Understanding Your Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is not your bill. It is a planning tool that estimates the total cost of attending Millersville University for one academic year. It includes both direct charges billed by the University, such as tuition, fees, housing, and meal plans, as well as indirect expenses like books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses to help you plan and budget for your education.
On-Campus Indirect Expenses | Off Campus & Commuting Indirect Expenses
Each COA is Different
Your personal COA will vary depending on: several factors such as your program and degree type, whether your primary residence is in-state (PA) or out-of-state, what your housing plans are, how many credits you are taking, and more.
Your Personalized Cost Info
Depending on your admissions status, where you can your specific cost information may differ.| Admissions Status | Direct Charges | Indirect Expenses |
|---|---|---|
| Current/Active Students: | Check your actual charges in your Student Account Manager (SAM). | See your estimated full COA in MAX → Financial Aid Overview → Offer Tab |
| New/Prospective students: | Visit the Office of Student Accounts site for published tuition and fees | Use the College Financing Plan (CFP) on your financial aid offer |
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Direct vs Indirect Costs — what's the difference?
Understanding the difference between direct and indirect costs will help you budget wisely, avoid surprises, and use financial aid more effectively.
Type of Cost Billed by MU? Direct or Indirect? Notes Tuition Yes Direct Always billed by MU University Fees Yes Direct Required student fees Housing Varies Direct or Indirect Direct if living on-campus in the residence halls
Indirect if off-campus or commuting
Food Varies Direct or Indirect Direct with a campus meal plan
Indirect if dining off-campus or at home
Books & Supplies No Indirect Books, course materials, supplies, etc. Transportation No Indirect May includes gas, transit, parking, etc. Personal Expenses No Indirect Laundry, toiletries, phone, etc. Pro Tip:
- Direct costs appear on your MU bill.
- Indirect costs vary, but they’re just as important to plan for.
Understanding your Cost of Attendance (COA) empowers you to better plan for your financial journey through college. The first step is understanding what direct versus indirect expenses are.
Where to find Your Personalized Cost Info
Depending on your admissions status, where you can your specific cost information may differ.
Admissions Status Direct Charges Indirect Expenses Current/Active Students: Check your actual charges in your Student Account Manager (SAM). See your estimated full COA in MAX → Financial Aid Overview → Offer Tab New/Prospective students: Visit the Office of Student Accounts site for published tuition and fees Use the College Financing Plan (CFP) on your financial aid offer -
IF YOU LIVE ON CAMPUS (IN THE RESIDENCE HALLS)
If you live in the residence halls, your tuition and fees are fairly consistent based on your student type and enrollment — but housing and meal plan costs can vary depending on your grade level (credits earned) or what you choose. Use the links below for more specific rates.
direct charges
Charge Type Link Tuition & Fee Rates
millersville.edu/osa Residence hall rates millersville.edu/housing Meal plan options millersville.edu/dining Even if you live on campus, you may still have expenses that don’t appear on your bill (like transportation, personal costs, and books).
possible indirect expenses
The ranges below are estimated and meant to cover a wide variety of situations (program, residency, modality, and enrollment). They will vary per student.
Possible Expense Type Estimated annual cost range (academic year) Transportation $800–$1,600 Personal / misc. expenses $1,800–$2,200 Books & supplies $1,200
Where to find Your Personalized Cost Info
Depending on your admissions status, where you can your specific cost information may differ.
Admissions Status Direct Charges Indirect Expenses Current/Active Students: Check your actual charges in your Student Account Manager (SAM). See your estimated full COA in MAX → Financial Aid Overview → Offer Tab New/Prospective students: Visit the Office of Student Accounts site for published tuition and fees Use the College Financing Plan (CFP) on your financial aid offer -
If You Live Off Campus (IN AN apt/home) or Commute (from parent's home)
If you live off campus or are commuting from home where you live with your parents, you are billed tuition and fees.
Direct charges
Use the link below for estimated tuition and fee rates.
Charge Type Link Tuition & Fee Rates millersville.edu/osa Unlike a student who is living on campus:
- Housing will never be billed by MU however
- Food costs are billed only if you choose to have a university Meal Plan.
Estimated food costs are included in the COA:
possible indirect expenses
Even if you don’t live in the residence halls, you’ll still want to plan for everyday expenses like housing, food, transportation, personal costs, and books.
The ranges below are estimated and meant to cover a wide variety of situations (program, residency, modality, and enrollment). They will vary per student.
Indirect Expense Type Estimated Annual Range (academic year) Housing (rent/utilities) $2,400–$7,200 Food (groceries) $2,300–$4,960 Transportation $800–$1,600 Personal / misc. expenses $1,800–$2,200 Books & supplies $1,200
Where to find Your Personalized Cost Info
Depending on your admissions status, where you can your specific cost information may differ.
