Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Cost of Attendance (COA)

How is the Financial Aid Cost of Attendance (COA) Calculated?

Your financial aid cost of attendance (COA) is the estimated average and reasonable cost of completing an academic year at Rasmussen University. An academic year usually consists of nine months (three quarters). Your COA serves as the foundation for determining your financial need as well as the amount of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, loans and work-study that can be offered to you. The COA can only include costs for the individual student. The Student Financial Aid Office may adjust the COA for students on a case-by-case basis to address individual, unique circumstances.

Your actual charges for tuition and fees, also known as direct charges, will be different than what is reflected in your financial aid COA. That is because the COA is based on estimated averages. To view your actual tuition and fee charges, go to the Account Center. Indirect Costs are external expenses that you may incur during the academic year as part of your educational experience. These costs are not billed to your student account, but they are part of the Financial Aid COA.

COA figures are established through student surveys and other research and may include the components below:

  • Tuition and Fees (based upon projected enrollment)
  • Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment
  • Living Expenses
  • Personal Expenses
  • Transportation
  • Dependent Care Costs1
  • Professional Licensure Costs2

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EXAMPLES of 2025-2026 Undergraduate Financial Aid Cost of Attendance (COA)

All COA components shown below are for nine months and full-time (12+ credits per quarter). Students attending less than full-time are eligible for financial aid; however, the COA and maximum awards may be adjusted for attending less than full-time and/or less than an Academic Year. Part-time financial aid cost of attendance figures are available on the downloadable PDF version below.

  • School of Business, Technology, Design, Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s, Human Services programs, and School of Justice Studies programs <small>(except Law Enforcement)</small>

    School of Business, Technology, Design, Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s, Human Services and School of Justice Studies programs (except Law Enforcement)
    Average Direct Costs Living With Parent Not Living With Parent
    Average Direct Costs: Tuition Living With Parent: $11,187 Not Living With Parent: $11,187
    Average Direct Costs: Fees Living With Parent: $2,340 Not Living With Parent: $2,340
    Average Direct Costs: Books, course materials, supplies and equipment Living With Parent: $360 Not Living With Parent: $360
    Average Direct Costs: Administrative Fee1a Living With Parent: $0 Not Living With Parent: $0
    Average Direct Costs: TOTAL Average Direct Costs2a Living With Parent: $13,887 Not Living With Parent: $13,887
    Estimated Indirect Costs Living With Parent Not Living With Parent
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Living Expenses3a Living With Parent: $5,301 Not Living With Parent: $10,557
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Personal Costs Living With Parent: $3,312 Not Living With Parent: $3,312
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Transportation Living With Parent: $3,978 Not Living With Parent: $3,978
    Estimated Indirect Costs: TOTAL Estimated Indirect Costs4a Living With Parent: $12,591 Not Living With Parent: $17,847
    Total Estimated Costs: TOTAL Estimated Cost of Attendance Living With Parent: $26,478 Not Living With Parent: $31,734
    • 1a One-time administrative fees are charged for the Law Enforcement Certificate and Associate, Medical Assisting Diploma, Medical Laboratory Technician Associate, Physical Therapist Assistant Associate, Radiologic Technology Associate, Surgical Technologist Associate, Practical Nursing Diploma, Professional Nursing Associate, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree programs. For detailed information on the program administrative fee, visit the Program Administrative Fee page in our Course Catalog.
    • 2a Actual tuition, fee, and book charges vary by student, credit load, and program of study. To view your actual charges, go to the Student Account Center.
    • 3a Military students receiving Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) will have a reduced living expense due to it only including the food allowance within this component.
    • 4a Actual costs vary by student, based on student choice and travel habits.

