School of the Arts Cost of Attendance

Budget for Academic Year

The cost of attendance, also known as the "budget" or "COA," represents the student's maximum financial aid eligibility amount based on the academic year. For the School of the Arts, the academic year includes Fall Semester and Spring Semester—summers are not factored into the budget. The budget is determined by the school and consists of tuition and fees plus estimated expenses for food, housing, books, and transit.

In determining the budget, the school applies a conservative estimate of living expenses to all students. We recognize, however, that actual living expenses vary from person to person. If the student faces higher actual costs or has extenuating circumstances that warrant a higher cost of attendance, the student may request an evaluation for a budget increase. This process does not guarantee that a budget increase will be granted, merely that the student will be considered for one. 

Click through the accordions below to see the current year's estimated costs for MFA and MA programs.

Fees Explained

MFA Years 1–2

• Registration for more than 18 points per semester could result in additional charges. 
• The Document Fee is charged one time in the first semester of attendance.
• The International Service Charge is applied to all students holding a non-resident visa, except those in ALP or students registered through the Center for Undergraduate Global Engagement. This fee supports the University's services to international students.
• The MFA Writing Program charges an additional $100 Thesis Reading Fee per semester.
• The Sound Art and Visual Arts MFA programs are two-year programs that do not lead to a third or fourth year. 

MFA Years 3–4

• The MFA Writing Program includes an optional $1,500 Thesis Advisement Fee per semester during Years 3–4.
• The MFA Thesis Fee is a one-time charge in Fall Semester of Year 3 in the MFA Theatre Program for Acting, Directing, and Playwriting for when students begin the Research Arts portion of their program.

Medical Insurance

• Domestic students may request a waiver from the Columbia Student Health Insurance plan if they have comparable coverage from a U.S., employment-sponsored plan.
• International students must be insured through Columbia's health insurance plan except in rare circumstances where they can show comparable coverage from a U.S., employment-sponsored plan. 
• The Health Services Fee cannot be waived and is required of every student to provide easy access to campus clinic services. 

Late Payment Fees

• The Late Payment Fee is assessed if you make your payment after the due date of the first bill of the semester.
• An additional charge of 1.5% of the total balance due will be assessed per month on any past due amount thereafter.
• You can review additional information about unpaid bills and late fees in our Bills and Payments section of this website.