Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of a student’s educational expenses for a period of enrollment. Elmhurst University calculates the COA to show the estimated total cost for the school year (typically the fall semester plus the spring semester).
The COA is the cornerstone of establishing a student’s financial need, as it sets a limit on the total aid that a student may receive for purposes of federal grants such as Pell and FSEOG, Federal Work Study, and the Direct Loan programs.
If you’re attending Elmhurst University at least half-time, the COA includes the following types of estimated costs:
- Direct Costs (items charged by Elmhurst University)
- Tuition
- Fees
- On-campus housing and food
- Indirect Costs (items not charged by Elmhurst University)*
- Off-campus housing
- Books and supplies
- Transportation expenses
- Personal expenses
- Estimate of other potential fees (ex. loan fees)
*Indirect costs are estimated based on the average expenses incurred by a student each year.
2025-2026
Estimated COA for Undergraduate Students
These budgets represent estimated average costs for undergraduate students attending Elmhurst University full-time during the academic year based on living arrangements indicated on the FAFSA.
Actual costs may vary depending on academic program, enrollment, housing arrangements, and individual circumstances.
| Housing Arrangement | On-Campus | Off-Campus | Off-Campus with Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | |||
| Estimated fees | $900 | $900 | $900 |
| Housing (Room) | $7,950 | $8,670 | 0 |
| Food (Board) | $7,312 | $4,464 | $4,464 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,290 | $1,290 | $1,290 |
| Transportation | $1,644 | $3,288 | $3,288 |
| Personal expenses | $3,590 | $3,590 | $3,590 |
Estimated COA for Graduate and Professional Students
These budgets represent estimated average costs for graduate/professional students attending Elmhurst University during the academic year based on dependency living arrangements indicated on the FAFSA.
Actual costs may vary depending on academic program, enrollment, housing arrangements, and individual circumstances.
| Housing Arrangement | On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | |||
| Estimated fees | $900 | $900 | |
| Housing (Room) | $7,950 | $8,670 | |
| Food (Board) | $7,312 | $4,464 | |
| Books and Supplies | $1,290 | $1,290 | |
| Transportation | $1,644 | $3,288 | |
| Personal expenses | $3,590 | $3,590 | |
2024-2025 (Historical)
| Housing Arrangement | On-Campus | Off-Campus | Off-Campus with Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | |||
| Estimated fees | $760 | $760 | $760 |
| Housing (Room) | $7,564 | $7,614 | 0 |
| Food (Board) | $6,964 | $4,424 | $4,424 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 | $1,250 | $1,250 |
| Transportation | $1,634 | $3,268 | $3,268 |
| Personal expenses | $2,842 | $2,842 | $2,842 |
| Housing Arrangement | On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | |||
| Estimated fees | $760 | $760 | |
| Housing (Room) | $7,564 | $7,614 | |
| Food (Board) | $6,964 | $4,424 | |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 | $1,250 | |
| Transportation | $1,634 | $3,268 | |
| Personal expenses | $2,842 | $2,842 | |