Cost of Attendance

The estimated cost of attendance (COA) provides a standardized estimate of what it may cost to attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney. It reflects the best estimate of expenses a student might reasonably expect to incur. In accordance with federal guidelines, the following components are included in each student’s estimated COA:

• Tuition and fees;
• Living expenses (housing and food);
• Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment;
• Transportation;
• Miscellaneous personal expenses;
• Federal student loan fees, if applicable; and
• Professional licensure, certification, or first professional credential, if applicable.

The COA is not a bill, but a tool to help you understand the potential full cost of attending UNK. Your actual costs may vary based on the choices you make throughout your academic journey. Factors like the number of credits you take each term, your housing selection, meal habits, or other personal decisions can increase or decrease your individual costs beyond what is estimated. Some scholarships and financial aid may only apply to specific types of expenses, so it’s important to plan ahead. 

To estimate your specific cost of attendance, we recommend using UNK's Cost Calculator. Please note that the Cost Calculator will only calculate your direct costs, or items charged by UNK.

The Office of Financial Aid uses a “standard cost of attendance budget” to calculate your estimated educational costs before scholarships, aid, or discounts, including the New Nebraskan Scholarship. The chart below represents typical costs for students during the nine-month academic year based on anticipated enrollment, residency status, and living arrangements (on campus, off campus or with parents). The amounts below represent the cost of attendance for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

What’s Included

• Direct costs (items charged by UNK):
  
  • tuition,
  • fees, and
  • on-campus housing and food.
• Indirect costs (items not paid to UNK)*:
  • books and supplies,
  • off-campus housing,
  • transportation, and
  • miscellaneous personal expenses.

*These are estimates based on average reported expenses of UNK students.