Costs of Attendance
The Office of Financial Aid establishes standard student budgets each year as a basis for awarding financial aid funds. The cost of attendance for a student is an estimate of that student’s educational expenses for the period of enrollment. SUNY Downstate uses an average, rather than actual expenses. The cost of attendance for the financial aid programs is a student’s cost for the period in which the aid is intended.
The cost of attendance is determined by law (Higher Education Act, Sec. 472) and is not subject to regulation by the Department of Education. The law specifies the types of costs that are included in the cost of attendance, but SUNY Downstate determines the appropriate amount to include.
Cost of Attendance and Your Aid Eligibility
The cost of attendance (also known as "COA" or "budget") represents a student's maximum financial aid eligibility.
Cost of Attendance = Tuition + Fees + Living Expenses
Below are more specifics and links to information for identifying your cost of attendance.
Net Price Calculator (NPC)
The NPC provides undergraduate students and parents an estimate of the total annual cost of attending SUNY Downstate. Please note that the provided quote is a broad estimate and includes both direct and indirect costs. You must file a FAFSA and the TAP application (New York residents only) to receive a full analysis. Actual out-of-pocket cost may be significantly less than the estimate. This tool does not calculate scholarships, TAP, and other awards. Contact our Financial Aid team while applying for aid.
Tuition Rates and Fees
The Tuition Rates and Fees via the Bursar lay out the tuition, fees, and other charges. Nearly all students will also need to pay other charges associated with their coursework and life at Downstate, such as meal plans, health insurance, technology fees, etc. These fees and other charges will be billed to your Student Account Statement, so consider them in your calculations.
Books and Supplies
Book and supply costs vary greatly by program and between full-time and part-time enrollment so it is estimated for your COA.
Room and Board
Rent in New York can be expensive. We estimated this for your COA but actual costs related to University housing.
Living Expenses
Living expenses related to your education can include costs related to commuting, clothing, food, personal items and utilities.
Direct charges
Include tuition, fees, and dorm charges if you reside in a dorm room.
Indirect Costs
These are costs you are likely to incur while attending school but are not paid directly to the school.
After you have received your award letter for next year if you have concerns that you have unusual school related expenses that go beyond or are not reflected below you may come to the Office of Financial Aid and consult with the staff about those concerns. You should bring receipts to show the actual amounts paid so we may determine how and if they may be taken into consideration.
Billing and Payment Options
Student account payments payment plan options should be made online via the secure Banner Self Service.
Health Insurance
Students covered by comparable medical insurance of their own may elect to waive this fee. Waiver forms can be found on the Student Health Service website.