The cost of attendance (COA) is the estimated total amount it will cost you to go to college for that year. The COA includes tuition and fees; on-campus room and board (or a housing and food allowance for off-campus students); and allowances for books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and, if applicable, dependent care. It can also include other expenses like an allowance for the rental or purchase of a personal computer, or costs related to a disability.
- At Home Budget is for those students living with parents, Away Home budget is for those students not living with parents.
- Tuition and fees include all mandatory fees.
- Books & supplies include books, educational supplies, course material fees, and computer-related expenses, excluding those costs associated with the purchase of a personal computer.
- Housing and food includes food, snacks and meals on campus, household supplies, rent, and utilities.
- Transportation includes travel to and from parent’s residence and transportation costs to and from classes and work. (e.g., bus fare, gasoline, tolls, and parking.)
- Miscellaneous/personal items include clothing, laundry, and dry-cleaning, personal care, gifts, recreation, medical, etc.
- Child/dependent care may be added with adequate documentation provided by the student, depending upon age and number of children.
Not included in COA - Currently, BCC does not vary cost of attendance for particular programs including study abroad or online coursework.
Determination of Cost of Attendance – Every year, BCC’s Financial Aid Office reviews the California Student Aid Commission’s most current Student Expenses and Resources Survey (SEARS). It is a broad survey of students’ budgets and expenses from UCs, CSUs, community colleges, and independent and private career institutions.
Each year California legislators establish the cost per unit for California Residents. Current fees can be found online at http://www.barstow.edu/Fees-Refunds.html.
The BCC Board of Trustees establishes the out of state tuition amount each year and it is published in the Schedule of Classes.
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is subject to change depending on legislative activity. It sets the maximum amount of financial aid a student can receive for the year and represents a modest budget by which a student can live adequately while attending BCC.
If your actual education-related expenses—like childcare, food, housing, or transportation—are higher than those currently in your financial aid budget, you can request an adjustment. This simple form helps better align your aid with your true costs. Adjustments can be considered at any time, including in an emergency, but you are encouraged to request them at the start of the academic year and when you enroll in summer courses.
If you have experienced a change in your financial situation or have expenses that your current Cost of Attendance (COA) does not reflect, you may request an adjustment by contacting the Financial Aid Office. Please complete the COA appeal form and provide documentation where possible. Submission of the COA appeal form does not guarantee approval, and staff may reach out with questions or to ask for additional information. Please expect to hear from us within 30 days of your submission. For questions, please call or email us at finaid@barstow.edu.
