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

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EXAMPLES of 2026-2027 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 and/or less than an Academic Year. Part-time financial aid cost of attendance figures are available on the downloadable PDF version below.

  • School of Business, Technology, Design, Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s, Human Services, Justice Studies (except Law Enforcement) & Health Sciences (except residential programs)

    School of Business, Technology, Design, Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s, Human Services, Justice Studies (except Law Enforcement) & Health Sciences (except residential programs)
    Average Direct Costs Living With Parent Not Living With Parent
    Average Direct Costs: Tuition Living With Parent: $11,628 Not Living With Parent: $11,628
    Average Direct Costs: Fees Living With Parent: $2,400 Not Living With Parent: $2,400
    Average Direct Costs: Books, course materials, supplies and equipment Living With Parent: $675 Not Living With Parent: $675
    Average Direct Costs: Administrative Fee1a Living With Parent: $125 Not Living With Parent: $125
    Average Direct Costs: TOTAL Average Direct Costs2a Living With Parent: $14,828 Not Living With Parent: $14,828
    Estimated Indirect Costs Living With Parent Not Living With Parent
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Living Expenses3a Living With Parent: $5,454 Not Living With Parent: $10,863
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Personal Costs Living With Parent: $3,411 Not Living With Parent: $3,411
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Transportation Living With Parent: $4,995 Not Living With Parent: $4,995
    Estimated Indirect Costs: TOTAL Estimated Indirect Costs4a Living With Parent: $13,860 Not Living With Parent: $19,269
    Total Estimated Costs: TOTAL Estimated Cost of Attendance Living With Parent: $28,688 Not Living With Parent: $34,097
    • 1a 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 (residential programs only) and School of Justice Studies (Law Enforcement residential programs)

    School of Health Sciences (residential programs only) and School of Justice Studies (Law Enforcement residential programs)
    Average Direct CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Average Direct Costs: Tuition Living With Parent: $11,628 Not Living With Parent: $11,628
    Average Direct Costs: Fees Living With Parent: $2,400 Not Living With Parent: $2,400
    Average Direct Costs: Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment Living With Parent: $675 Not Living With Parent: $675
    Average Direct Costs: Administrative Fee1a Living With Parent: $350 Not Living With Parent: $350
    Average Direct Costs: TOTAL Average Direct Costs2a Living With Parent: $15,053 Not Living With Parent: $15,053
    Estimated Indirect CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Living Expenses3a Living With Parent: $5,454 Not Living With Parent: $10,863
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Personal Costs Living With Parent: $3,411 Not Living With Parent: $3,411
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Transportation Living With Parent: $4,995 Not Living With Parent: $4,995
    Estimated Indirect Costs: TOTAL Estimated Indirect Costs4a Living With Parent: $13,860 Not Living With Parent: $19,269
    Total Estimated Costs: TOTAL Estimated Cost of Attendance Living With Parent: $28,913 Not Living With Parent: $34,322
    • 1a 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 Education (Certificate, Diploma, & Associate programs)

    School of Education (Certificate, Diploma, & Associate programs)
    Average Direct CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Average Direct Costs: Tuition Living With Parent: $8,172 Not Living With Parent: $8,172
    Average Direct Costs: Fees Living With Parent: $0 Not Living With Parent: $0
    Average Direct Costs: Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment Living With Parent: $675 Not Living With Parent: $675
    Average Direct Costs: Administrative Fee1a Living With Parent: $125 Not Living With Parent: $125
    Average Direct Costs: TOTAL Average Direct Costs2a Living With Parent: $8,972 Not Living With Parent: $8,972
    Estimated Indirect CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Living Expenses3a Living With Parent: $5,454 Not Living With Parent: $10,863
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Personal Costs Living With Parent: $3,411 Not Living With Parent: $3,411
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Transportation Living With Parent: $4,995 Not Living With Parent: $4,995
    Estimated Indirect Costs: TOTAL Estimated Indirect Costs4a Living With Parent: $13,860 Not Living With Parent: $19,269
    Total Estimated Costs: TOTAL Estimated Cost of Attendance Living With Parent: $22,832 Not Living With Parent: $28,241
    • 1a 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 (Diploma and Associate programs)

    School of Nursing (Diploma and Associate programs)
    Average Direct CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Average Direct Costs: Tuition Living With Parent: $18,180 Not Living With Parent: $18,180
    Average Direct Costs: Fees Living With Parent: $2,400 Not Living With Parent: $2,400
    Average Direct Costs: Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment Living With Parent: $675 Not Living With Parent: $675
    Average Direct Costs: Administrative Fee1a Living With Parent: $495 Not Living With Parent: $495
    Average Direct Costs: TOTAL Average Direct Costs2a Living With Parent: $21,750 Not Living With Parent: $21,750
    Estimated Indirect CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Living Expenses3a Living With Parent: $5,454 Not Living With Parent: $10,863
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Personal Costs Living With Parent: $3,411 Not Living With Parent: $3,411
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Transportation Living With Parent: $4,995 Not Living With Parent: $4,995
    Estimated Indirect Costs: TOTAL Estimated Indirect Costs4a Living With Parent: $13,860 Not Living With Parent: $19,269
    Total Estimated Costs: TOTAL Estimated Cost of Attendance Living With Parent: $35,610 Not Living With Parent: $41,019
    • 1a 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 (Bachelor's program)

