Cost of Attendance (COA)

The cost of attendance (COA), also known as the student's budget, represents a student's maximum financial aid eligibility for an academic year. The COA is an estimation of a student’s costs for a student while in attendance at FIT. The total COA varies from student to student and may change each year depending on residency, degree program, enrolled credits, and housing. Financial Aid Services establishes an estimated standard student budget each year as a basis for awarding financial aid funds. The COA for a student is an estimate of that student’s educational expenses for the period of enrollment. The COA for the financial aid programs is a student’s cost for the period in which the aid is intended.  If you feel that your estimated cost of attendance figures are lower than your expenses, you can provide proof to Financial Aid Services of your expenses and we may consider increasing your budget.  

Direct Expenses

Direct expenses are charges such as tuition, fees, and food and housing (if  the student is in the residence halls) that a student will incur on their billing statement. Tuition and Fees subject to change at discretion of the College.

For information about these direct expenses please visit the following links:

• Tuition Costs 
• Fee Costs 
• Residence Hall Costs  

Other fees may be incurred such as health insurance. Health Insurance must be purchased by all full-time students unless evidence of coverage is proivded to the college. See Student Health Insurance for more information.

Indirect Expenses  

Indirect expenses are costs that a student may incur on their own while attending any college in the United States. Indirect costs are not charged to the student.  We estimate your expenses, including books and supplies, personal expenses, and transportation.

Books and Supplies  $1,850
Personal $1,800
Transportation  $2,400

These estimated costs are not charged to the student. Please do not confuse these costs with the tuition and fees you pay to FIT.

Tuition Rates and Fees

The tuition rates, fees, and other charges are established by the Office of the Bursar. Students may also need to pay charges associated with their coursework, such as meal plans and dorm charges (if the student is in campus housing), 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 by program and between full-time and part-time enrollment so the component is estimated in your COA.

Food and Housing

The actual cost of your food and housing depends on several factors, including whether you live on or off campus. Some important things to keep in mind as you budget for food and housing.  FIT housing offers a range of food and room selections. Off-campus housing in New York City varies depending on housing options, location, number of roommates, amenities, and more. Students who live off-campus have an estimated food allowance in their COA. 

Important Note:  FIT’s recent update to the “Food and Housing” figure in the Cost of Attendance on your award letter is a result of new guidance from the federal government, starting in the 2023-2024 aid year, about how colleges calculate published cost estimates. The actual price you will pay for food and housing will be determined by the residence hall and the meal plan you select. Your estimated COA food costs are based on estimated NYC food costs. Rates for housing will be viewed on the FIT Residential Life website.

Transportation and Personal Costs

We estimated the cost of transportation in New York based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Personal costs include miscellaneous expenses like toiletries and other basic essentials a student will need. Personal costs are also based on data from the Bureau of Labor statistics.

Estimated Yearly Cost of Attendance (COA) for 2025-2026