The cost of attendance is a critical piece of determining financial need as it sets a limit on total aid a student may receive for federal, state and most institutional aid. Your cost of attendance is an estimate of your educational expenses for the period of your enrollment.
Books, supplies, personal expenses and transportation costs are estimates of your actual expenses and included for the purpose of determining the full cost of attendance and eligibility for aid. They are not part of your university bill. The amounts are based on a survey of current students and adjusted for inflation. If your actual expenses are significantly higher than the allowances, you can submit documentation of your costs to the Financial Aid Office; we may be able to adjust your budget and increase your financial aid eligibility.
Tuition
This is the average amount of tuition based on a number of factors such as the campus you are attending, your grade level (undergraduate, graduate or professional), your residency status, the number of credits you are enrolled in and if you are in a state funded or fee based program.
Fees
Fees include both required and optional ones. Required fees are ones that all students at the University of Washington are charged based on the campus attending. Optional fees are ones that are students may select when registering for classes. In addition, specific courses or labs will charge a course fee for costs associated with the program.
Room and board
An allowance for room and board related expenses is included in your cost of attendance. For students without dependents who live at home with their parents or other relatives, the allowance is less than for students who live in campus housing, or off-campus. For students with dependents the allowance includes additional costs expected to be incurred for dependent care. For students living off-campus an allowance for utilities (power, water, internet & phone) is included in the estimate. Estimates are based on double occupancy.
Books & supplies
Books and supplies include required items needed for your classes.
Personal expenses
Personal expenses include items such as clothing, entertainment, recreation, and miscellaneous personal items.
Transportation
Transportation costs assume that students are primarily using their U-Pass to commute to campus. The allowance does include costs for infrequent parking on campus, ride shares, and shared fuel expenses.
Adjustments to cost of attendance
The Cost of Attendance is determined annually considering survey and consumer price data. These figures represent the typical expenses incurred by students; however, there may be special circumstances that warrant an evaluation of individual costs. For example, a professor may require the student to purchase special supplies or books for class that are more expensive than the standard budgeted amount. Students may request an evaluation of their specific cost of attendance by completing a Revision Request for Additional Expenses.