Student Budget

How Financial Aid Works

What is a Student Budget (Cost of Attendance)?

At UNC, we want to help you plan for all the costs that come with attending college, not just tuition. That’s why we create a student budget, also known as the Cost of Attendance (COA). This budget is developed using guidelines from the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) and the federal government.

Why the Budget Matters

Your student budget does not reflect your actual bill, but it is an important tool we use to:

  • Help determine your financial aid package
  • Show the full cost of attending UNC, not just what’s billed directly.
  • Help you plan ahead for college expenses.

Estimate Your Costs at UNC

Planning ahead? We make it easy to explore what your college cost might look like.

Use the Net Price Calculator to get a personalized estimate of your total cost and potential financial aid based on your academic plans and household information.

Want to know the exact tuition and fee rates for your program? View the Tuition and Fees page for current per-credit-hour costs.

Use our Net Price Calculator View the Tuition and Fees

Let's Talk College Budget

Watch this video to learn more about how to budget your college expenses.

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What's Included in the Cost of Attendance?

Your budget includes more than just tuition. It reflects of the average costs of:

Tuition and Fees

The cost to take a class at UNC.

Housing and Food

Whether you live on campus, off campus, or at home, this includes rent and meals.

Books and Supplies

What you might spend on textbooks, course materials, and equipment.

Transportation

Travel to and from campus, including gas or public transportation.

Personal Expenses

Basic needs such as laundry, toiletries, medical costs, and cell phone bills.

These are estimated averages, not exact amounts

Your actual expenses may be higher or lower depending on your individual situation.

A note for Colorado Residents

If you’re a Colorado undergraduate student, your tuition budget includes only the student share of tuition. To avoid paying a higher amount, make sure you apply for the College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend.

Financial Aid Cost of Attendance

Showing costs for: Full Time Main Campus Resident Undergraduates

This table shows the 9 month Financial Aid costs of attendance. Use the form below to see averages for different types of students.
Select the values that most closely match how you will attend UNC.

Find out if you qualify for WUE | Find out if you qualify for WICHE

I Am A...

Full / Part Time
Student Type
Campus
Resident Status

Costs are split by housing status for students residing on campus, off campus (non-commuter) or off campus with parent or relative (commuter).

Currently displaying costs for: Full Time Main Campus Resident Undergraduates

Category On Campus Off Campus Off Campus with Parent or Relative
Tuition and Fees $12,882 $12,882 $12,882
Books and Supplies $1,200 $1,200 $1,200
Living Allowance $17,064 $16,874 $12,212
Personal Transportation and Medical $3,590 $3,778 $3,678
Loan Fees $66 $66 $66
Total Cost $34,802 $34,800 $30,038

These are Estimated figures based on 28 credits per year. They also include an estimated $472 for differential tuition and various course fees. As these are averages, your actual costs may vary.

**Colorado Residents, please note: The above estimated figures include only the student share of tuition. Be sure to apply for COF at https://www.unco.edu/bursar/college-opportunity-fund/ or you will pay more for tuition.