Cost of Attendance
Determining Financial Aid Amounts and Cost of Attendance
Most financial aid offers are based on how much money you need. To figure out your financial need, we start with the total cost of attending school. Then, we subtract things like your student aid index, any Pell Grants you’re eligible for, and other scholarships or aid you’ll receive. If there’s anything left over, that’s what you need help covering with loans or other outside help. We call this “unmet need.”
Federal funds are limited, so the total amount you receive might be less than the amount you are eligible for.
Check out our Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is “student aid index?”
The student aid Index, (SAI) is a number used to determine financial need. The SAI is a measure of student/family financial strength and is calculated from the information reported on the FAFSA. An individual’s SAI will appear on their FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS). The SAI is calculated according to a formula established by law. Family income, assets, and benefits are all considered, as well your dependency status.
How is “family” defined?
That depends on whether you’re considered dependent or independent on the FAFSA form. Read more: Am I dependent or independent?
Cost of attendance estimates
The cost of attending school depends on things like what program you’re in and how many classes you take each term. Below are the standard budgets for full-time students in the AAOT program at OCCC taking 12 credits.
2024-25: student not living with parent
| Costs | 1 Term | 2 Terms | 3 Terms | 4 Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition and fees | $1,848 | $3,696 | $5,544 | $7,392 |
| Books, course materials, and supplies | $255 | $510 | $765 | $1,020 |
| Living expenses | $5,241 | $10,482 | $15,723 | $19,217 |
| Transportation | $1,122 | $2,244 | $3,366 | $4,114 |
| Miscellaneous personal expenses | $957 | $1,914 | $2,871 | $3,509 |
| Total expenses | $9,423 | $18,846 | $28,269 | $35,252 |
2024-25: student living with parent
| Costs | 1 Term | 2 Terms | 3 Terms | 4 Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition and fees | $1,848 | $3,696 | $5,544 | $7,392 |
| Books, course materials, and supplies | $255 | $510 | $765 | $1,020 |
| Living expenses | $2,621 | $5,241 | $7,862 | $9,608 |
| Transportation | $1,122 | $2,244 | $3,366 | $4,114 |
| Miscellaneous personal expenses | $957 | $1,914 | $2,871 | $3,509 |
| Total expenses | $6,803 | $13,605 | $20,408 | $25,643 |
How Your Classes Affect Your Financial Aid
The amount of financial aid you’re offered is based on the number of classes you planned to take when you applied. However, what you actually receive depends on the classes you’re officially enrolled in by the end of the first week of the term. If you adjust your schedule, your financial aid might change accordingly. And just a reminder, if you’re on a waitlist for a class, it doesn’t count toward your financial aid enrollment status.
| Enrollment level status | Credits per term |
|---|---|
| Full time | 12 or more |
| ¾ time | 9 to 11 |
| Half time | 6 to 8 |
| ¼ time | 1 to 5 |
Minimum enrollment for financial aid
You don’t have to be a full-time student to get financial aid. This table shows the minimum number of classes you need for different aid programs. But remember, just meeting the enrollment requirement isn’t enough; you still have to show that you need financial help.
| Financial aid program | 6 credits | less than 6 credits |
|---|---|---|
| Direct loan, subsidized and unsubsidized | x | |
| PLUS loan | x | |
| Pell Grant | x | |
| Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant | x | |
| Federal Work Study | x |