Indirect Costs
Indirect costs are expenses that students may incur while attending college but are not directly billed by the institution. These typically include items such as books and supplies, transportation, personal expenses, and housing or food if a student lives off campus. Briar Cliff estimates these costs as part of the overall cost of attendance to give students a full picture of what it may take to attend for the year.
Including indirect costs also allows students to borrow additional funds if needed, helping them budget for living expenses and other essentials beyond tuition and fees. While borrowing for these costs is optional, the estimates help ensure students can make informed financial decisions and plan to live comfortably throughout the academic year.
2026-2027 Indirect Costs Per Semester
Expense
|
Undergraduate Amount
|
Graduate Amount
|
| Books |
$1,152 |
$1,532 |
| Transportation |
$1,651 |
$1,651 |
| Personal Expense |
$2,405 |
$2,405 |
| Loan Fee |
$23 |
$109.50 |
| PLUS Fee |
$298 |
$414 |
| Off Campus Living Expenses |
$6,676 |
$6,676 |
| Living with Parents |
$4,968 |
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Indirect costs can vary significantly from student to student based on individual circumstances and lifestyle choices. For example, a student living at home may have lower housing and food expenses than one renting an off-campus apartment. Similarly, transportation costs may differ depending on whether a student commutes daily or lives within walking distance of campus. Personal spending habits, course requirements, and even the cost of textbooks for specific majors can also influence overall indirect expenses. Because of these differences, the amounts listed in a college’s cost of attendance are estimates meant to provide a general guideline rather than exact figures.
If students find that their actual expenses or financial needs differ from the institution’s estimated indirect costs, they are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office. The financial aid team can review individual circumstances and, when appropriate, adjust the cost of attendance to better reflect a student’s unique situation. This may allow for additional financial aid or loan eligibility to help meet those needs. Working directly with Financial Aid ensures that students have the necessary support and resources to manage their college costs effectively.