Cost of Attendance

Cost of Attendance

At Ventura College, we’re committed to helping you understand the true cost of attending college so you can plan with confidence. The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of your total expenses for one academic year. This includes more than just tuition—it also covers housing, food, transportation, supplies, and other personal costs.

Your cost may vary depending on your living situation, course load, and other personal choices.

What’s Included in the Cost of Attendance?

The COA is made up of several key categories:

Tuition and Fees – Charges for your classes and enrollment
Living Expenses – Whether you live at home, in your own place, or with others
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment – Textbooks, course materials, and equipment
Transportation – Costs to travel to and from campus
Miscellaneous Expenses – Clothing, hygiene, laundry, and other essentials

We also consider additional student support programs like CalFresh (food assistance) and apply Cal Grant Equity Framework standards to ensure our estimates are inclusive and equitable.

How We Estimate the Cost

Ventura College uses a combination of statewide and local data to create an accurate picture of what students typically spend.

1. Statewide Data (SEARS Survey)

We use information from the Student Expenses and Resources Survey (SEARS), conducted by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). This survey gathers input from thousands of students across the state and helps estimate:

Housing and food costs
Transportation and medical expenses
Technology needs and personal spending

2. Local Cost Adjustments

To better reflect the reality of our students’ lives, we adjust these estimates using local data from Ventura County. This ensures our budget reflects:

Local rent and housing trends
Transportation options and gas prices
Local prices for groceries, internet, and supplies

How Financial Need is Calculated

When you apply for financial aid, the federal government calculates your Student Aid Index (SAI)—formerly known as the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This number estimates how much you and your family can contribute toward your college costs.

We determine your financial need using this formula:

Financial Need = Cost of Attendance (COA) – Student Aid Index (SAI)

Based on your financial need, Ventura College may offer a mix of:

Grants (federal, state, or college-based)
Scholarships
Work-study opportunities
Federal student loans

Please note: Due to limited funding, not all students may receive aid that covers their full financial need.

Other Considerations

When reviewing your eligibility, we also consider any outside resources you may receive—like scholarships, tuition assistance, or other financial aid—which can impact the total amount of aid you're eligible for.

❓ Need Help or Have Questions?

If you have questions about your fees, residency status, or how to pay for college, we’re here to help. Contact the appropriate office below:

💵 Student Business Office – Questions About Fees

For help understanding your bill, paying your fees, or setting up payment plans:

📍 Location: Ventura College Student Business Office
🌐 Visit the Student Business Office Website
📞 Phone: (805) 289-6488

🎓 Financial Aid Office – Help Paying for College

Our Financial Aid Office is here to support you every step of the way. Learn how to apply for aid, understand deadlines, and explore available programs:

📍 Location: Ventura College Financial Aid Office
🌐 Visit the Financial Aid Office
🌐 Visit the Federal Student Aid Website
📞 Phone: (805) 289-6369
📧 Email: vcfinancialaid@vcccd.edu

🏡 Admissions & Records – Residency Status Questions

For help determining your California residency status or submitting residency documents:

📍 Location: Ventura College Admissions & Records Office
🌐 Visit the Admissions & Records Website
📞 Phone: (805) 289-6457
📧 Email: vcadmissions@vcccd.edu

Enrollment Fees

Enrollment Fees

Ventura College Fees for California Residents

If you are a California resident planning to attend Ventura College, please review the standard fees listed below. Note that some fees differ by academic year and program. Check with your department if you have questions about additional, program-specific costs.

2025–2026 Academic Year

Enrollment Fee

Rate: $46.00 per unit
Example: A 3-unit class would cost 3 × $46.00 = $138.00

Health Fee

Rate for Fall and Spring: $27.00 per semester
Rate for Summer: $22.00 per session
Purpose: This fee supports on-campus health services including mental health and basic medical care.

Student Representation Fee

Rate: $2.00 per semester
Purpose: Supports student government and representation at local and state levels.

Student Center Fee

Rate: $1.00 per unit (up to a maximum of $10.00 per academic year)
Purpose: Helps fund and maintain student centers and shared spaces on campus.

