Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance (COA) is an estimate of what it costs the typical student to attend Texas A&M University. Don’t be startled by the sticker price of a college education. Your cost of attendance (COA) doesn’t just cover your college tuition; it takes into account your basic living expenses too. So think about this: it is going to cost you the same amount to live for the next few years whether you’re in college or not, and college graduates earn an average of $20,000 MORE a year than students who only complete high school. 

When comparing financial aid packages from other schools, make sure you are comparing the total cost of attending that school, not just the total financial aid awarded. It is important for you to budget and make wise decisions regarding how to utilize the financial aid funds you receive. Students are not allowed to receive aid that exceeds their cost of attendance.

Understanding Cost of Attendance

  • Tuition and Fees: The average cost of tuition and fees for a typical student based on enrolling for a certain number of hours per year. The actual costs that a student incurs will vary depending on the student’s degree and residency.
  • Housing and Meals: A reasonable estimate of what it would cost to live while attending school. Actual costs may vary by individual choices related to location and circumstances. Typically includes rent, food, snacks, household supplies and utilities.
  • Books and Supplies: The average cost of books and supplies for a typical student for an entire academic year. Typically includes books, educational supplies, course materials, and computer-related expenses excluding the purchase of a personal computer.
  • Transportation: Represents travel costs for the average number of trips the typical student might take. What you actually spend on travel may be higher or lower depending on your number of trips, distance, and mode of travel.
  • Personal Expenses and Miscellaneous: Estimate of costs for clothing, haircuts, entertainment and other miscellaneous expenses. What you actually spend on these types of items may be higher or lower depending on your own lifestyle.
Out of Pocket Expenses
The estimated cost to attend Texas A&M for 2020-2021 is approximately $31,428 for in-state residents, which includes tuition and fees, room and board, books, transportation and miscellaneous expenses. Given that Texas A&M is able to offer over $871 million in financial assistance each year, many students’ out-of-pocket costs are much lower than the published cost of attendance. In fact, last year on average, a student with a family income under $40,000 had an out-of-pocket cost of approximately $9,872, and a student with a family income between $40,000 and $80,000 had an out-of-pocket cost of approximately $12,285. Applying for financial assistance may provide the additional resources necessary to cover out-of-pocket costs.

To learn more about COA at Texas A&M University, please select your classification on the left navigation.