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  • School of Health Sciences & Law Enforcement program

    School of Health Sciences & Law Enforcement program
    Average Direct CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Average Direct Costs: Tuition Living With Parent: $11,187 Not Living With Parent: $11,187
    Average Direct Costs: Fees Living With Parent: $2,340 Not Living With Parent: $2,340
    Average Direct Costs: Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment Living With Parent: $360 Not Living With Parent: $360
    Average Direct Costs: Administrative Fee1a Living With Parent: $350 Not Living With Parent: $350
    Average Direct Costs: TOTAL Average Direct Costs2a Living With Parent: $14,237 Not Living With Parent: $14,237
    Estimated Indirect CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Living Expenses3a Living With Parent: $5,301 Not Living With Parent: $10,557
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Personal Costs Living With Parent: $3,312 Not Living With Parent: $3,312
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Transportation Living With Parent: $3,978 Not Living With Parent: $3,978
    Estimated Indirect Costs: TOTAL Estimated Indirect Costs4a Living With Parent: $12,591 Not Living With Parent: $17,847
    Total Estimated Costs: TOTAL Estimated Cost of Attendance Living With Parent: $26,828 Not Living With Parent: $32,084
    • 1a One-time administrative fees are charged for the Law Enforcement Certificate and Associate, Medical Assisting Diploma, Medical Laboratory Technician Associate, Physical Therapist Assistant Associate, Radiologic Technology Associate, Surgical Technologist Associate, Practical Nursing Diploma, Professional Nursing Associate, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree programs. For detailed information on the program administrative fee, visit the Program Administrative Fee page in our Course Catalog.
    • 2a Actual tuition, fee, and book charges vary by student, credit load, and program of study. To view your actual charges, go to the Student Account Center.
    • 3a Military students receiving Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) will have a reduced living expense due to it only including the food allowance within this component.
    • 4a Actual costs vary by student, based on student choice and travel habits.

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  • Early Childhood Education (Certificate, Diploma, or Associate’s program)

    Early Childhood Education (Certificate, Diploma or Associate’s program)
    Average Direct CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Average Direct Costs: Tuition Living With Parent: $8,100 Not Living With Parent: $8,100
    Average Direct Costs: Fees Living With Parent: $0 Not Living With Parent: $0
    Average Direct Costs: Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment Living With Parent: $360 Not Living With Parent: $360
    Average Direct Costs: Administrative Fee1a Living With Parent: $0 Not Living With Parent: $0
    Average Direct Costs: TOTAL Average Direct Costs2a Living With Parent: $8,460 Not Living With Parent: $8,460
    Estimated Indirect CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Living Expenses3a Living With Parent: $5,301 Not Living With Parent: $10,557
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Personal Costs Living With Parent: $3,312 Not Living With Parent: $3,312
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Transportation Living With Parent: $3,978 Not Living With Parent: $3,978
    Estimated Indirect Costs: TOTAL Estimated Indirect Costs4a Living With Parent: $12,591 Not Living With Parent: $17,847
    Total Estimated Costs: TOTAL Estimated Cost of Attendance Living With Parent: $21,051 Not Living With Parent: $26,307
    • 1a One-time administrative fees are charged for the Law Enforcement Certificate and Associate, Medical Assisting Diploma, Medical Laboratory Technician Associate, Physical Therapist Assistant Associate, Radiologic Technology Associate, Surgical Technologist Associate, Practical Nursing Diploma, Professional Nursing Associate, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree programs. For detailed information on the program administrative fee, visit the Program Administrative Fee page in our Course Catalog.
    • 2a Actual tuition, fee, and book charges vary by student, credit load, and program of study. To view your actual charges, go to the Student Account Center.
    • 3a Military students receiving Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) will have a reduced living expense due to it only including the food allowance within this component.
    • 4a Actual costs vary by student, based on student choice and travel habits.