2024–2025 Academic Year

Enrollment Fee

Rate: $46.00 per unit
Example: A 3-unit class would cost 3 × $46.00 = $138.00

Health Fee

Rate for Fall and Spring: $26.00 per semester
Rate for Summer: $22.00 per session
Purpose: This fee supports health services provided on campus, including mental health and basic medical care.

Student Representation Fee

Rate: $2.00 per semester
Purpose: Supports student government and representation at local and state levels.

Student Center Fee

Rate: $1.00 per unit, up to a maximum of $10.00 per academic year
Purpose: Helps fund and maintain student centers and shared student spaces on campus.

Important Information

Enrollment Fee: Set by the State of California and subject to change at any time, even after enrollment.
Other Fees: Determined by the Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees and may change.
Special Programs: Some programs may include additional fees—please verify with your department for details.

For additional questions or assistance with your enrollment, please contact the Financial Aid or Admissions Office.

Ventura College Fees for Non-California Residents

If you are not a California resident and plan to attend Ventura College, below are the standard fees you can expect to pay. These include both in-state and non-resident charges.

2025–2026 Academic Year

Enrollment Fee

Rate: $46.00 per unit
Note: This in-state fee applies to all students, including non-residents.

Non-Resident Tuition

Rate: $397.00 per unit
Note: This is charged in addition to the standard enrollment fee.

Non-California Resident Capital Outlay Fee

Rate: $15.00 per unit
Purpose: Supports infrastructure and long-term capital needs.

Health Fee

Fall and Spring Semesters: $27.00 per semester
Summer Session: $22.00 per session
Purpose: Supports campus health services including mental health care and basic medical assistance.

Student Representation Fee

Rate: $2.00 per semester
Purpose: Funds student representation and advocacy at local and state levels.

Student Center Fee

Rate: $1.00 per unit, up to a maximum of $10.00 per academic year
Purpose: Helps fund and maintain student centers and shared spaces.

2024–2025 Academic Year

Enrollment Fee

Rate: $46.00 per unit
Note: This in-state fee applies to all students, including non-residents.

Non-Resident Tuition

Rate: $397.00 per unit
Note: This is charged in addition to the standard enrollment fee.

Non-California Resident Capital Outlay Fee

Rate: $15.00 per unit

Health Fee

Fall and Spring Semesters: $26.00 per semester
Summer Session: $22.00 per session
Purpose: Supports on-campus health services, including both physical and mental health care.

Student Representation Fee

Rate: $2.00 per semester

Student Center Fee

Rate: $1.00 per unit, up to a maximum of $10.00 per academic year

Important Information

The Enrollment Fee is set by the State of California and may change at any time, including after you enroll.
All other fees are determined by the Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees and may also change without notice.
Some specialized academic programs may include additional costs. Contact your academic department or the Student Business Office for details.

For additional questions or assistance with your enrollment, please contact the Financial Aid or Admissions Office.

College Budgets and Other Expenses

2025–2026 School Year (9 Months) – California Residents

Expense	Living With Parents	Living On Your Own
Living Expenses	$12,770	$32,174
Miscellaneous Expenses	$4,140	$5,067
Tuition and Fees (14 units per semester)*	$1,356	$1,356
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment	$1,089	$1,089
Transportation	$2,094	$2,291
Total Estimated Cost	$21,449	$41,977

2024–2025 School Year (9 Months) – California Residents

Expense	Living With Parents	Living On Your Own
Living Expenses	$11,493	$22,086
Miscellaneous Expenses	$4,059	$4,968
Tuition and Fees (14 units per semester)	$1,354	$1,354
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment	$1,062	$1,062
Transportation	$1,791	$1,962
Total Estimated Cost	$19,759	$31,432

* If you're in a Bachelor's Degree program, you will pay about $2,352 more per semester for upper-division classes (based on 14 units per semester).

2025-2026 Student College Budget (9 Months) for Non-California Residents

Budgeted expenses are estimated to calculate financial aid. Actual costs may vary by individual.

