Cost Transparency

Understanding your Cost of Attendance (COA) empowers you to better plan for your financial journey through college. In the Office of Financial Aid, our goal is to equip you with clear and comprehensive information about the COA to help you make informed financial decisions.  Here’s what you need to know:

COA vs. Direct Charges:

• COA is an estimate of the total expenses for your degree, not the amount you pay directly to the college.
• Direct charges include tuition, fees, and, if living in residence halls, on-campus housing and meal plans.

What Else is Included in the COA?

• Indirect costs like books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.
• These are not billed directly but help provide a complete picture of potential college costs.

Planning for College Costs:

• The COA helps students and families prepare and offers the option to borrow funds to cover additional expenses if needed.

Stay organized with this step-by-step guide:

Year 1: Start Strong

• Complete the FAFSA early.
• Identify additional funding sources like scholarships.
• Understand your award package and make a 4-year plan.

Year 2-3: Stay Flexible

• Adjust your budget for changes in housing or expenses.
• Explore paid internships and work-study programs.
• Review aid eligibility annually and reapply for scholarships.

Year 4: Finish Smart

• Reduce unnecessary spending to prepare for graduation expenses.
• Complete loan exit counseling.
• Build a repayment or refinancing strategy for student loans.

A little planning goes a long way! By considering potential cost increases now, you and your family can better prepare for the financial commitments of earning your degree.

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Example: Projected Four-Year Budget for On-Campus Undergraduate Student

The chart below is an example of what the Cost of Attendance (COA) might look like over four years, using an estimated 3% annual increase based on the 2024-2025 COA for an undergraduate, Pennsylvania resident student living on-campus in the residence halls. This example is designed to provide a general idea of college costs, but it’s important to keep in mind:

• Costs vary for each student. Your COA will depend on your program of study, housing plans, and residency status (in-state or out-of-state).
• This is just an estimate. Actual costs may change based on the university's yearly adjustments to tuition, fees, and other expenses.
• The COA is not your bill. It’s an estimate of all potential costs of attending college, not the actual amount you’ll be charged.

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Start planning today! 

We encourage all students to create their own estimates based on their specific plans. Estimating your Cost of Attendance (COA) is easy with our step-by-step guide. Use our worksheet to calculate your costs for each academic year:

STEP 1: Find Your Starting Costs

• Go to millersville.edu/cost.
• Select the academic year you plan to begin at Millersville.
• Click on your program (Undergraduate, Graduate, Fully-Online, etc.) and then your residency (PA Resident or Out-of-State).
• Scroll to the Cost of Attendance Chart at the bottom and write down the costs that match your housing plans:
  • On-campus (in the residence halls)
  • Off-campus (in an apartment or house)
  • Commuting (from home; living with parents)

STEP 2: Calculate Costs for Each Year

• For Year 1, use the current costs you found in Step 1.
• For Year 2, multiply your Year 1 total by 1.03 to add a 3% increase.
• For Year 3, multiply your Year 2 total by 1.03.
• For Year 4, multiply your Year 3 total by 1.03.

How to Calculate a 3% Increase

• Start with your total (e.g., 100).
• Add a 1 to the % increase you are trying to calculate
• 3% as a decimal is .03 + 1 = 1.03
• Multiply by 1.03: 100 × 1.03 = 103.
• Your new total is 103.

It’s that easy!

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Blank COA Budget Worksheet

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Need Assistance?

If you have questions or need help with calculations, contact our financial aid team for guidance.

EMAIL     |     SCHEDULE MEETING

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Important Reminders About Costs as You Plan:

• Annual Rates: Costs are listed per academic year and are subject to change.
• Program-Specific Details: Costs vary based on your program level, residency status, and housing plans.
• Enrollment Status: The dollar amounts listed in the COA charts are based on full-time enrollment as defined by your program. Check the top of the chart for details.
• University Rates for Direct Charges: These include tuition, fees, and, for on-campus students, housing and meal plans.
  • Actual housing and food costs depend on your room assignment and meal plan selection.
  • Check Housing Rates and Meal Plan Options for details.
• Estimated Indirect Costs: Books, supplies, personal expenses, and transportation are estimates based on student surveys and are not billed directly by the university.
• Commuter & Off-Campus Students: Commuters and off-campus students are not billed for housing, and meal plan charges only apply if they choose to purchase one.
• Estimated Costs Do Not Factor in Any Financial Aid: If you receive financial aid or assistance, it’s not included in your calculated costs. Review your aid offer, terms, and renewal conditions. Subtract your total aid from direct charges to understand what you’ll pay for your 4-year education.

Financial aid can significantly offset your educational expenses. Make sure to complete the FAFSA and apply early to be considered for the most types of financial aid resources.

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Here’s an overview of available options and how they can support your journey:

Grants: Free funding typically based on financial need, sourced from federal, state, or institutional programs. No repayment required.

Scholarships: Merit-based or awarded for specific talents or qualifications. Like grants, they do not require repayment.

Loans: Funds to help finance your education, with options to fit your needs:

• Federal Loans: Low, fixed-interest rates, flexible repayment options, and guaranteed to eligible students within borrowing limits.
• Private Loans: Useful for filling gaps but compare terms carefully. Options include fixed or variable rates, and approval often requires a credit check.

Work-Study: Part-time campus jobs that let you earn money throughout the semester. Funds are not applied to direct charges but can help with other expenses.

Payment Plans: Spread tuition and fees into manageable installments throughout the year.

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Key Factors That Impact Eligibility

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): Maintain minimum GPA, credit completion rates, and adhere to the time frame for degree completion outlined in your aid package.

Course Program of Study: Financial aid applies only to courses that count toward your declared degree or certificate program. Courses outside your program may not be covered.

Enrollment Status: Aid amounts depend on the number of enrolled credits. Some aid requires full-time status, while others adjust based on credit load. Dropping or withdrawing from courses may reduce or cancel your financial aid—consult the financial aid office before making changes.

Terms and Conditions: Review the specific requirements for each type of aid to understand renewability, eligibility, and any necessary actions to maintain your awards.

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How Financial Aid Applies to Your Costs

1. Review your aid offer.
2. Subtract total aid from direct charges like tuition, fees, and on-campus housing.
3. Assess your remaining costs to plan effectively for each year.

Millersville’s financial aid offer gives you a clear breakdown of your estimated costs and your balance—both before and after loans. To make things even easier, we include calculated estimates for additional payment and financing options. No need to guess—we’re here to help you plan.

Have questions? Contact the financial aid office for personalized guidance.

Q: What is the total cost of attendance (COA)?

A: The COA includes all expenses related to your education: tuition, housing, meals, books, supplies, personal expenses, and transportation. Use our Budget Planner for detailed calculations, but remember you are only responsible to pay direct charges to Millersville.

Q: How often should I update my budget?
A: Review your budget at the start of each semester to account for any changes in your financial aid package, housing, or personal expenses.

Q: What happens if my financial situation changes mid-year?
A: Contact our financial aid office immediately. We can see if there is a way to reassess your Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA or explore additional funding opportunities.

Q: Are scholarships renewable each year?
A: Some scholarships are renewable if you meet specific academic or enrollment requirements. Be sure to check the terms of your award. For scholarships offered through Admissions, you can view the Terms & Conditions of your award here. For other scholarships such as endowment or external scholarships, check with the organization or issuer. 

Q: Can I get help creating my budget?
A: Absolutely! Our financial aid advisors are here to guide you step-by-step. Schedule an appointment.