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  • School of Nursing <small>(except BSN) Undergraduate Financial Aid Cost of Attendance (COA)</small>

    School of Nursing (except BSN)
    Undergraduate Financial Aid Cost of Attendance (COA)
    Average Direct CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Average Direct Costs: Tuition Living With Parent: $17,541 Not Living With Parent: $17,541
    Average Direct Costs: Fees Living With Parent: $2,340 Not Living With Parent: $2,340
    Average Direct Costs: Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment Living With Parent: $360 Not Living With Parent: $360
    Average Direct Costs: Administrative Fee1a Living With Parent: $495 Not Living With Parent: $495
    Average Direct Costs: TOTAL Average Direct Costs2a Living With Parent: $20,736 Not Living With Parent: $20,736
    Estimated Indirect CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Living Expenses3a Living With Parent: $5,301 Not Living With Parent: $10,557
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Personal Costs Living With Parent: $3,312 Not Living With Parent: $3,312
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Transportation Living With Parent: $3,978 Not Living With Parent: $3,978
    Estimated Indirect Costs: TOTAL Estimated Indirect Costs4a Living With Parent: $12,591 Not Living With Parent: $17,847
    Total Estimated Costs: TOTAL Estimated Cost of Attendance Living With Parent: $33,327 Not Living With Parent: $38,583
    • 1a One-time administrative fees are charged for the Law Enforcement Certificate and Associate, Medical Assisting Diploma, Medical Laboratory Technician Associate, Physical Therapist Assistant Associate, Radiologic Technology Associate, Surgical Technologist Associate, Practical Nursing Diploma, Professional Nursing Associate, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree programs. For detailed information on the program administrative fee, visit the Program Administrative Fee page in our Course Catalog.
    • 2a Actual tuition, fee, and book charges vary by student, credit load, and program of study. To view your actual charges, go to the Student Account Center.
    • 3a Military students receiving Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) will have a reduced living expense due to it only including the food allowance within this component.
    • 4a Actual costs vary by student, based on student choice and travel habits.

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  • School of Nursing - BSN <small>Undergraduate Financial Aid Cost of Attendance (COA)</small>

    School of Nursing - BSN
    Undergraduate Financial Aid Cost of Attendance (COA)
    Average Direct CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Average Direct Costs: Tuition Living With Parent: $16,596 Not Living With Parent: $16,596
    Average Direct Costs: Fees Living With Parent: $2,340 Not Living With Parent: $2,340
    Average Direct Costs: Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment Living With Parent: $360 Not Living With Parent: $360
    Average Direct Costs: Administrative Fee1a Living With Parent: $495 Not Living With Parent: $495
    Average Direct Costs: TOTAL Average Direct Costs2a Living With Parent: $19,791 Not Living With Parent: $19,791
    Estimated Indirect CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Living Expenses3a Living With Parent: $5,301 Not Living With Parent: $10,557
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Personal Costs Living With Parent: $3,312 Not Living With Parent: $3,312
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Transportation Living With Parent: $3,978 Not Living With Parent: $3,978
    Estimated Indirect Costs: TOTAL Estimated Indirect Costs4a Living With Parent: $12,591 Not Living With Parent: $17,847
    Total Estimated Costs: TOTAL Estimated Cost of Attendance Living With Parent: $32,382 Not Living With Parent: $37,638
    • 1a One-time administrative fees are charged for the Law Enforcement Certificate and Associate, Medical Assisting Diploma, Medical Laboratory Technician Associate, Physical Therapist Assistant Associate, Radiologic Technology Associate, Surgical Technologist Associate, Practical Nursing Diploma, Professional Nursing Associate, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree programs. For detailed information on the program administrative fee, visit the Program Administrative Fee page in our Course Catalog.
    • 2a Actual tuition, fee, and book charges vary by student, credit load, and program of study. To view your actual charges, go to the Student Account Center.
    • 3a Military students receiving Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) will have a reduced living expense due to it only including the food allowance within this component.
    • 4a Actual costs vary by student, based on student choice and travel habits.

    Download PDF print version

EXAMPLES of 2025-26 Graduate Financial Aid Cost of Attendance (COA)

All COA components shown below are for nine months and full-time (8+ credits per quarter). Students attending less than full-time are eligible for financial aid; however, the COA and maximum awards may be adjusted for attending less than full-time attendance and/or less than an Academic Year. Part-time financial aid cost of attendance figures are available on the downloadable PDF version below.

