2018-2019 Graduate Student Semester Cost Estimator

The cost of attendance (COA)—sometimes referred to as the "student budget"—is an estimate of what it costs a typical student to attend a college or university for one academic year. Don't be startled by the COA you see because it doesn't only include tuition; it takes into account your basic living expenses.

The COA serves two purposes:

1. to give you an estimate of the cost to attend UNK for one year, and
2. to set a limit on the amount of financial aid you can receive during the academic year (which is required by federal regulations).

Your actual expenses may be different from what's listed on your financial aid award letter, and the total amount of your aid—including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study—can't exceed your total cost of attendance.

The cost of attendance is made up of two different types of costs: direct and indirect.

• Direct costs are items that will appear on your University bill, such as tuition, fees, and room and board (if you live on campus).
• Indirect costs will not appear on your bill, but are estimated costs associated with going to college and should be included in your budget. These include items like books, transportation and personal expenses.

For Example:
A typical, Nebraska resident, UNK graduate student taking 9 credit hours a semester has the following cost of attendance for the 2018-19 school year

Below is more detail about each line item listed in the example:

• Tuition and Fees: These figures reflect the cost of tuition and fees for a Nebraska resident student taking 9 credits during each of the fall and spring semesters of the 2018-19 academic year.
• Room & Board: Otherwise known as "housing and meals," UNK calculates this figure by using a basic double-occupancy room on campus and the LOPER meal plan.
• Books: This is the average cost of books and supplies for a typical student for the entire academic year. You will not be billed directly by UNK for books or supplies.
• Transportation: This is an estimate of the cost of traveling to and from campus, and the cost of operating and maintaining a vehicle. Unless you buy a UNK parking permit, you will not be billed directly for transportation costs.
• Misc. Personal Expenses: This is an estimate of costs for clothing, haircuts, entertainment, etc. for the year. What you actually spend on these types of items will likely be different. These items will not appear on your UNK bill.
• Average Loan Fees: There is an origination fee of 1.066% for Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized student loans, which is taken out of the loan before funds are sent to UNK. The $146 listed above is the average fee for students who borrow these loans. Actual fees will depend on the amount you borrow (if any).

Direct costs are determined by the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the Board of Regents. Indirect costs are determined by historical averages of what UNK students spend on these costs. Figures may change slightly every year.

2018-19 Costs

Below you will find an Estimator that will help determine your approximate UNK costs for a semester, based on the criteria you enter. Note: some classes have higher associated fees or tuition costs e.g.: classes with labs, online classes, etc. 

This calculation is meant only to be an approximation of graduate semester expenses. Contact the Finance Office (308) 865-8524 for a more exact calculation.

When you enter the requested data and click on the 'Calculate Cost' button, the form will calculate the line items listed below, and will display an estimated semester total.

*The room rate includes additional fees for laundry, social programing, and the Residence Hall Association. 

Are you a Nebraska resident?  Graduate Program Information Nebraska Resident -- Traditional On Campus Program Non-Nebraska Resident -- Traditional On Campus Program Nebraska Resident -- Online Program Non-Nebraska Resident -- Online Program
How many hours will you be enrolled in this semester?
If living on campus, what Residence Hall will you be in this semester? none Mantor Hall Randall Hall Mens Hall Centennial Tower West Centennial Tower East University Residence North University Residence South Antelope Hall 4 Bedroom Antelope Hall 2 Bedroom Nester Hall 4 Bedroom Nester Hall 2 Bedroom
If living on campus, will you have a roommate? Yes No
Will you have a meal plan this semester? none Blue Meal Plan Gold Meal Plan Loper Meal Plan
Other Expenses for the semester. $ Enter other anticipated school-related expenses here. (Examples: Books, Parking Permits, Enrollment Fees, Travel, Miscellaneous)
Tuition and Fees
Room Charge
Meal Plan
Other Expenses
Total Estimated Semester Cost