    School of Nursing (Bachelor's program)
    Average Direct CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Average Direct Costs: Tuition Living With Parent: $17,118 Not Living With Parent: $17,118
    Average Direct Costs: Fees Living With Parent: $2,400 Not Living With Parent: $2,400
    Average Direct Costs: Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment Living With Parent: $675 Not Living With Parent: $675
    Average Direct Costs: Administrative Fee1a Living With Parent: $495 Not Living With Parent: $495
    Average Direct Costs: TOTAL Average Direct Costs2a Living With Parent: $20,688 Not Living With Parent: $20,688
    Estimated Indirect CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Living Expenses3a Living With Parent: $5,454 Not Living With Parent: $10,863
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Personal Costs Living With Parent: $3,411 Not Living With Parent: $3,411
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Transportation Living With Parent: $4,995 Not Living With Parent: $4,995
    Estimated Indirect Costs: TOTAL Estimated Indirect Costs4a Living With Parent: $13,860 Not Living With Parent: $19,269
    Total Estimated Costs: TOTAL Estimated Cost of Attendance Living With Parent: $34,548 Not Living With Parent: $39,957
    • 1a 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 2026-27 Graduate Financial Aid Cost of Attendance (COA)

All COA components shown below are for nine months and full-time (8+ 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. Part-time financial aid cost of attendance figures are available on the downloadable PDF version below.

  • All Schools (except Nursing)
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    All Schools (except Nursing)
    Average Direct CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Average Direct Costs: Tuition Living With Parent: $6,183 Not Living With Parent: $6,183
    Average Direct Costs: Fees Living With Parent: $1,200 Not Living With Parent: $1,200
    Average Direct Costs: Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment Living With Parent: $450 Not Living With Parent: $450
    Average Direct Costs: Administrative Fee1a Living With Parent: $125 Not Living With Parent: $125
    Average Direct Costs: TOTAL Average Direct Costs2a Living With Parent: $7,958 Not Living With Parent: $7,958
    Estimated Indirect CostsLiving With ParentNot Living With Parent
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Living Expenses3a Living With Parent: $5,454 Not Living With Parent: $10,863
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Personal Costs Living With Parent: $3,411 Not Living With Parent: $3,411
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Transportation Living With Parent: $4,995 Not Living With Parent: $4,995
    Estimated Indirect Costs: TOTAL Estimated Indirect Costs4a Living With Parent: $13,860 Not Living With Parent: $19,269
    Total Estimated Costs: TOTAL Estimated Cost of Attendance Living With Parent: $21,818 Not Living With Parent: $27,227
    • 1a 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 & Nursing Postgraduate Certificate

    School of Nursing – MSN & Nursing Postgraduate Certificate
    Average Direct CostsLiving With Parent(s)Not Living With Parent(s)
    Average Direct Costs: Tuition Living With Parent(s): $7,830 Not Living With Parent(s): $7,830
    Average Direct Costs: Fees Living With Parent(s): $1,200 Not Living With Parent(s): $1,200
    Average Direct Costs: Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment Living With Parent(s): $450 Not Living With Parent(s): $450
    Average Direct Costs: Administrative Fee1a Living With Parent(s): $125 Not Living With Parent(s): $125
    Average Direct Costs: TOTAL Average Direct Costs2a Living With Parent(s): $9,605 Not Living With Parent(s): $9,605
    Estimated Indirect CostsLiving With Parent(s)Not Living With Parent
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Living Expenses3a Living With Parent(s): $5,454 Not Living With Parent(s): $10,863
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Personal Costs Living With Parent(s): $3,411 Not Living With Parent(s): $3,411
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Transportation Living With Parent(s): $4,995 Not Living With Parent(s): $4,995
    Estimated Indirect Costs: TOTAL Estimated Indirect Costs4a Living With Parent(s): $13,860 Not Living With Parent(s): $19,269
    Total Estimated Costs: TOTAL Estimated Cost of Attendance Living With Parent(s): $23,465 Not Living With Parent(s): $28,874
    • 1a 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 – DNP/MSN-NP/NP-Postgraduate Certificate

    School of Nursing – DNP/MSN-NP/NP-Postgraduate Certificate
    Average Direct CostsLiving With Parent(s)Not Living With Parent(s)
    Average Direct Costs: Tuition Living With Parent(s): $15,930 Not Living With Parent(s): $15,930
    Average Direct Costs: Fees Living With Parent(s): $1,200 Not Living With Parent(s): $1,200
    Average Direct Costs: Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment Living With Parent(s): $450 Not Living With Parent(s): $450
    Average Direct Costs: Administrative Fee1a Living With Parent(s): $495 Not Living With Parent(s): $495
    Average Direct Costs: TOTAL Average Direct Costs2a Living With Parent(s): $18,075 Not Living With Parent(s): $18,075
    Estimated Indirect CostsLiving With Parent(s)Not Living With Parent
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Living Expenses3a Living With Parent(s): $5,454 Not Living With Parent(s): $10,863
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Personal Costs Living With Parent(s): $3,411 Not Living With Parent(s): $3,411
    Estimated Indirect Costs: Transportation Living With Parent(s): $4,995 Not Living With Parent(s): $4,995
    Estimated Indirect Costs: TOTAL Estimated Indirect Costs4a Living With Parent(s): $13,860 Not Living With Parent(s): $19,269
    Total Estimated Costs: TOTAL Estimated Cost of Attendance Living With Parent(s): $31,935 Not Living With Parent(s): $37,344
    • 1a 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

Archived Financial Aid Cost of Attendance