Office of Student Aid : Penn State's Costs : Billable and Non-Billable Costs

Billable costs are charges that appear on the tuition bill:

• tuition
• fees
• room and meal charges (if you live on-campus)

Non-billable costs are additional expenses you need to consider that do not appear on the tuition bill:

• books
• supplies
• miscellaneous expenses
• rent and meal expenses (if you live off-campus)

Both billable and non-billable costs are considered in the determination of your financial aid award and your cost of attendance.

Student aid appears on the tuition bill as a credit covering billable expenses. Student aid in excess of billable charges will be refunded to the student or parent and can then be used to pay for non-billable expenses, such as books.

Choosing to live off-campus (a non-billable expense) rather than living on-campus (a billable expense) will not affect your financial aid.

Living expenses are considered in the determination of your award, regardless of whether you live off-campus or on-campus.

Living expenses excluding housing costs are also considered for commuters (dependent students who live with their parents).