Undergraduate Cost of Attendance (COA)
What is the Cost of Attendance?
COA = Direct Costs + Indirect Costs
Direct Costs
These are charges billed by Virginia Tech. You'll see these on your university bill each semester.
Direct Costs = On Your Bill
- Tuition
- Fees
- Housing(if you live on campus)
- Food (if you have a meal plan)
Your actual bill might vary depending on your major,
residence hall, or meal plan—so think of this as a ballpark estimate!
Indirect Costs
These aren't billed by Virginia Tech, but are real expenses you should consider when budgeting for the academic year.
Indirect Costs = Not On the Bill, But Still Real
- Groceries
- Course Materials
- Transportation
- Direct Loan Fees*
- Personal Expenses (cell phone, laundry, toiletries, entertainment, clothing)
Indirect costs are estimates. What you actually spend will vary, and you can make choices to help reduce them—borrow books, carpool, skip a few late-night delivery orders—every little bit helps.
*Direct Loan Fees: Although not billed by Virginia Tech, if you borrow Federal Direct Loans, these fees are deducted from the loan amount before the funds reach your student account. The amount included in your COA is based on average loan fees from the previous academic year and only applies if you choose to borrow.
COA Components- Direct & Indirect Based on Your Choices!
Housing: What You Choose Matters
Not all residence halls cost the same. Virginia Tech has housing for all budgets from traditional residence halls to suites. We estimate the housing COA budget component based on the average or the median of each option available.
Once you select your room, your actual cost will update on your bill!
Off-campus or living at home? Housing becomes an indirect cost—you’ll need to budget for rent, utilities, internet, etc.
Food: Campus Meal Plan & Grocery Budget
Your grocery budget is an indirect cost, because it is not on your bill.
From all-you-can-eat dining to budgeting your grocery runs, your choices will impact your food costs.
Personal Expenses: The Costs You Don’t Think About
These costs may not be on your bill, but they definitely show up in real life:
- Toiletries
- Laundry
- Clothes
- Cell phone bills
- Entertainment
- Medical/dental costs
You decide how much you spend, but we include these in the COA to help you plan smart.
Cost of Attendance Estimates
Cost of Attendance Estimate 2025-2026
| In-State | Out-of-State |
| On Campus | On Campus |
| Off Campus | Off Campus |
| Living with Parent | Living with Parent |
Cost of Attendance Estimate 2024-2025
Summer Cost of Attendance Estimate 2025
Winter Cost of Attendance Estimate 2024-2025
| In-State | Out-of-State |
| On Campus Undergraduate | On Campus Undergraduate |
| Virtual Campus | Virtual Campus |
Net Price Calculator
| Freshman | Transfer |
| Calculator Tool | Calculator Tool |
Cost of Attendance Appeals
Under certain circumstances, you may be eligible to complete a Cost of Attendance Appeal if your actual costs exceed our estimate.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Review Your COA
Before submitting an appeal, take time to review your Cost of Attendance (COA) details. Your COA is based on estimated expenses, but we understand that some students may have higher-than-average costs due to unique situations—such as additional housing expenses, medical needs, or required educational materials.
Start by reviewing the COA figures available on this site to see if your current Cost of Attendance already accounts for the full amount you expect to pay for the academic year in direct and indirect costs.
NOTE: Submitting a Cost of Attendance Appeal doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive additional financial aid. It simply allows us to adjust your COA to reflect your higher expenses—making it possible for you to receive or apply for additional aid, if you're eligible.
Step 2: Understand the Cost of Attendance Appeal Process
If your actual costs exceed the standard COA, and you've already received the maximum amount of aid allowed, you may submit a Cost of Attendance Appeal. This process allows our office to review your situation and determine if your higher costs can be included to increase your Cost of Attendance.
Step 3: Submit the Appeal Form
If you’ve reviewed your COA and your actual costs are higher than our estimate, you can access the appeal form using the link below.