For federal student aid purposes, a student's total cost of attending a postsecondary institution for a specified period of time, as established by law. The COA includes tuition and fees; room and board (or an allowance for housing and food); an allowance for books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and dependent care (if applicable); disability related expenses, a one-time allowable cost of obtaining the first professional credential in a program requiring professional licensure or certification, and some miscellaneous expenses as well.