A student who takes the minimum number of credit hours will be charged the same amount as a student who takes the maximum number of credit hours. If you want to take on a heavier course load, you will have to show that you are up to the challenge. Part-time students are also charged by credit hours or courses.
Most schools survey students periodically to make sure the estimate is accurate.
Every three years, the California Student Aid Commission sends questionnaires to random pools of college students throughout the state. Some judge expenses by the number of miles between the college and the student's home. Others use flat figures for the region of the country a student is from. Airfare prices are factored in as well so students from expensive travel destinations such as Hawaii receive an accurate budget. If travel expenses are not listed separately in the cost of attendance, students should ask how much is budgeted for travel since the figures vary from one college to another.