Cost of Attendance
Each year the Maricopa Community College District establishes a standard student cost of attendance budget based on institutional costs and estimated costs of living. These budgets represent an estimate of the cost of attendance for fall and spring.
The Cost of Attendance (COA) to attend Rio Salado is calculated for every student who applies for federal student aid. It is determined by factors that include institutional costs and estimated costs of living. These budgets reflect typical expense patterns for Rio Salado students in Distance Learning Programs.
Some students spend more than the standard amounts while others spend less, depending on individual lifestyles and circumstances. Remember, to receive financial aid, students must be eligible to qualify for financial aid and be enrolled in and participating in an eligible degree or certificate program.
- The amount of financial aid that you receive as a student cannot exceed Rio Salado College's Cost of Attendance.
- Financial Need is determined by your Cost of Attendance (COA) minus your Student Aid Index (SAI).
- COA - SAI = Financial Need
Cost of Attendance Table
These figures represent Fall and Spring semester blocks with an enrollment of six credit hours or more.
Group 1 (Tuition < $200)
| Fall and Spring | Living with Parent(s) | Living on Own |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $1,900 | $1,900 |
| Loan Fees | $80 | $80 |
| Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment |
$896 | $896 |
| Food and Housing | $5,248 | $9,664 |
| Transportation | $6,528 | $6,528 |
| Personal | $3,520 | $3,520 |
| Total | $18,172 | $22,588 |
Group 2 (Tuition > $200)
| Fall and Spring | Living with Parent(s) | Living on Own |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $3,452 | $3,452 |
| Loan Fees | $80 | $80 |
| Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment |
$896 | $896 |
| Food and Housing | $5,248 | $9,664 |
| Transportation | $6,528 | $6,528 |
| Personal | $3,520 | $3,520 |
| Total | $19,724 | $24,140 |
These figures represent the costs for the Fall and Spring semesters for students registered in half-time to full time enrollment. Budgets costs are for a 8-month academic year, which includes a 16-week Fall Semester and a 16-Week Spring Semester. Single semester budgets are based on 4 months, which includes either a 16-week Fall, 16-week Spring Semester, or 16-week Summer Semester. Students who are enrolled in modular courses in the Fall and/or Spring semester will receive a prorated budget (modular courses are courses in which the beginning and end dates do not span the entire 16-week semester).
For questions on one semester, summer or modular budgets please contact the Financial Aid Office. If you have expenses beyond those incorporated into the cost of attendance (COA), we may be able to increase your COA and award additional aid (usually additional student loans if you have not met the yearly limit). For questions, please contact our office @ 480-731-8900.