Research Notes 
University System of Georgia Board of Regents -- Office of Research and Policy Analysis 
University System of Georgia Cost of Attendance, AY2007 to AY2008 
Background on Cost of Attendance 
Although the public view of the costs of attending college is usually focused on tuition and fees, these costs are generally only about one-fifth to one-fourth of total costs. Data collected on the cost of attending college are thus critical for a variety of reasons, especially for a student's college financial planning. In addition, some financial aid grantors determine the amount of a loan or grant based on the total cost of attendance (including books, housing, transportation, etc.). This research note examines the total cost of attendance for one year at University System of Georgia institutions. Cost data were collected through the National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) for Academic Year (AY) 2007-08, and IPEDS data on the cost of attendance (COA) were reported by each institution. Costs include tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and required personal expenses, such as insurance, medical care, or minimal transportation costs.1 
The tuition reported to IPEDS is the average tuition charged at the institution for one year. The formula used to calculate cost of attendance for USG students includes costs for students on the guaranteed tuition plan and those without guaranteed tuition. The tuition reported to IPEDS is the average of tuition for students with the Fixed-for-Four in Fall 2006, Fixed-for-Four for Fall 2007, and the 2007 rate for juniors and seniors who were not on the guaranteed rate. For example, the full-time tuition rate for in-state students at regional and state universities in Fall 2007 was $1,345; for those who entered in Fall 2006 it was $1,280; and for those who entered prior to FY2007 it was $1,434. The average tuition, therefore, was $1,353 for full-time, in-state undergraduate students 
Cost information is collected for both on-campus and off-campus students. The off-campus room and board expenses are estimated by the institutions based on guidelines issued by IPEDS. These estimated costs for off-campus room and board are for students living independently (not with family). 
On-Campus Costs for In-State Students 
Figure 1 provides the percent distribution for the cost of attendance for an in-state, on-campus student. Tuition and fees account for 22 percent of the total cost; room and board costs are 47 percent of the total; and the remaining 23 percent of costs are other expenses, books and supplies. 
1 Most financial aid estimates budget students for two round-trips home each year using the lowest-cost means of travel. For commuter students, minimal transportation costs are also built into the financial aid calculations of need. 
April 2009 Page 1 of 11 
 
 Figure 1 
USG Average Annual In-State, On-Campus Cost Distribution, AY 2007-08 
 
On-Campus Other Expenses 
23% 
On-Campus Room and 
Board 47% 
 
In-State Tuition and Fees 
22% 
Books and Supplies 
8% 
 
Table 1 compares the average cost of attendance by sector for an on-campus student to attend a USG institution in academic year 2007-08 and 2006-07. The average cost rose 8.6 percent in AY08. One should note that only one of the nine two-year colleges and three of six state colleges offer on-campus residency. Therefore, the cost of attendance reported for these sectors reflects only a small percentage of the institutions in the access sector. 
 
Table 1. In-State, On-Campus, Average Cost of Attendance by Sector 
 
Sector Research Universities Regional Universities State Universities State Colleges Two-Year Colleges USG Average 
 
Academic Year 2007-08 $17,170 $16,110 $14,717 $11,451 $11,478 $14,579 
 
Academic Year 2006-07 
$15,940 $14,523 $13,801 $10,355 $8,427 $13,427 
 
Difference $1,230 $1,587 $916 $1,096 $3,051 $1,152 
 
% Change 
7.7 10.9 6.6 10.6 36.2 
8.6 
 
Off-Campus Costs (Not Living with Family) for In-State Students 
Figure 2 below shows the percent distribution for the cost of attendance for an in-state, offcampus student, not living with family. Tuition and fees account for 21 percent of the total cost, 
April 2009 Page 2 of 11 
 
 while room and board accounts for 48 percent of the total. Thus, the distribution of costs is almost identical for students living on and off campus. 
Figure 2 
USG Average In-State, Off-Campus, Not Living with Family Cost Distribution, AY 2007-2008 
 
Off-Campus Other Expenses 
24% 
Off-Campus Room and Board 
48% 
 
In-State Tuition and Fees 
21% 
Books and Supplies 
7% 
 
The USG average increase in the cost of attendance for these students was just over 4 percent, with the regional universities increasing 9 percent. As Table 2 shows, in 2007-08 the average total cost for an in-state student to attend a research university while living off-campus independently was $18,641, an increase of $598 over the previous year. It cost the same student $14,942 at a regional university, $16,327 at a state university, $12,292 at a state college, and $12,182 at a two-year college. Percent change for regional universities should be interpreted with caution since it is based on a single institution. 
 
