Tuition, Fees and Cost of Attendance
Making Sense of Your Cost of Attendance
If you’ve looked at your financial aid offer and felt confused by the numbers, you’re not alone. Cost of Attendance is one of those terms that sounds straightforward but means something more specific and more useful than how it might first appear. Breaking it down can help you see exactly what you’re looking at and what it means for your finances at Regis.
What is Cost of Attendance?
Cost of Attendance is the total estimated cost of going to college for one academic year, including tuition and fees as well as the everyday costs of living as a student: housing, meals, books and personal expenses.
It’s an estimate, not a bill. Your actual cost may be lower depending on your financial aid, scholarships and personal circumstances.
Cost of Attendance Breakdown
Direct Costs
Direct costs are charges that appear on your university bill, including tuition, fees and, if applicable, on-campus housing and meals.
- Tuition
- Required fees
- Housing (if living on campus)
- Meal plan (if enrolled)
Financial aid is applied to these costs first. Once your aid is applied, the amount you pay out of pocket may be less than the total listed for your program.
Indirect Costs
Indirect costs don’t appear on your bill, but they’re still part of what it takes to attend college. These include everyday expenses such as books, supplies, housing, food and transportation.
- Housing (if living off campus)
- Food and groceries
- Books and supplies
- Transportation
- Personal expenses
Many students use financial aid to help cover these costs. Keep in mind that your total financial aid cannot exceed your Cost of Attendance.
Why Are Indirect Costs Included?
Being a college student involves more than attending classes. You need a place to live, food on the table, transportation, books and the basic necessities of daily life. Indirect costs are included in your Cost of Attendance because financial aid is designed to support all of that, not just what appears on your university bill. At Regis, this reflects something deeper than financial policy. It's rooted in the same Jesuit value of cura personalis, care for the whole person, that shapes everything here. Your well-being as a student matters, and the support available to you is meant to reflect that.
Find Your Tuition, Fees and Cost of Attendance
How Financial Aid Ties Into Cost of Attendance
Your Cost of Attendance sets the ceiling for how much financial aid you can receive in a given year. Grants, scholarships, loans and work-study all count toward that total, so even if your actual expenses end up higher than the estimate, your total aid can't exceed that number.
It's also helpful to know that different types of aid work differently. Some aid applies directly to your university bill, reducing what you owe up front. Other aid may be disbursed to you directly to cover indirect costs such as housing, food and transportation. Understanding which is which can help you plan more effectively for the full cost of your year at Regis.
FAQs: Financial Aid and Cost of Attendance
What can financial aid be used for?
Financial aid is first applied to charges on your student bill, including tuition, fees, housing and meal plans. If your aid exceeds those direct costs, the remaining amount can be used for other expenses such as books, transportation and everyday living costs.
What will financial aid not fully cover?
Financial aid may not cover all of your expenses, especially indirect costs such as off-campus housing, food, transportation and personal needs. Some types of aid are also limited in how they can be used. Knowing where those gaps might be ahead of time can help you plan and explore additional options such as payment plans or outside scholarships.
How much does Regis cost?
The cost of attending Regis depends on your program, enrollment status and whether you live on or off campus. For a detailed breakdown of tuition, fees and estimated expenses by student type, visit our Tuition and Fees pages for your student type:
Traditional Undergraduate Students ›
Why is my bill different from the Cost of Attendance?
Cost of Attendance is a broader estimate that includes expenses that won't appear on your bill, such as books, transportation and everyday living costs. Your bill reflects what you owe the university directly, while Cost of Attendance reflects the total estimated cost of being a student. That's why the two numbers look different.
Can my Cost of Attendance be adjusted?
In some cases, yes. If you have special circumstances such as required program expenses, a change in living situation or other unique costs, you may be able to request a review. These adjustments are not automatic and typically require documentation. The financial aid office evaluates each request individually to determine whether an adjustment is appropriate.
If you think your situation may qualify, contact the financial aid office to discuss your options.
What Your Undergraduate Costs May Look Like
The Net Price Calculator gives traditional undergraduate students a personalized estimate of what attending Regis might actually cost after financial aid. Answer a few questions about your finances and academic plans to get a clearer picture of your potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Tips for Planning and Budgeting
Understanding your expenses before the year starts puts you in a stronger position to manage them. Taking time to review your costs, build simple habits and ask questions along the way can help you stay on track all year.
Practice Financial Wellness
Review the Full Picture
Your total cost includes more than tuition. Knowing everything that's included in your Cost of Attendance helps you plan realistically and make the most of your financial aid.
Budget for One-Time and Seasonal Costs
Some expenses don't show up every month. Textbooks, travel, winter clothing and move-in costs can add up quickly, so it helps to anticipate them early.
Create a Simple Monthly Budget
Even a basic budget helps you stay aware of your spending. Tracking a few key categories such as housing, food and personal expenses makes it easier to adjust when you need to.
Ask Questions Early
If something doesn't make sense, ask. Getting clarity on financial aid, billing or budgeting early leads to better decisions and less stress down the road.
Next Steps
Contact Us For More Information
Two offices are here to help you navigate the financial side of college. Financial Aid handles your FAFSA, Cost of Attendance and aid offer, while Student Accounts manages billing, disbursements and payments. Together, they can walk you through your specific situation, answer your questions and help you feel confident about what you owe and what to expect.