The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships establishes estimated budgets, also termed Cost of Attendance, which is used to determine eligibility for financial aid awards. The Cost of Attendance also provides students and their families with a reasonable estimate of all costs, both direct and indirect. These budgets include allowances for tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, personal and miscellaneous expenses as well as loan fees.
Use our interactive Cost Calculator tool to estimate educational direct expenses due to UMBC and assist in determining out-of-pocket costs.
Tuition and Fees
The tuition and fee amounts used in the cost of attendance budgets are based on full-time enrollment.
Food and Housing
Food and housing (also known as room and board) allowance is based on the average expense a student may incur based on their living status. The cost associated with the student’s choice of meal plan, dorm, private room, on-campus apartment, and off-campus apartment may vary from budget estimates.
Books and Supplies
The books and supplies allowance is based on an estimate provided by the UMBC Bookstore for full-time enrollment. However, the expense of these items may vary based on the courses selected by the student.
Transportation
The transportation allowance is based on the average expense a student may incur based on their living status. The cost is associated with the variety of transportation expenses a student may incur (e.g. gas, maintenance, public transportation, travel to home state during vacations and holidays). The cost associated with the student’s choice of travel may vary from budget estimates.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Miscellaneous expenses include allowances for clothing, toiletries and other living expenses. These expenses may vary based on the individual student’s lifestyle. The allowance is based on a reasonable estimate.
Loan Fees
Students and parents who borrow through the Federal Direct and Federal PLUS programs may have to pay certain fees to the lender associated with the processing of the loans. The average fee for all loan borrowers is added to each student’s cost of attendance to accommodate this expense.
Computer Expenses
Computer expenses are included for all new undergraduate students. Allowances are based on a reasonable estimate of the varying costs of computer technology.