Table 2. In-State, Off-Campus Not Living with Family, Average Cost of Attendance by Sector 
 
Sector Research Universities Regional Universities State Universities State Colleges Two-Year Colleges USG Average 
 
Academic Year 2007- 
08 $18,641 $14,942 $16,327 $12,292 $12,182 $14,468 
 
Academic Year 2006- 
07 $18,043 $13,712 $15,740 $11,900 $11,604 $13,888 
 
Difference $598 
$1,230 $587 $392 $578 $580 
 
% Change 
3.3 9.0 3.7 3.3 5.0 4.2 
 
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 Costs for Out-of-State Students 
 
Tuition and fees for out-of-state students attending a USG institution is, on average, about three and one-half times greater than it is for Georgia residents (see Table 3). In FY2008, the University System average for in-state tuition and fees was $3,131, as compared to $10,985 for nonresidents. 
 
Table 3. Comparison of Tuition and Fees by Residency, FY2008 
 
Sector Research Universities Regional Universities State Universities State Colleges Two-Year Colleges USG Average 
 
In-State Tuition and 
Fees $5,470 $4,060 $3,691 $2,154 $1,987 $3,131 
 
Out-of-State Tuition and 
Fees $20,466 $12,932 $12,620 $7,722 $7,204 $10,985 
 
As expected, tuition and fees account for a much larger percentage of costs: 50 percent for outof-state students in comparison with 22 percent for in-state students (see Figure 3). 
Figure 3 
USG Average Out-of-State, On-Campus Cost Distribution, AY 2007-2008 
 
On-Campus Other Expenses 
15% 
 
On-Campus Room and 
Board 30% 
 
Books and Supplies 
5% 
 
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees 
50% 
 
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 As Figure 4 shows, the distribution of costs for out-of-state, off-campus students is almost identical to that of out-of-state, on-campus students. 
Figure 4 
USG Average Out-of-State, Off-Campus Not Living with Family 
Cost Distribution, AY 2007-2008 
 
Off-Campus Other Expenses 
15% 
 
Off-Campus Room and 
Board 31% 
 
Books and Supplies 
5% 
 
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees 
49% 
 
Table 4 shows that for out-of-state students living on campus and attending a research university in 2007-08, average total costs were $32,166, a 10 percent increase over the previous year. The corresponding costs for the other sectors were: regional universities $24,982; state universities $23,674; state colleges $17,067; and two-year colleges $16,718. Institutions without on-campus housing did not report data in this category. Consequently, only one of nine two-year colleges and three of six state colleges reported these on-campus costs. 
 
Table 4. Out-of-State, On-Campus Average Cost of Attendance by Sector 
 
Sector Research Universities Regional Universities State Universities State Colleges Two-Year Colleges USG Average 
 
Academic Year 07-08 
$32,166 $24,982 $23,674 $17,067 $16,718 $23,736 
 
Academic Year 06-07 
$29,307 $22,205 $21,814 $15,155 $13,235 $21,562 
 
Difference $2,859 $2,777 $1,860 $1,912 $3,483 $2,174 
 
% Change 
9.8 12.5 8.5 12.6 26.3 10.1 
 
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 Table 5 shows the percent change for out-of-state, off-campus students between academic year 2006-07 and 2007-08. The sector with the largest change was regional universities with an 11.3 percent increase. 
 
