Direct costs are those billed by ICOM; including tuition, fees,  and student health insurance through the school. Indirect costs include estimated student expenses; such as, supplies, transportation to/from ICOM, personal expenses, and housing and food.

The categories that may be included as allowable costs for Cost of Attendance are outlined in federal law (Higher Education Act, Sec. 472). The institution determines how to set the corresponding amounts and how often it will review these amounts. At ICOM, the Cost of Attendance is reviewed and established annually for each class and will vary as the length of the academic year varies (see noted number of weeks for each year). ICOM uses national statistics and data from sources such as the US Census Bureau, USDA, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, and others to set an average cost for each category.

Yes, the Cost of Attendance includes expenses the student is expected to encounter due to their attendance at the institution (education related expenses). Examples of costs not included in COA are:

1. Costs waived or paid by other sources.
2. Expenses incurred during period of non-attendance (prior to beginning an academic year or breaks within or between academic years). This includes moving/relocation expenses that occur during these breaks.
3. Expenses incurred by a spouse and/or dependent.
4. Expenses considered in the evaluation of need via the FAFSA application (once ICOM is eligible for federal student loan funds).
5. Expenses that fall outside of COA components such as vehicle purchase/lease, consumer debt, or student loan payments.

Students aid cannot exceed the established COA per Federal regulations. Aid awarded and disbursed by ICOM is to be used for the cost of the student’s education and educational related expenses incurred while attending ICOM.