What the “Cost of Attendance” Really Means—and Why It’s Often Misleading
Most families start their college search by checking tuition prices online—but focusing solely on “Cost of Attendance” (COA) can lead to major misunderstandings. The number you see is often just a starting point, and it rarely reflects what you’ll actually pay.
At Diversified College Planning, we help families break down the real cost of college—not just the published numbers, but the aid-adjusted, merit-influenced, and tax-aware version that matters.
What’s Included in COA?
The federal definition of “Cost of Attendance” includes:
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Tuition and fees
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Room and board
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Books and supplies
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Personal expenses and travel
But these numbers are averages—not guarantees. They can vary depending on housing choices, lifestyle, and changes in tuition policy year to year.
Why COA Alone Isn’t Enough
Here’s where it gets tricky:
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COA doesn’t reflect how much aid your student may qualify for
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It often ignores merit scholarships or discounts
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It doesn’t help you compare real offers between schools
We help families go beyond the surface by calculating true net cost—what you’ll owe after aid, and what strategies you can use to lower that number even further.
Contact Us Today:
Confused by what college will really cost? Let’s figure it out together—before you overpay.
📞 Call us at 770-662-8510
📅 Schedule a free consultation: Book with Mike
Or visit our Contact Page: https://diversifiedcollegeplanning.com/contact-us/
