Cost of Attendance

The Cost of attendance (COA) is a budget for estimated billable and non-billable expenses to attend Penn State for one academic year and will vary based on the number of credits you take, the courses you choose, and your living arrangements. Your COA is one determining factor of your financial aid eligibility. Financial aid, including loans, may never exceed a student's COA.

  • Billable Expenses (appear on account statement)
    • Tuition and fees
    • Food and Housing (on-campus)
  • Non-Billable Expenses (flexible expenses based on your circumstances)
    • Food and Housing (off-campus)
    • Books, course materials, books, and supplies
    • Transportation
    • Miscellaneous

For a full list of cost of attendance items and the most up-to date tuition and fees visit Tuition and Fees Schedules.

View your Estimated Costs and 'Net Price' in LionPATH

Your 'Financial Aid Offer' provides a breakdown of your billable and non-billable estimated expenses and your financial aid per academic year. 

To access your estimated financial aid, costs, and net price information:

  1. Log into LionPATH
  2. Click on 'My Finances' and 'Financial Aid'
  3. Select the appropriate Aid Year
Financial Aid section in LionPATH.
  1. View your 'Estimated Billable Expenses and Aid'
Estimated Billable Expenses and Aid from LionPATH.
  1. View your 'Estimated Non-Billable Expenses'
Estimated Non-Billable Expenses in LionPATH.
  1. View your 'Net Price' which shows your expenses minus your estimated financial aid
Net Price from LionPATH.

Financial Planning

When making the decision of whether or not you will attend Penn State, it is important to determine how you will pay for your education costs not only for the first year, but for all four years, by looking at both the billable and non-billable educational expenses you will incur. You can control the non-billable expenses to some degree by making smart spending choices.

The College Financing Plan, a standardized financial aid notification designed by the federal government, is also available for your use when comparing financial aid packages and costs between universities. If you are admitted for summer, you should note that your summer costs and aid are included on your Financial Aid Offer, but they are not included on your financing plan.

Access your Financing Plan within your initial 'Financial Aid Offer'.

College Financing Plan from LionPATH.

Next Steps

After you have accepted your offer to Penn State, review:

Next Steps for Students

Next Steps for Parents