<p>okay, so on my financial aid notification it says that the cost of attendance is like 21K. where is this coming from?
is the cost of attendance (in state) really that high?</p>
<p>i didn't end up getting financial aid, and there's a big difference between my EFC and the COA. oh well =(</p>
<p>It seems like they estimate that you will need a lot of money to spend on books, transportation, entertainment, and non-cafeteria food...</p>
<p>UT's website claims COA is factored by this FINANCIAL</a> AID: UT Austin Cost of Attendance (COA)</p>
<p>Obviously if you are in a higher-cost college and choose to room on-campus in San Jac or Duren it seems more reasonable that way if you also factor in the books, transportation, misc exp.</p>
<p>That is based on the COLA rates. If you are in another college your COA may be higher.</p>
<p>Housing is based on the standard room ($7500).</p>
<p>And given the fact that the roughly $1000 budgeted won't cover all of your personal expenses for the year (even if you are frugal, the meal plan only covers roughly 10 meals a week, so you'd also have to be anorexic).</p>
<p>I'd say the total cost is about $25k for everything related to UT for an in-state student, and $45k for out of state.</p>