Table 5. Out-of-State, Off-Campus Students, Not Living with Family, Average Cost of Attendance by Sector 
 
Sector Research Universities Regional Universities State Universities State Colleges Two-Year Colleges USG Average 
 
Academic Year 07-08 
$33,582 $23,814 $22,703 $17,836 $17,399 $22,012 
 
Academic Year 06-07 
$31,555 $21,394 $21,280 $16,697 $16,412 $19,743 
 
Difference $2,027 $2,420 $1,423 $1,139 $987 $2,269 
 
% Change 
6.4 11.3 
6.7 6.8 6.0 11.5 
 
Other On-Campus Costs 
 
The above analyses have included the aggregate costs of college attendance: tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other personal expenses. Tuition rates are set by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia according to residency status. All other college-related expenses set by the institutions are determined by choice, the availability of options, such as housing, and circumstances particular to an institution. 
 
Table 6 displays the reported costs of room and board and institutions' estimated costs of books and supplies. Books and supplies can differ by course and programs of study. For example, students studying science and engineering often experience higher prices for textbooks than students in the liberal arts. Research universities require the greatest spending on room and board and books and supplies with a total average of $9,132. The costs of the others sectors were regional universities at $8,025, state universities at $7,702, state college at $6,664, and twoyear colleges at $6,408. 
 
Table 6. On-Campus Room and Board and Books and Supplies Average Costs by Sector 
AY 2007-08 
 
Sector Research Universities Regional Universities State Universities State Colleges Two-Year Colleges USG Average 
 
Room and Board 
$7,685 $6,925 $6,613 $5,673 $5,400 $6,604 
 
Books and Supplies $1,447 $1,100 $1,089 
$991 $1,008 $1,082 
 
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 Other expenses, illustrated in Table 7, are estimated by the institution and can include transportation and entertainment. The majority of two-year institutions did not report a figure for on-campus costs because many do not have students who live on campus. 
 
Table 7. Other Expenses by Sector of Campus Residence, AY 2007-08 
 
Sector Research Universities Regional Universities State Universities State Colleges Two-Year Colleges USG Average 
 
On-Campus Other 
Expenses $2,569 $4,025 $3,392 $2,612 $3,204 $3,214 
 
Off-Campus Other 
Expenses $2,703 $2,800 $3,972 $3,247 $3,101 $3,437 
 
Additional details on the costs of college attendance at USG institutions are contained in the appendix. 
For additional information, contact Mr. Chris Ferland, Research Analyst  Lead 
Office of Research and Policy Analysis University System of Georgia 270 Washington St., SW Atlanta, GA 30334 Chris.Ferland@usg.edu 
 
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 Appendix 
 
Annual In-State, On-Campus Costs of College Attendance by Institution 
 
University System of Georgia, AY 2007-08 
 
On - 
 
In-State 
 
On-Campus Campus 
 
Tuition and Books and Room and Other 
 
Fees 
 
Supplies 
 
Board 
 
Expenses 
 
Total In-State Living on Campus 
 
Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia State University University of Georgia Research Universities Average 
 
$5,305 $5,484 $5,622 $5,470 
 
$2,500 $1,000 
$840 $1,447 
 
$7,328 $8,434 $7,292 $7,685 
 
$1,500 $3,906 $2,300 $2,569 
 
$16,633 $18,824 $16,054 $17,170 
 
Georgia Southern University Valdosta State University Regional Universities Average 
 
$4,082 $4,038 $4,060 
 
$1,200 $1,000 $1,100 
 
$6,860 $6,990 $6,925 
 
$2,800 $5,250 $4,025 
 
$14,942 $17,278 $16,110 
 
Albany State University Armstrong Atlantic State University Augusta State University Clayton State University Columbus State University Fort Valley State University Georgia College & State University Georgia Southwestern State University Kennesaw State University North Georgia College & State University Savannah State University Southern Polytechnic State University University of West Georgia State Universities Average 
 
$3,470 $3,424 $3,242 $3,582 $3,514 $3,558 $4,750 $3,546 $3,806 $3,810 $3,486 $3,872 $3,918 $3,691 
 
