Cost of Attendance
This page explains what the COA includes, how it is calculated, and what your specific estimates are for the current academic year. If your actual costs differ significantly from the standard estimates due to documented circumstances, you may be eligible to request a professional judgment adjustment.
What Is Included in Your Cost of Attendance?
Federal law specifies the categories of costs that may be included in the COA. The Chicago School establishes standard costs for each category based on average expenses for students with the same enrollment status and program. Only the following allowable cost categories may be included:
- Tuition and Fees. The tuition and fees normally assessed for a student carrying the same academic workload. This includes required program fees, graduation fees incurred while enrolled, and any fees charged to all students in the same program.
- Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment. A reasonable allowance for all books, materials, supplies, and equipment required by your program, including a reasonable allowance for the rental or purchase of a personal computer required for study. This allowance may include a computer purchased prior to the start of the enrollment period if it will be used for study during that period.
- Housing and Food (Living Expenses). An allowance for housing and food costs based on whether you live off campus or with a parent or family member. The Chicago School establishes these allowances based on the national average costs for students. Your actual costs may vary based on your living situation.
- Transportation. An allowance for costs of transportation between school, your residence, and your place of work, including vehicle operating and maintenance costs. Transportation costs required as part of your program of study may also be included. Note: the cost of purchasing a vehicle may not be included in the COA.
- Miscellaneous Personal Expenses (for students enrolled at least half
–time). A reasonable allowance for other personal expenses incurred while enrolled. This category may only be included in the COA for students enrolled at least half–time. - Loan Fees. (if applicable) An allowance for the average loan origination fees charged on federal student loans, if applicable to your loan type.
- Costs of Obtaining a License, Certification, or First Professional Credential (if applicable). Costs for obtaining a license, certification, or first professional credential required for employment in the occupation for which your program prepares you. These costs may be included in the COA for the payment period in which they are paid, provided they are incurred while the student is enrolled. This includes required board or licensing exam fees approved by the Registrar’s office.
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How The Chicago School Establishes COA Amounts
The Chicago School determines appropriate and reasonable amounts for each COA category based on the criteria established in the FSA Handbook. We use average expenses for students with the same enrollment status and program. This means students carrying the same academic workload are assigned the same standard COA, rather than individual cost calculations for each student.
Standard COA amounts are established for the following student categories at The Chicago School:
- Full-time students (the standard for most programs)
- Less-than-half-time students (where applicable)
- Program-specific categories, e.g., on-campus vs. off-campus living, entry term, continuing student status
COA amounts are reviewed and updated annually. The figures on this page apply to the 2025–2026 academic year. Tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Your Cost of Attendance [2026-2027]
All figures below are estimates. Actual costs may vary based on individual circumstances. Financial aid is packaged based on your enrollment status and the COA applicable to your program and student category.
Annual Direct & Indirect Total Costs
| Category | Ground | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition |
Calculate this direct cost by taking the per credit amount of the program’s tuition (found under the school’s “Direct Cost – Tuition & Fees” section) * the number of credits auto budgeted for the year (found under the “Standard COA Auto Budgets” table). If the program charges tuition per-term instead of per-credit, use the flat rate indicated on the program details. |
|
| Fees |
Calculate this direct cost by taking the per credit amount of the program’s fees (found under the school’s “Direct Cost – Tuition & Fees” section) * the number of credits auto budgeted for the year (found under the “Standard COA Auto Budgets” table). If the program charges fees per-term instead of per-credit, use the flat rate indicated on the program details. |
|
| Books | 936.00 | 936.00 |
| Housing | 17,529.00 | 12,574.00 |
| Travel | 9,921.00 | 7,613.00 |
| Personal | 9,798.00 | 7,363.00 |
| Food | 11,591.00 | 9,310.00 |
| Total | 49,775.00 | 37,796.00 |
*Total Budgets are Based on a 9-Month Period.
Tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice. COA figures are estimates only and do not represent the amount owed directly to The Chicago School.
Professional Judgement
Professional Judgment refers to the authority granted to institutions under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to permit financial aid administrators to adjust FAFSA data elements and cost of attendance due to special or unusual circumstances. Professional judgment decisions are made case-by-case by examining documentation validating a student’s unique circumstances. If you feel you may be eligible for a professional judgment or cost of attendance adjustment, please connect with the Financial Aid office for additional details.
When Your COA May Be Adjusted
In certain circumstances, the financial aid office may use professional judgment to adjust your standard COA on an individual basis. Adjustments are made on a case-by-case basis and require appropriate documentation. Situations that may warrant a COA adjustment include:
- Documented dependent care expenses required to allow you to attend school
- Disability-related expenses not otherwise covered
- Unusually high medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance
- Required costs specific to your program not captured in the standard COA
- Other documented costs that exceed the standard allowances
A COA adjustment does not automatically result in additional aid. It increases the maximum amount of aid you may be eligible to receive, but aid is still subject to your financial need, available funds, and program eligibility.
Important Notes on COA and Your Financial Aid
- Your COA sets the maximum amount of financial aid you may receive from all sources combined, including federal aid, institutional aid, private scholarships, and outside awards.
- Receiving a private scholarship or outside grant may reduce the amount of other aid in your package if your total aid would otherwise exceed your COA.
- Your COA is based on your enrollment status for the period of enrollment. Students enrolled less than full time will have a COA calculated proportionally, and federal loan eligibility may be reduced accordingly.
- COA estimates are provided for planning purposes and do not guarantee specific aid amounts. Your actual financial aid package is determined based on your FAFSA results, eligibility, and available funds.
- Financial aid is renewed each academic year. You must resubmit the FAFSA annually and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to continue receiving aid.
Methodology & Compliance
The Chicago School’s Cost of Attendance is established in accordance with Section 472 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (as amended) and the U.S. Department of Education’s 2025–2026 Federal Student Aid Handbook (Volume 3, Chapter 2). COA components and amounts are reviewed and updated annually. Cost estimates are based on local area cost data.
For questions about how The Chicago School’s COA is established or how it affects your financial aid package, please contact the Financial Aid office.
Regulatory Reference
This page satisfies institutional disclosure requirements under:
- Higher Education Act, Section 472 — Allowable Costs
- 34 CFR Part 668 — Student Assistance General Provisions
- FSA Handbook 2025–2026, Volume 3, Chapter 2 — Cost of Attendance
Last reviewed: May 2026 | Next scheduled review: December 2026
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Our advisors are available to answer questions and to help you explore both the pros and cons of various financial aid options.