COA is proud that our students have repeatedly ranked us among the top schools in the nation for financial aid, and we consistently do our best to make it possible for all students to afford the college.

Our net price calculator is one way to see how financial aid might reduce your out-of-pocket costs, but the best way to get a sense of the true net cost of a COA education is by applying for financial aid.

Basic information

If you’re new to financial aid, www.finaid.org is a great resource for understanding the process and getting started. Our staff are also always here to answer your questions—now and throughout the process.

Research and travel support

COA provides each student up to $1800 to support “expeditionary learning”.  This includes COA courses with a travel component as well as independent studies and residencies. These funds support both domestic and foreign travel. 

Financial aid staff 
Work-study

The vast majority of COA students have a work-study job included as part of their financial aid package—and at COA, work-study is a big part of the student experience and campus life.  

Work-study perspectives

  • International Student Office
    “I am always surrounded by amazing people. I love working with Monica (the coordinator of international student services), as well as being around the rest of the student life staff and the international student body. It never gets boring.”-Vitoria Bitencourt
  • Computer Services Help Desk
    “I like my work-study because I always learn new things. It’s a very humbling job and I think it’s important to know how to use these powerful tools that we use every single day.”-Vanessa Taylor
  • Sea Urchin Café
    “I love making epic meals during my shift by combining all the best ingredients into new, unique dishes!”-Clément Moliner-Roy