$892 $1,200 $1,000 $2,000 
$814 $900 $900 $1,200 $1,000 $750 $1,000 $1,500 $1,000 $1,089 
 
$5,796 $5,800 $9,600 
N/A $7,870 $7,260 $6,480 $5,524 $9,219 $5,042 $5,348 $5,780 $5,632 $6,613 
 
$3,254 $6,583 $3,180 
N/A $2,843 $1,700 $3,138 $5,430 $2,454 $2,646 $1,900 $3,900 $3,674 $3,392 
 
$13,412 $17,007 $17,022 
$15,041 $13,418 $15,268 $15,700 $16,479 $12,248 $11,734 $15,052 $14,224 $14,717 
 
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Dalton State College Gainesville College Gordon College Macon State College Middle Georgia College State Colleges Average 
 
$2,374 $1,952 $2,092 $2,152 $2,060 $2,296 $2,154 
 
$1,125 $1,200 $1,000 
$750 $1,071 
$800 $991 
 
$6,100 N/A N/A 
$6,150 N/A 
$4,770 $5,673 
 
$2,800 N/A N/A 
$4,236 N/A $800 
$2,612 
 
$12,399 N/A NA 
$13,288 N/A 
$8,666 $11,451 
 
Atlanta Metropolitan College Bainbridge College Coastal Georgia Community College Darton College East Georgia College Georgia Highlands College Georgia Perimeter College South Georgia College Waycross College Two-Year Colleges Average 
 
$2,010 $1,950 $1,750 $2,090 $1,922 $1,872 $2,234 $2,154 $1,904 $1,987 
 
$1,200 $650 
$1,105 $1,270 
$756 $750 $1,000 $720 $1,618 $1,008 
 
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A $5,400 N/A $5,400 
 
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A $3,204 N/A $3,204 
 
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A $11,478 N/A $11,478 
 
SYSTEM TOTALS 
 
$3,131 
 
$1,082 
 
$6,604 
 
$3,214 
 
$14,579 
 
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 Annual In-State, Off Campus Not Living with Family Costs of College Attendance by Institution University System of Georgia, AY 2007-08 
 
Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia State University University of Georgia Research Universities Average 
Georgia Southern University Valdosta State University Regional Universities Average 
Albany State University Armstrong Atlantic State University Augusta State University Clayton State University Columbus State University Fort Valley State University Georgia College & State University Georgia Southwestern State University Kennesaw State University North Georgia College & State University Savannah State University Southern Polytechnic State University University of West Georgia State Universities Average 
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Dalton State College Gainesville College Gordon College Macon State College Middle Georgia College State Colleges Average 
Atlanta Metropolitan College Bainbridge College Coastal Georgia Community College Darton College East Georgia College Georgia Highlands College Georgia Perimeter College South Georgia College Waycross College Two-Year Colleges Average 
SYSTEM TOTALS 
 
In-State Tuition and 
Fees 
$5,305 $5,484 $5,622 $5,470 
$4,082 $4,038 $4,060 
$3,470 $3,424 $3,242 $3,582 $3,514 $3,558 $4,750 $3,546 $3,806 $3,810 $3,486 $3,872 $3,918 $3,691 
$2,374 $1,952 $2,092 $2,152 $2,060 $2,296 $2,154 
$2,010 $1,950 $1,750 $2,090 $1,922 $1,872 $2,234 $2,154 $1,904 $1,987 
$3,131 
 
Books and Supplies 
$2,500 $1,000 
$840 $1,447 
$1,200 $1,000 $1,100 
$892 $1,200 $1,000 $2,000 
$814 $900 $900 $1,200 $1,000 $750 $1,000 $1,500 $1,000 $1,089 
$1,125 $1,200 $1,000 
$750 $1,071 
$800 $991 
$1,200 $650 
$1,105 $1,270 
$756 $750 $1,000 $720 $1,618 $1,008 
$1,082 
 
