Cost of Attendance

Understanding the Cost of Attendance (COA)

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is a critical component of the financial aid process. It represents the estimated total cost of attending our community college for one academic year, which includes both direct and indirect expenses. Understanding Cost of Attendance helps students and families plan their finances and make informed decisions about their education.

2024-2025 Cost of Attendance

Budget Components	Living with Parents	Living Away from Home	Non-Resident at Home	Non-Resident Away from Home	CA Resident <1/2 Time	Non-Resident <1/2 Time
Books	$1,062	$1,062	$1,062	$1,062	$1,062	$,1062
Room & Board	$12,230	$23,076	$12,230	$23,076	$0	$0
Transportation	$1,962	$1,962	$1,962	$1,962	$1,962	$1,962
Personal	$4,968	$4,968	$4,968	$4,968	$0	$0
Enrollment Fees	$1288*	$1288*	$1288*	$1288*	$1288*	$1288*
Student Fees	$46	$46	$46	$46	$46	$46
Non-resident fees	--	--	$10,080	$10,080	--	$10,080
Total	$24,368	$37,710	$34,448	$47,790	$4,358	$14,438

*(NOTE: Non-residents add an additional $10,080 (non-residency tuition) in tuition added to their budgets.)

Disclaimer: The estimated Cost of Attendance is based on enrollment equivalent to 14 units per semester for the academic year, which includes both the fall and spring semester.

What is included in the Cost of Attendance?

The Cost of Attendance at Chabot College encompasses several key components:

Books and Supplies: The cost of textbooks, course materials, and other supplies necessary for your classes.
Room and Board: This includes the estimated cost of housing and food. Whether you live on campus, off campus, or at home with your parents, this estimate helps you plan for your living expenses.
Transportation: An estimate of the costs associated with traveling to and from campus, whether you commute by car, public transportation, or other means.
Personal Expenses: Miscellaneous costs such as laundry, personal hygiene, and other day-to-day living expenses.
Enrollment Fees: The fees required to enroll in classes at the college.
Non-Resident Fees: Additional fees for students who are not residents of the state, applicable to out-of-state students.

Determining Your Cost of Attendance

A standard student budget is constructed for all financial aid recipients, which includes the average cost associated with attending Chabot College. Average students costs for various categories in budgets are developed by the Financial Aid Office using surveyed information provided by the California Student Aid Commission and the Chancellor's Office for California Community Colleges.

Standard student budgets are constructed recognizing different costs for three categories of students. Those living at home, those living away from home, and those attending less than half-time (less than half-time budgets are used to determine Federal Pell eligibility only). Non-resident students will have their actual cost of tuition added as a budget component to determine loan eligibility.

Why is the Cost of Attendance Important?

Financial Aid Eligibility: Your Cost of Attendance is used to determine the amount of financial aid you are eligible to receive. It helps ensure that you receive enough aid to cover your educational expenses.
Budget Planning: Understanding the Cost of Attendance can help you create a budget for the academic year, making it easier to manage your finances and avoid unnecessary debt.
Comparing Colleges: When comparing different colleges, the Cost of Attendance provides a basis for understanding the total cost of each option, beyond just tuition and fees.