  • All Schools <small>(except Nursing) Graduate Financial Aid Cost of Attendance (COA)</small>

    All Schools (except Nursing)
    Graduate Financial Aid Cost of Attendance (COA)
    Average Direct CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Average Direct Costs: Tuition Living With Parent: $5,886 Not Living With Parent: $5,886
    Average Direct Costs: Fees Living With Parent: $1,170 Not Living With Parent: $1,170
    Average Direct Costs: Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment Living With Parent: $180 Not Living With Parent: $180
    Average Direct Costs: Administrative Fee1a Living With Parent: $0 Not Living With Parent: $0
    Average Direct Costs: TOTAL Average Direct Costs2a Living With Parent: $7,236 Not Living With Parent: $7,236
    Estimated Indirect CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Living Expenses3a Living With Parent: $5,301 Not Living With Parent: $10,557
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Personal Costs Living With Parent: $3,312 Not Living With Parent: $3,312
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Transportation Living With Parent: $3,978 Not Living With Parent: $3,978
    Estimated Indirect Costs: TOTAL Estimated Indirect Costs4a Living With Parent: $12,591 Not Living With Parent: $17,847
    Total Estimated Costs: TOTAL Estimated Cost of Attendance Living With Parent: $19,827 Not Living With Parent: $25,083
    • 1aOne-time administrative fees are charged for the Law Enforcement Certificate and Associate, Medical Assisting Diploma, Medical Laboratory Technician Associate, Physical Therapist Assistant Associate, Radiologic Technology Associate, Surgical Technologist Associate, Practical Nursing Diploma, Professional Nursing Associate, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree programs. For detailed information on the program administrative fee, visit the Program Administrative Fee page in our course catalog.
    • 2a Actual tuition, fee, and book charges vary by student, credit load, and program of study. To view your actual charges, go to the Student Account Center.
    • 3a Military students receiving Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) will have a reduced living expense due to it only including the food allowance within this component.
    • 4a Actual costs vary by student, based on student choice, and travel habits.

    Download PDF print version

  • School of Nursing - MSN <small>Graduate Financial Aid Cost of Attendance (COA)</small>

    School of Nursing - MSN
    Graduate Financial Aid Cost of Attendance (COA)
    Average Direct CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Average Direct Costs: Tuition Living With Parent: $6,624 Not Living With Parent: $6,624
    Average Direct Costs: Fees Living With Parent: $1,170 Not Living With Parent: $1,170
    Average Direct Costs: Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment Living With Parent: $180 Not Living With Parent: $180
    Average Direct Costs: Administrative Fee1a Living With Parent: $495 Not Living With Parent: $495
    Average Direct Costs: TOTAL Average Direct Costs2a Living With Parent: $8,469 Not Living With Parent: $8,469
    Estimated Indirect CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Living Expenses3a Living With Parent: $5,301 Not Living With Parent: $10,557
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Personal Costs Living With Parent: $3,312 Not Living With Parent: $3,312
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Transportation Living With Parent: $3,978 Not Living With Parent: $3,978
    Estimated Indirect Costs: TOTAL Estimated Indirect Costs4a Living With Parent: $12,591 Not Living With Parent: $17,847
    Total Estimated Costs: TOTAL Estimated Cost of Attendance Living With Parent: $21,060 Not Living With Parent: $26,316
    • 1a One-time administrative fees are charged for the Law Enforcement Certificate and Associate, Medical Assisting Diploma, Medical Laboratory Technician Associate, Physical Therapist Assistant Associate, Radiologic Technology Associate, Surgical Technologist Associate, Practical Nursing Diploma, Professional Nursing Associate, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree programs. For detailed information on the program administrative fee, visit the Program Administrative Fee page in our Course Catalog.
    • 2a Actual tuition, fee, and book charges vary by student, credit load, and program of study. To view your actual charges, go to the Student Account Center.
    • 3a Military students receiving Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) will have a reduced living expense due to it only including the food allowance within this component.
    • 4a Actual costs vary by student, based on student choice and travel habits.

    Download PDF print version

Archived Financial Aid Cost of Attendance