Off-Campus Room and 
Board 
 
OffCampus 
Other Expenses 
 
$6,600 $10,986 
N/A $8,793 
 
$1,500 $3,906 
N/A $2,703 
 
$6,860 N/A 
$6,860 
 
$2,800 N/A 
$2,800 
 
$11,730 $7,266 $8,490 $7,899 $3,600 
N/A $5,524 $9,219 $8,686 $7,727 $6,492 $7,152 $7,617 
N/A $7,000 $10,000 $3,450 $3,451 
N/A $5,975 
$9,283 $5,426 $7,200 $6,562 $4,933 $5,000 $4,000 $5,400 $6,976 $6,087 
$6,923 
 
$7,728 $3,180 $3,000 $3,463 $3,420 
N/A $5,430 $3,444 $4,554 $1,900 $3,900 $3,674 $3,972 
N/A $1,600 $2,500 $3,836 $5,052 
N/A $3,247 
$2,157 $2,660 $3,400 $1,306 $4,320 $5,250 $2,800 $3,204 $2,810 $3,101 
$3,437 
 
Total In-State Living off Campus 
$15,905 $21,376 
N/A $18,641 
$14,942 N/A 
$14,942 
$24,082 $14,688 $17,072 $15,690 $11,478 
N/A $15,700 $17,469 $17,800 $14,113 $15,764 $15,744 $16,327 
$11,752 $15,592 $10,188 $11,634 
N/A $12,292 
$14,650 $10,686 $13,455 $11,228 $11,931 $12,872 $10,034 $11,478 $13,308 $12,182 
$14,468 
 
April 2009 Page 9 of 11 
 
 Annual Out-of-State, On-Campus Costs of College Attendance by Institution University System of Georgia, AY 2007-08 
 
Out-of-State Tuition and 
Fees 
 
Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia State University University of Georgia Research Universities Average 
 
$21,699 $18,972 $20,726 $20,466 
 
Georgia Southern University Valdosta State University Regional Universities Average 
 
$12,954 $12,910 $12,932 
 
Albany State University Armstrong Atlantic State University Augusta State University Clayton State University Columbus State University Fort Valley State University Georgia College & State University Georgia Southwestern State University Kennesaw State University North Georgia College & State University Savannah State University Southern Polytechnic State University University of West Georgia State Universities Average 
 
$12,074 $12,028 $11,359 $12,186 $12,118 $12,162 $16,424 $12,150 $12,678 $12,414 $12,090 $13,590 $12,790 $12,620 
 
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Dalton State College Gainesville College Gordon College Macon State College Middle Georgia College State Colleges Average 
 
$7,990 $7,280 $7,708 $7,768 $7,676 $7,912 $7,722 
 
Atlanta Metropolitan College Bainbridge College Coastal Georgia Community College Darton College East Georgia College Georgia Highlands College Georgia Perimeter College South Georgia College Waycross College Two-Year Colleges Average 
 
$7,250 $7,200 $6,990 $7,330 $7,162 $6,888 $7,474 $7,394 $7,144 $7,204 
 
SYSTEM TOTALS 
 
$10,985 
 
Books and Supplies 
$2,500 $1,000 
$840 $1,447 
$1,200 $1,000 $1,100 
$892 $1,200 $1,000 $2,000 
$814 $900 $900 $1,200 $1,000 $750 $1,000 $1,500 $1,000 $1,089 
$1,125 $1,200 $1,000 
$750 $1,071 
$800 $991 
$1,200 $650 
$1,105 $1,270 
$756 $750 $1,000 $720 $1,618 $1,008 
$1,082 
 