Budget Components	With Parents, Without Dependents	All Others
Living Expenses	$12,770	$32,174
Miscellaneous Expenses	$4,140	$5,067
Tuition and Fees (Based on 14 units per semester)*	$1,356	$1,356
Non-Resident and Capital Outlay Fees (Based on 14 units per semester)*	$11,536	$11,536
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment	$1,089	$1,089
Transportation	$2,094	$2,291
Total Estimated Cost	$32,985	$53,513

2024-2025 Student College Budget (9 Months) for Non-California Residents

Budget Components	With Parents, Without Dependents	All Others
Living Expenses	$11,493	$22,086
Miscellaneous Expenses	$4,059	$4,968
Tuition and Fees (Based on 14 units per semester)	$1,354	$1,354
Non-Resident and Capital Outlay Fees (Based on 14 units per semester)	$11,536	$11,536
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment	$1,062	$1,062
Transportation	$1,791	$1,962
Total Estimated Cost	$31,295	$42,968

Important Information:

Bachelor’s Degree Program Fees: If you are enrolled in a Bachelor's Degree program, you will incur an additional cost of $2,352 per semester for Upper-Division Units, based on 14 units per semester.

For more detailed information on Cost of Attendance for non-California residents, please click here.

🎓 Cost of Attendance (COA) Adjustments

If you have education-related expenses not included in the standard Cost of Attendance, you may qualify for a COA adjustment. This could increase your eligibility for more financial aid if funds are available.

To request an adjustment, submit a Budget Adjustment Request Form with supporting documentation to the Financial Aid Office. All requests must comply with federal and California financial aid regulations.

📌 Types of COA Adjustments

1. Child Care or Dependent Care Expenses

You may qualify if you pay for dependent care while attending classes.

To qualify:

The dependent must live with you.
The care must be necessary during your class hours.
You will not qualify if:
- Your child is in school during your classes, or
- A spouse or other household member can provide care.
Required documentation: Receipts or proof of payment.

2. Disability-Related Educational Expenses

Students with a documented disability may request adjustments for expenses directly related to their education.

Examples include:

Note-takers, interpreters, or tutoring services
Specialized transportation needs
Assistive technology or educational supplies

Required documentation: Receipts and explanation of expenses.

3. Computer Purchase

A one-time adjustment may be requested for a computer purchase necessary for your coursework.

To request this adjustment:

Submit a receipt or invoice for the computer.
Include a statement explaining the need (e.g., online or hybrid classes).

4. Books, Course Materials, and Supplies

You may qualify for an adjustment if your costs exceed the standard allowance.

Required:

Receipts for books and supplies
Written explanation of higher-than-expected costs

Only reasonable, required expenses will be considered.

5. Other Educational Expenses

You may also request adjustments for other required academic costs.

Examples include:

Program-specific licensing or certification fees
Required transportation for internships or clinicals
Other unusual, school-related expenses

Required documentation: Receipts and written justification.

📝 How to Request a COA Adjustment

Complete the Budget Adjustment Request Form.
Attach written explanations and proof of expenses.
Submit the completed form to the Financial Aid Office.

⚠️ A COA adjustment does not guarantee additional financial aid, but it may increase your eligibility if funds are available.

💬 Need Help?

If you’re unsure whether your expenses qualify or need help completing your request:

📞 Call: (805) 289-6369
📧 Email: vcfinancialaid@vcccd.edu
🌐 Visit the Financial Aid Office Website

What’s Included in the Cost of Attendance?

How We Estimate the Cost

1. Statewide Data (SEARS Survey)

2. Local Cost Adjustments

How Financial Need is Calculated

Other Considerations

❓ Need Help or Have Questions?

💵 Student Business Office – Questions About Fees

🎓 Financial Aid Office – Help Paying for College

🏡 Admissions & Records – Residency Status Questions

Enrollment Fees

Fees for California Resident

Fees for Non-California Resident

College Budgets and Other Expenses

Student College Budget for California Resident

Student College Budget for Non-California Resident

Other Expenses/Adjustments

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