Admissions Status Direct Charges Indirect Expenses Current/Active Students: Check your actual charges in your Student Account Manager (SAM). See your estimated full COA in MAX → Financial Aid Overview → Offer Tab New/Prospective students: Visit the Office of Student Accounts site for published tuition and fees Use the College Financing Plan (CFP) on your financial aid offer -
4-Year Financial Planning Checklist
Stay organized with this step-by-step guide:
Year 1: Start Strong
- Complete the FAFSA early.
- Identify additional funding sources like scholarships.
- Understand your award package and make a 4-year plan.
Year 2-3: Stay Flexible
- Adjust your budget for changes in housing or expenses.
- Explore paid internships and work-study programs.
- Review aid eligibility annually and reapply for scholarships.
Year 4: Finish Smart
- Reduce unnecessary spending to prepare for graduation expenses.
- Complete loan exit counseling.
- Build a repayment or refinancing strategy for student loans.
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Make a Plan for College Costs
A little planning goes a long way! By considering potential cost increases now, you and your family can better prepare for the financial commitments of earning your degree.
Example: Projected Four-Year Budget for On-Campus Undergraduate Student
The chart below is an example of what the Cost of Attendance (COA) might look like over four years, using an estimated 3% annual increase based on the estimated 2026-27 COA for an undergraduate, Pennsylvania resident student living on campus in the residence halls. This example is designed to provide a general idea of college costs, but it’s important to keep in mind:
4-Year Planning Chart (Starting 2026–2027)
Disclaimer: These projections are estimates and actual costs may vary based on individual choices and changes in university pricing. It's advisable to consult with the Office of Student Accounts (OSA) for the most current cost information, as well as Housing and Dining Offices if you are living on campus in the residence halls. Expense Category Year 1 (2026–2027) Year 2 (2027–2028) Year 3 (2028–2029) Year 4 (2029–2030) 4-Year Total (Range) Tuition & Fees $11,688 $12,039 $12,400 $12,772 $48,899 Housing & Meals $4,700–$12,160 $4,841–$12,525 $4,986–$12,901 $5,136–$13,288 $19,663–$50,874 Books & Supplies $1,200 $1,236 $1,273 $1,311 $5,020 Personal Expenses $1,800–$2,200 $1,854–$2,266 $1,910–$2,334 $1,967–$2,404 $7,531–$9,204 Transportation $800–$1,600 $824–$1,648 $849–$1,697 $874–$1,748 $3,347–$6,693 Total Estimated Costs $20,188–$28,848 $20,794–$29,714 $21,418–$30,605 $22,060–$31,523 $84,460–$120,690 Explore detailed cost and COA information here. Click on your program and then refer to the cost information under your residency status. - Tuition & Fees: The tuition/fee line shown here is based on an undergraduate, PA in-state, in-person program. For your actual/estimated tuition and fees, refer to the Office of Student Accounts (OSA).
- All other categories: The remaining lines are estimated annual ranges and can vary based on program, student type, housing/meal choices, and personal spending.
- Costs vary for each student. Your direct and indirect costs will depend on your program of study, housing plans, and residency status (in-state or out-of-state).
- This is just an estimate. Actual costs may change based on the university's yearly adjustments to tuition, fees, and other expenses.
- The COA is not your bill. It’s an estimate of all potential costs of attending college, not the actual amount you’ll be charged.
Start planning today!
We encourage all students to create their own estimates based on their specific plans. Estimating your Cost of Attendance (COA) is easy with our step-by-step guide. Use our worksheet to calculate your costs for each academic year:
STEP 1: Find Your Starting Costs
- Go to millersville.edu/cost.
- Select the academic year you plan to begin at Millersville.
- Click on your program (Undergraduate, Graduate, Fully-Online, etc.) and then your residency (PA Resident or Out-of-State).
- Scroll to the Cost of Attendance Chart at the bottom and write down the costs that match your housing plans:
- On-campus (in the residence halls)
- Off-campus (in an apartment or house)
- Commuting (from home; living with parents)
STEP 2: Calculate Costs for Each Year
- For Year 1, use the current costs you found in Step 1.
- For Year 2, multiply your Year 1 total by 1.03 to add a 3% increase.
- For Year 3, multiply your Year 2 total by 1.03.
- For Year 4, multiply your Year 3 total by 1.03.
- Start with your total (e.g., 100).
- Add a 1 to the % increase you are trying to calculate
- 3% as a decimal is .03 + 1 = 1.03
- Multiply by 1.03: 100 × 1.03 = 103.
- Your new total is 103.
