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

View examples of Undergraduate Cost of Attendance (COA)

View examples of Graduate Cost of Attendance (COA)

EXAMPLES of 2024-2025 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 attendance and/or less than an Academic Year.

  • 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 programs, 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: $10,899 Not Living With Parent: $10,899
    Average Direct Costs: Fees Living With Parent: $2,223 Not Living With Parent: $2,223
    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: $13,482 Not Living With Parent: $13,482
    Estimated Indirect Costs Living With Parent Not Living With Parent
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Living Expenses3a Living With Parent: $5,157 Not Living With Parent: $10,269
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Personal Costs Living With Parent: $3,222 Not Living With Parent: $3,222
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Transportation Living With Parent: $3,897 Not Living With Parent: $3,897
    Estimated Indirect Costs: TOTAL Estimated Indirect Costs4a Living With Parent: $12,276 Not Living With Parent: $17,388
    Total Estimated Costs: TOTAL Estimated Cost of Attendance Living With Parent: $25,758 Not Living With Parent: $30,870
    • 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: $10,899 Not Living With Parent: $10,899
    Average Direct Costs: Fees Living With Parent: $2,223 Not Living With Parent: $2,223
    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: $13,832 Not Living With Parent: $13,832
    Estimated Indirect CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Living Expenses3a Living With Parent: $5,157 Not Living With Parent: $10,269
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Personal Costs Living With Parent: $3,222 Not Living With Parent: $3,222
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Transportation Living With Parent: $3,897 Not Living With Parent: $3,897
    Estimated Indirect Costs: TOTAL Estimated Indirect Costs4a Living With Parent: $12,276 Not Living With Parent: $17,388
    Total Estimated Costs: TOTAL Estimated Cost of Attendance Living With Parent: $26,108 Not Living With Parent: $31,220
    • 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: $17,577 Not Living With Parent: $17,577
    Average Direct Costs: Fees Living With Parent: $2,223 Not Living With Parent: $2,223
    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: $20,655 Not Living With Parent: $20,655
    Estimated Indirect CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Living Expenses3a Living With Parent: $5,157 Not Living With Parent: $10,269
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Personal Costs Living With Parent: $3,222 Not Living With Parent: $3,222
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Transportation Living With Parent: $3,897 Not Living With Parent: $3,897
    Estimated Indirect Costs: TOTAL Estimated Indirect Costs4a Living With Parent: $12,276 Not Living With Parent: $17,388
    Total Estimated Costs: TOTAL Estimated Cost of Attendance Living With Parent: $32,931 Not Living With Parent: $38,043
    • 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: $17,712 Not Living With Parent: $17,712
    Average Direct Costs: Fees Living With Parent: $2,223 Not Living With Parent: $2,223
    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: $20,790 Not Living With Parent: $20,790
    Estimated Indirect CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Living Expenses3a Living With Parent: $5,157 Not Living With Parent: $10,269
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Personal Costs Living With Parent: $3,222 Not Living With Parent: $3,222
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Transportation Living With Parent: $3,897 Not Living With Parent: $3,897
    Estimated Indirect Costs: TOTAL Estimated Indirect Costs4a Living With Parent: $12,276 Not Living With Parent: $17,388
    Total Estimated Costs: TOTAL Estimated Cost of Attendance Living With Parent: $33,066 Not Living With Parent: $38,178
    • 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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EXAMPLES of 2024-25 Graduate 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 attendance and/or less than an Academic Year.

  • 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: $5,670 Not Living With Parent: $5,670
    Average Direct Costs: Fees Living With Parent: $1,116 Not Living With Parent: $1,116
    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: $6,966 Not Living With Parent: $6,966
    Estimated Indirect CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Living Expenses3a Living With Parent: $5,157 Not Living With Parent: $10,269
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Personal Costs Living With Parent: $3,222 Not Living With Parent: $3,222
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Transportation Living With Parent: $3,897 Not Living With Parent: $3,897
    Estimated Indirect Costs: TOTAL Estimated Indirect Costs4a Living With Parent: $12,276 Not Living With Parent: $17,388
    Total Estimated Costs: TOTAL Estimated Cost of Attendance Living With Parent: $18,765 Not Living With Parent: $23,715
    • 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.

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  • 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: $7,155 Not Living With Parent: $7,155
    Average Direct Costs: Fees Living With Parent: $1,116 Not Living With Parent: $1,116
    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: $8,946 Not Living With Parent: $8,946
    Estimated Indirect CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Living Expenses3a Living With Parent: $5,157 Not Living With Parent: $10,269
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Personal Costs Living With Parent: $3,222 Not Living With Parent: $3,222
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Transportation Living With Parent: $3,897 Not Living With Parent: $3,897
    Estimated Indirect Costs: TOTAL Estimated Indirect Costs4a Living With Parent: $12,276 Not Living With Parent: $17,388
    Total Estimated Costs: TOTAL Estimated Cost of Attendance Living With Parent: $21,222 Not Living With Parent: $26,334
    • 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