Cost of Attendance

Cost of Attendance

WHAT DOES "COST OF ATTENDANCE" MEAN?

Cost of attendance (COA) is an estimate of the total cost of attending a college or university for one academic year. It doesn't only include billable costs like tuition and fees, and it is not the bill you'll receive from Dean College. It considers all the expenses a student may have for that year, including basic living costs. The COA serves two purposes:

1. to give you an estimate of the cost to attend Dean College for one year, and
2. to set a limit on the amount of financial aid you can receive during the academic year (which is required by federal regulations). Your financial aid, including loans may not exceed your COA.

Please see below for our 2025-26 Cost of Attendance (COA). Your actual living expenses, travel, books, and personal expenses may be different than the below estimate.

2025-26 Cost of Attendance 

RESIDENT 

Resident Direct Costs

COMMUTER

Commuter Direct Costs

Student Health Insurance

Massachusetts state law requires all students enrolled in at least 9 qualifying credits (not enrolled exclusively in online courses or short-term courses) must either provide proof of enrollment in a medical insurance plan that meets the Commonwealth mandated guidelines OR be enrolled in the college sponsored student health plan (SHP) provided by United Health Care and administered by Academic Health Plan (AHP).

According to the state regulation, comparable coverage is considered a health plan that provides comprehensive coverage, including all of the following: preventive care, emergency services, surgical services, hospitalization benefits, ambulatory patient services, and mental health services. In addition, the services covered need to be reasonably accessible to the student in the area where the student attends school. Out of state Medicaid and health insurance policies from other countries are not acceptable. 

Dean College has partnered with Academic Health Plans to provide a qualified student health insurance program (SHP) in compliance with the minimum standards required by the state. The annual premium for 2025-2026 is $2,480.00 (coverage from August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026). For students starting in January, the cost is $1,040.00 (coverage from January 1, 2026 through July 31, 2026). Costs of the plan may change from year to year.

To ensure compliance with the Massachusetts Law, all students are automatically billed for this SHP plan.

Academic Support and Learning Services

Dean College provides an educational opportunity to a wide variety of students with varying academic needs. In order to meet the needs of our students, the college has established several different programs designed to ensure academic success and help students achieve their academic potential.

These programs are fee-based and these fees will be added to your bill if you choose to enroll in one of these programs or if participation in a program is assigned by the Office of Admission as a condition of admission to the college.

Arch Learning Community

We offer specialized programs of support for students with learning or physical disabilities. Learn more about the Arch Learning Community and the additional costs of the program. 

Engage Program

We offer a specialized program to support students with adjustment and social functioning challenges. Learn more about the Engage Program and the additional costs of the program. 

Academic Coaching

Provides one-on-one tutoring from professional learning/reading, writing, and/or math specialists. The program is designed to build fundamental learning, writing and math skills necessary for college success. Academic Coaching teaches students to independently apply skills to their current coursework. Charges for the Academic Coaching Program are based on the level of service provided. Students may enroll for the semester for as little as one hour per week or for as much as five hours of assistance per week with a learning, writing or math specialist.

• Cost: $850/semester for an hour per week of Academic Coaching

Parking Permits

• Parking Permit for Residents:  $500 per year
• Parking Permit for Commuters:  $200 per year

Course Fees

Some courses may have associated fees.

• Course/Lab Fees: $50-$450 per course
• Field Trip Fees: $30-$75 per course
• Instrumental Music and Voice Instruction Fees: $675 for twelve 50-minute lessons per semester

Tuition Surcharge

• $775 per additional credit hour over 18 credits in a term

Graduation Fee

• $200 mandatory fee for all graduating students