Blank COA Budget Worksheet
Expense Category Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Total Tuition & Fees . . . . . Housing & Meals . . . . . Books & Supplies . . . . . Personal Expenses . . . . . Transportation . . . . . Total Estimated Costs . . . . . Explore detailed cost and COA information here. Click on your program and then refer to the cost information under your residency status.
Need Assistance?
If you have questions or need help with calculations, contact our financial aid team for guidance.
Important Reminders About Costs as You Plan:
Annual Rates: Costs are listed per academic year and are subject to change
Program-Specific Details: Costs vary based on your program level, residency status, and housing plans.
Enrollment Status: The dollar amounts listed in the COA charts are based on full-time enrollment as defined by your program. Check the top of the chart for details.
University Rates for Direct Charges: These include tuition, fees, and, for on-campus students, housing and meal plans.
Actual housing and food costs depend on your room assignment and meal plan selection.
Check Housing Rates and Meal Plan Options for details.
Estimated Indirect Costs: Books, supplies, personal expenses, and transportation are estimates based on student surveys and are not billed directly by the university.
Commuter & Off-Campus Students: Commuters and off-campus students are not billed for housing, and meal plan charges only apply if they choose to purchase one.
Estimated Costs Do Not Factor in Any Financial Aid: If you receive financial aid or assistance, it’s not included in your calculated costs. Review your aid offer, terms, and renewal conditions. Subtract your total aid from direct charges to understand what you’ll pay for your 4-year education.
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Aid and Eligibility
Financial aid can significantly offset your educational expenses. Make sure to complete the FAFSA and apply early to be considered for the most types of financial aid resources.
Here’s an overview of available options and how they can support your journey:
Grants: Free funding typically based on financial need, sourced from federal, state, or institutional programs. No repayment required.
Scholarships: Merit-based or awarded for specific talents or qualifications. Like grants, they do not require repayment.
Loans: Funds to help finance your education, with options to fit your needs:
- Federal Loans: Low, fixed-interest rates, flexible repayment options, and guaranteed to eligible students within borrowing limits.
- Private Loans: Useful for filling gaps, but compare terms carefully. Options include fixed or variable rates, and approval often requires a credit check.
Work-Study: Part-time campus jobs that let you earn money throughout the semester. Funds are not applied directly to charges, but they can help with other expenses.
Payment Plans: Spread tuition and fees into manageable installments throughout the year.
Key Factors That Impact Eligibility
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): Maintain minimum GPA, credit completion rates, and adhere to the time frame for degree completion outlined in your aid package.
Course Program of Study: Financial aid applies only to courses that count toward your declared degree or certificate program. Courses outside your program may not be covered.
Enrollment Status: Aid amounts depend on the number of enrolled credits. Some aid requires full-time status, while others adjust based on credit load. Dropping or withdrawing from courses may reduce or cancel your financial aid—consult the financial aid office before making changes.
Terms and Conditions: Review the specific requirements for each type of aid to understand renewability, eligibility, and any necessary actions to maintain your awards.
How Financial Aid Applies to Your Costs
- Review your aid offer.
- Subtract total aid from direct charges like tuition, fees, and on-campus housing.
- Assess your remaining costs to plan effectively for each year.
Millersville’s financial aid offer gives you a clear breakdown of your estimated costs and your balance—both before and after loans. To make things even easier, we include calculated estimates for additional payment and financing options. No need to guess—we’re here to help you plan.
Have questions? Contact the financial aid office for personalized guidance.
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other payment options
To fill any gaps after financial aid, the Office of Student Accounts offers different payment methods such as:
- cash
- check
- credit card
- e-check
- installment plans
- employrt reimbusement deferment
- tap 529 or college savings plan
- external scholarships
- transfermate (international students only)
Click here for more detailed information on other payment options available.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the total cost of attendance (COA)?A: The COA includes all expenses related to your education: tuition, housing, meals, books, supplies, personal expenses, and transportation. Use our Budget Planner for detailed calculations, but remember you are only responsible to pay direct charges to Millersville.
Q: How often should I update my budget?
A: Review your budget at the start of each semester to account for any changes in your financial aid package, housing, or personal expenses.Q: What happens if my financial situation changes mid-year?
A: Contact our financial aid office immediately. We can see if there is a way to reassess your Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA or explore additional funding opportunities.Q: Are scholarships renewable each year?
A: Some scholarships are renewable if you meet specific academic or enrollment requirements. Be sure to check the terms of your award. For scholarships offered through Admissions, you can view the Terms & Conditions of your award here. For other scholarships such as endowment or external scholarships, check with the organization or issuer.Q: Can I get help creating my budget?
A: Absolutely! Our financial aid advisors are here to guide you step-by-step. Schedule an appointment.