Cost of Attendance
Your actual cost of attendance (COA) will be unique to you. However, the estimated average costs we provide are important for two reasons:
- Your total amount of financial aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance. This means that the total amount of money that you can receive from all sources – grants, scholarships, loans and student employment – cannot add up to more than the cost of attendance.
- The numbers we provide are based on averages. Your actual costs may be less than or greater than the estimated COA. However, this information is essential in helping you plan for college and build a realistic budget.
Undergraduate Cost of Attendance
*Based on anticipated enrollment of 12 hours per semester. Tuition includes fall and spring semesters. All rates are subject to change without notice. Visit the Treasurer's Office for a complete list of charges.
| Name of Fee | In-State (Resident) | Out-State (Non-Resident) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees* | $12,518 | $36,398 |
| Avg. Tech & Library Fees | $460 | $460 |
| Housing & Food | $13,779 | $13,779 |
| Personal Miscellaneous | $2,175 | $2,175 |
| Avg. Transportation | $2,475 | $3,689 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,454 | $1,454 |
| Avg. Loan Fees | $164 | $164 |
| Laptop/computer purchase* | varies | varies |
| Total Est. Cost | $33.007+ | $58,119+ |
Graduate Cost of Attendance
*Based on anticipated enrollment of 6 hours per semester. Tuition includes fall and spring semesters. All rates are subject to change without notice. Visit the Treasurer's Office for a complete list of charges.
| Name of Fee | In-State (Resident) | Out-State (Non-Resident) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees* | $6,918 | $20,019 |
| Avg. Tech & Library Fees | $230 | $230 |
| Books & Supplies | $960 | $960 |
| Avg. Loan Fees | $261 | $261 |
| Total Est. Cost | $10,447 | $21,470 |
Terms and Definitions
Weighted Average Room and Board
On the FAFSA, if you indicate that you are living with parents, there is no room allowance. You will receive the surveyed average off-campus board amount of $2,957.
Campus Housing has the complete list of on-campus residence halls/houses and costs. For a complete list of meal plans and costs, visit Campus Dining Services. If you choose a residence hall or meal plan that varies from the average, it will not affect your cost of attendance (remember, the COA is a standard amount set to determine the maximum amount of aid you can receive).
Transportation
Transportation costs include expenses for commuting to campus, parking on/near campus and travel for four round trips home annually. Read the College's parking policies and learn about transportation options.
One-time laptop or computer purchase*
While students are not required to purchase a laptop through the College of Charleston IT online stores, they are required to have a laptop that meets or exceeds the minimum laptop specifications for their class. This ensures that all students have equal access to a minimum level of technology and that instructors are able to incorporate this technology into their required coursework.
Visit College of Charleston IT Support Services for recommendations and minimum laptop specifications.
If you are looking for additional financial assistance to help pay for your laptop, you must first have a completed FAFSA on file and your financial aid file requirements must be complete. Afterwards you may download and complete the Cost of Attendance Adjustment Request (COAAR) form. Email the completed form to financialaid@cofc.edu.