Effective Date: March 25, 2024
Issuing Authority: Executive Vice President
Policy Contact: Associate Vice President for Student Financial Planning,
financialplanning@mercer.edu, 478-301-2670
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to explain the estimated cost to attend college for an academic year.
Scope
This policy applies to all students at Mercer University.
Exclusions
None
Definitions
As used in this policy, the following terms have the meaning specified below:
Books: equivalent to books, course materials, supplies, and equipment required for the program of study.
Computer Purchase or Rental Allowance: a reasonable allowance for the rental or upfront purchase of a personal computer that the student will use for study for the enrollment period and for equipment needed for instruction by telecommunications.
Fees: charges assessed for other college services, such as technology access, private lessons, etc.
Food: the cost of a meal plan and/or an estimate of the costs of food prepared at home. The allowance standard provides the equivalent of three meals per day.
Housing: residence hall charges for on-campus students or an estimate of rent and utilities for an off-campus student.
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses (only for students enrolled at least half time): an estimate of what a student might spend during the school year on personal items, clothing, recreation, and travel.
Student Health Insurance: required health insurance charges.
Transportation Allowance: costs incurred by a student for transportation between school, residence, and place of work (including costs associated with operating and maintaining a vehicle used for such transportation) and other costs for transportation that are required as part of a student’s program of study, such as transportation to conferences or medical residency interviews. However, the transportation allowance may not include costs for the purchase of a vehicle.
Tuition: charges assessed for classes and/or other coursework.
Policy Statement
Cost of Attendance (COA) is the estimated cost to attend college for one academic year. The U.S. Department of Education requires all colleges and universities to provide a COA that includes both estimated direct costs and estimated indirect costs. COA is also the cornerstone of establishing a student’s financial need, as it sets a limit on the total aid that a student may receive for federal, state, and institutional aid.
Estimated Direct Costs
Estimated direct costs are charges billed by the University. These costs include tuition, fees, housing, and food costs for students living on campus. Other items such as University-provided health insurance may also be included in direct costs.
Estimated Indirect Costs
Estimated indirect costs are typical expenses associated with attending college and are included in the total Cost of Attendance. These costs are not due directly to the University. The indirect costs include items such as school supplies, personal expenses, transportation expenses, and housing and food costs for those students living off-campus or with parents.
Website Address
Office of Student Financial Planning: https://financialaid.mercer.edu/
History
Revised July 1, 2023
Revised March 25, 2024