The cost of attendance (COA) represents direct expenses for which you are billed, such as tuition and fees, as well as estimated allowances for unbilled expenses, such as housing, food, books and supplies, transportation, and incidental (personal) expenses. The estimated allowances are based on the length of the period of enrollment (usually a two-semester academic year). During this period, your total financial aid (including scholarships, grants, federal student loans, outside awards, and private student loans) cannot exceed your COA.
If you are attending attending less than half-time, the COA is limited to tuition, fees, and an allowance for books.
While you may be able to borrow loans up-to your COA, we recommend that you only borrow what you need.
Note: summer financial aid COA allowances vary. For more information on summer maximum borrowing limits, contact our office.
Part-Time Students
(up to 11.5 units)
2025–26 Cost of Attendance
| Billed Expenses | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Varies by enrollment See Part-Time Status Tuition Rates |
| Fees | $75 per semester |
| Unbilled Expenses | Amount |
| Books & Supplies | $33 per unit |
| Housing & Food* | $6,864 per semester (online)** $7,725 per semester (on campus) |
| Personal Expenses* | $1,472 per semester (online)** $1,646 per semester (on campus) |
| Transportation* | $496 per semester (online)** $560 per semester (on campus) |
*Only available for students enrolled in 6 units or more.
**The online COA estimates assume an enrollment period of 16 weeks per semester (Fall 1 and Fall 2 or Spring 1 and Spring 2). The COA will be reduced if the enrollment period is less than 16 weeks per semester.
Full-Time On-Campus Students
(12 units or more)
2025–26 Cost of Attendance
| Billed Expenses | Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | 2025–2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $34,935 | $34,935 | $69,870 |
| Health & Wellness Fee | $282 | $282 | $564 |
| Student Services Fee | $219 | $219 | $438 |
| Health Insurance*** | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Unbilled Expenses | Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | 2025–2026 |
| Housing & Food | $7,725 | $7,725 | $15,450 |
| Books & Supplies | $529 | $529 | $1,058 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,646 | $1,646 | $3,292 |
| Transportation | $560 | $560 | $1,120 |
| Total Expenses | $45,896 | $45,896 | $91,792 |
***Massachusetts law requires all students carrying at least 75 percent of the full-time curriculum to be covered under a qualifying medical insurance plan. Financial aid can be used to cover this expense. If you do not wish to participate in the Boston University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), you may waive SHIP coverage—provided you have other coverage that meets the comparable coverage requirements. For more information, see the Student Accounting Services Student Health Insurance page.