Cost of Attendance
Delaware State University’s Office of Financial Aid establishes a standard estimated Cost of Attendance. The Cost of Attendance (COA) is the cornerstone of establishing a student’s financial need, as it set limits on the total aid that a student may receive for purposes of the Campus-Based Programs, State, and Institutional aid and Stafford/PLUS loans, and is one of the main components of the Pell Grant calculation.
Understanding Your Cost of Attendance
Your estimated cost of attendance is what you can expect to spend to attend Delaware State University for one school year. The cost of attendance is broken down into charges to your student account and other estimated expenses you may have based on your spending habits. You can use your estimated cost of attendance to make a budget.
Definitions in relation to the Cost of Attendance
- Tuition and Fees: These figures reflect the cost of tuition and fees for a student taking 12-18 credits during fall and spring semesters (which is considered full time).
- Housing and Food: The Office of Financial Aid calculates this figure by using the average of the on-campus dorms and the 19 meals per week meal plan for on-campus students. For off-campus, we use the average of market research in Dover, Delaware. If you would like to know specific, on-campus housing rates, visit the Housing website.
- Books: This is an estimate of the cost of books and supplies for a typical student for the entire academic year. You will not be billed directly by Delaware State University for books or supplies.
- Transportation: This is an estimate of the cost of traveling to and from campus or the cost of operating and maintaining a vehicle. Unless you buy a Delaware State University parking permit, you will not be billed directly for transportation costs.
- Personal Expenses: This is an estimate of costs for clothing, haircuts, entertainment, etc. for the year. Money spent on these types of items will vary from student to student. These items will not appear on your Delaware State University bill.
- Average Loan Fees: There is an origination fee of 1.057% for Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized student loans and an origination fee of 4.228% for Direct PLUS loans. These fees are taken out of the loan before funds are sent to Delaware State University. The $856 listed below is the average fee for students who borrow these loans. Actual fees will depend on the amount you borrow, if any.
The COAs listed below are for the purpose of awarding financial aid and may not represent the actual cost for each individual student, as enrollment and lifestyle choices vary. The estimated COA figures reflected below are based on research conducted by the Office of Financial Aid.
The COAs below represent rates for the fall and spring term. Ordinarily, the cost of attendance budget is for the fall and spring terms; however, when a student enrolls in a summer session, the cost of attendance budget will reflect one’s additional term(s).
Understanding your cost of attendance
Your estimated cost of attendance is what you can expect to spend to attend the Delaware State University for one school year. The cost of attendance is broken down into charges to your University Bill and other estimated expenses you may have based on your spending habits. You can use your estimated cost of attendance to make a budget.
Estimated charges to your University Bill include:
- Tuition and Fees - amount charged by Delaware State University for classes and other campus facilities and services. On-campus amount charged by the Delaware State University for living in a residence hall and buying a meal plan.
Other estimated expenses you may have that are not charged to your University Bill can include:
- Off-campus housing and meals - average cost of rent, utilities, and food for the Dover area.
- Books and Supplies - average cost based on enrollment hours.
- Personal Expenses - includes, but is not limited to, clothing, personal items, entertainment, etc.
- Transportation - travel to and from classes and trips home during breaks.
Undergraduate Cost for 2022-23
For an explanation on the components used to determine the estimated cost of attendance and what costs will and will not be billed to the student.
The following estimated costs are for the 2022-2023 academic year and are based on the undergraduate in-state and out-of-state rates. The Tuition & Fees and Books & Supplies amounts provided represent costs for undergraduate students enrolled full-time (twelve or more hours each semester).
Graduate Cost for 2022-2023
View our web page for an explanation on the components used to determine the estimated cost of attendance and what costs will and will not be billed to the student.
The following estimated costs are for the 2022-2023 academic year and are based on the graduate in-state and out-of-state rates. The Tuition & Fees and Books & Supplies amounts provided represent costs for graduate students enrolled full-time (six or more hours each semester).
Summer Cost
The summer cost of attendance and expected family contribution are calculated based on the information supplied on the summer application.
Cost of attendance for summer includes:
- actual Summer Academy tuition and fees ( based on the registered hours of enrollment
- estimated book costs
- estimated living expenses (housing and meals, personal, and transportation expenses) provided below (these figures are associated with the number of weeks of actual enrollment)
Increase Due to Computer Purchase
Computer Purchase Information
The Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act that was signed into law on October 7, 1998 allows for the inclusion of documented computer costs in the personal allowance for a student’s cost of attendance.
The following are examples of items that can be included in the cost of attendance increase:
- ·computer and monitor, laptop, or tablet/netbook (cannot be a combination of these) printer
- surge protector
- connecting cables
- word processing software (available through DSU bookstore)
- antivirus software
- standard three to five year warranty
The following are examples of items that cannot be included in the cost of attendance increase:
- iPods
- digital cameras
- book bags, computer case, and/or briefcases
- connecting cables for non-covered hardware
- spare batteries
- fax machines
- ink cartridges
- camcorders
- reams of paper
The student must initiate the process to include computer costs in the cost of attendance by inquiring with the Office of Financial Aid. Costs will only be allowed if they are supported by a purchase receipt (no estimates). The computer must have been already purchased and paid for. The maximum amount to be added to the cost of attendance is $1,500.
The Office of Financial Aid allows a cost of attendance increase for one computer purchase as an undergraduate and/or one computer purchase as a graduate or professional student. The computer must be purchased on or after June 1 for the fall semester or on or after January 1 for the spring semester. This completed form must be submitted during the academic year in which the computer was purchased and by the final day of the semester which it was purchased.
If the computer is purchased in your final semester at Delaware State University, this completed form must be submitted before the Registrar’s official last day to drop individual semester-length courses for that final semester.