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