Cost of Attendance and Financial Need
The cost of attendance is the estimated total amount it may cost to attend college. It will vary depending on your living situation (whether you live with your parents or off campus) and residency status (California resident or non-resident). Residency status is determined by Admissions and Records. College of the Desert does not have on-campus housing; therefore, students that select On-Campus on their FAFSA/CADA will receive the Away from Home budget.
At College of the Desert, the Cost of Attendance (COA) is used to calculate eligibility for federal and state aid programs. The information reported on your FAFSA/CADA is used to determine your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC), using the standard “federal needs analysis” formula. Your EFC is deducted from the COA, resulting in your calculated total remaining need. Cost of Attendance for students enrolled in less than half-time will only include tuition and fees, books and supplies and educational transportation costs.
