The Cost of Attendance (COA) is a student budget for educational expenses for the fall and spring semesters that make up the academic year. Fall and spring semester budgets will each be calculated for 4.5 months, and a summer budget will be calculated for 3 months.

While this is a full-student budget, students are not expected to pay all these costs to NMSU. Costs paid directly to NMSU are dependent on tuition and fee rates based on your credit hours, whether or not you live on campus, and the meal plan you choose.  

2025-26 Undergraduate Cost of Attendance

Direct costs refer to the expenses a student would typically pay directly to NMSU University Accounts Receivable (UAR). 

*For undergraduate students, these are estimated expenses for a student enrolled in 12 credit hours. Academic Services fee is assessed at $20 per credit hour.

** DACC students get all required print and digital materials for a flat fee of $28 per credit hour. Students may opt out (by census date) if they prefer to purchase materials independently

†Actual cost for on-campus Housing will vary depending on chosen residence hall and dining membership. Costs above for Housing are based on the yearly rate for double occupancy. The cost will be adjusted for students who live off-campus or at home and will be published within their Financing Plan from NMSU.

‡These expenses are included in your Cost of Attendance but are NOT charged directly to your student account. You will not owe NMSU for these amounts.

Indirect costs refer to the full budget that a student should plan for while attending NMSU/DACC.