
• Personal Expenses:   The average amount for personal expenses which includes clothing, personal care, cell phone plan, and health care costs not covered by insurance.
• Transportation:    The average transportation cost between campus, residences, and place of work (includes bus fare, gasoline, tolls, parking, etc.).  Amount does not include car payments, insurance, repairs or license fees.
• Federal Direct Loan Fees:   For students who borrow a Direct Loan, the average cost of the loan origination fee; for parents who borrow a Direct PLUS loan on behalf of their dependent student, the actual cost of the PLUS loan origination fee.

How does Cal State Fullerton assign my COA?

Costs vary based on your academic grade level and your housing plan. The links above show the COAs for each academic level. If you attend CSUF only one semester, or if you attend summer session in addition to the regular semesters, we prorate your costs.

What If I Need to Make Changes to My Housing Plan?

Once you have completed the 2025-26 FAFSA or CADAA, please follow these steps to update your housing status on your CSUF Student Portal.
Log into your CSUF Student Portal and select “Student Homepage” 

1. Once in the Student Homepage, choose the “Financial Aid” tile.
2. From the menu, select “FA Housing Status” and choose the 2025-26 academic year. (this must be done every year)
3. Select your anticipated housing status, and click “save”.

If you are not able to update by following this path, you will be given another option on the Forms page in August 2025.

How does my COA Affect My Financial Aid Award? 

From a financial aid perspective, your cost of attendance (COA) reflects the maximum dollar amount of financial aid you may receive for the entire academic year. This includes federal grants, state grants, institutional grants, federal and private loans, scholarships, and other third-party aid. 

• Adjustments to your cost of attendance, in most cases, will not adjust your Federal or State grant eligibility, only increase your eligibility for loans.