Understanding how much your education will cost per year is an important first step in determining how to pay for it. While the amount you will pay for your education will vary on a year-to-year basis, due to factors like the number of credit hours you are taking, you can get a sense of what to expect with our cost of attendance (COA) estimates. 

The COA is not the actual price you will pay, but rather an estimate of what it might cost you to attend your classes, live and have basic necessities while attending Lincoln Land Community College. Total financial aid offered may not exceed the estimated COA. 

Calculating a COA budget

Personal expenses, books/supplies, housing, food and transportation costs vary greatly according to an individual's circumstances and spending habits. For financial aid purposes, estimated costs are used. Average tuition and fees are also used to simplify the calculations in each of the residencies. Documented costs for dependent care related to the student's educational program, required tools and program kits, and the documented cost of a leased or purchased personal computer related to the student's education program may be considered in adjustments to the cost of attendance budget.

Calculating financial need

Financial need is the difference between the cost of attendance at LLCC and the family's formula-calculated ability to pay. The family's ability to pay, called the expected family contribution, is determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. 

Student cost of attendance (COA) is the estimated cost of attending LLCC. The amount may include tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing and food, personal and miscellaneous expenses, transportation and loan fees. 

Total expected Budget Family Contribution (EFC) is calculated according to a formula specified in law and is based upon the information provided by the student and their family on the FAFSA.

Financial need is the difference between the COA and the EFC.