On-Campus Room and 
Board 
 
OnCampus 
Other Expenses 
 
$7,328 $8,434 $7,292 $7,685 
 
$1,500 $3,906 $2,300 $2,569 
 
$6,860 $6,990 $6,925 
 
$2,800 $5,250 $4,025 
 
$5,796 $5,800 $9,600 N/A $7,870 $7,260 $6,480 $5,524 $9,219 $5,042 $5,348 $5,780 $5,632 $6,613 
 
$3,254 $6,583 $3,180 
N/A $2,843 $1,700 $3,138 $5,430 $2,454 $2,646 $1,900 $3,900 $3,674 $3,392 
 
$6,100 N/A N/A 
$6,150 N/A 
$4,770 $5,673 
 
$2,800 N/A N/A 
$4,236 N/A $800 
$2,612 
 
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A $5,400 N/A $5,400 
 
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A $3,204 N/A $3,204 
 
$6,604 
 
$3,214 
 
Total Out-ofState 
Living on Campus 
$33,027 $32,312 $31,158 $32,166 
$23,814 $26,150 $24,982 
$22,016 $25,611 $25,139 
N/A $23,645 $22,022 $26,942 $24,304 $25,351 $20,852 $20,338 $24,770 $23,096 $23,674 
$18,015 N/A N/A 
$18,904 N/A 
$14,282 $17,067 
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A $16,718 N/A $16,718 
$23,736 
 
April 2009 Page 10 of 11 
 
 Annual Out-of-State, Off-Campus Not Living with Family Costs of College Attendance by Institution University System of Georgia, AY 2007-08 
 
Out-of-State Tuition and 
Fees 
 
Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia State University University of Georgia Research Universities Average 
 
$21,699 $18,972 $20,726 $20,466 
 
Georgia Southern University Valdosta State University Regional Universities Average 
 
$12,954 $12,910 $12,932 
 
Albany State University Armstrong Atlantic State University Augusta State University Clayton State University Columbus State University Fort Valley State University Georgia College & State University Georgia Southwestern State University Kennesaw State University North Georgia College & State University Savannah State University Southern Polytechnic State University University of West Georgia State Universities Average 
 
$12,074 $12,028 $11,359 $12,186 $12,118 $12,162 $16,424 $12,150 $12,678 $12,414 $12,090 $13,590 $12,790 $12,620 
 
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Dalton State College Gainesville College Gordon College Macon State College Middle Georgia College State Colleges Average 
 
$7,990 $7,280 $7,708 $7,768 $7,676 $7,912 $7,722 
 
Atlanta Metropolitan College Bainbridge College Coastal Georgia Community College Darton College East Georgia College Georgia Highlands College Georgia Perimeter College South Georgia College Waycross College Two-Year Colleges Average 
 
$7,250 $7,200 $6,990 $7,330 $7,162 $6,888 $7,474 $7,394 $7,144 $7,204 
 
SYSTEM TOTALS 
 
$10,985 
 
Books and Supplies 
 
Off-Campus Room and 
Board 
 
OffCampus 
Other Expenses 
 
$2,500 $1,000 
$840 $1,447 
 
$6,600 $10,986 
N/A $8,793 
 
$1,500 $3,906 
N/A $2,703 
 
$1,200 $1,000 $1,100 
 
$6,860 N/A $6,860 
 
$2,800 N/A 
$2,800 
 
$892 $1,200 $1,000 $2,000 
$814 $900 $900 $1,200 $1,000 $750 $1,000 $1,500 $1,000 $1,089 
 
N/A $11,730 $7,266 $8,490 $7,899 $3,600 
N/A $5,524 $9,219 $8,686 $7,727 $6,492 $7,152 $7,617 
 
N/A $7,728 $3,180 $3,000 $3,463 $3,420 
N/A $5,430 $3,444 $4,554 $1,900 $3,900 $3,674 $3,972 
 
$1,125 $1,200 $1,000 
$750 $1,071 
$800 $991 
 
N/A $7,000 $10,000 $3,450 $3,451 
N/A $5,975 
 
N/A $1,600 $2,500 $3,836 $5,052 
N/A $3,247 
 
$1,200 $650 
$1,105 $1,270 
$756 $750 $1,000 $720 $1,618 $1,008 
 
$9,283 $5,426 $7,200 $6,562 $4,933 $5,000 $4,000 $5,400 $6,976 $6,087 
 
$2,157 $2,660 $3,400 $1,306 $4,320 $5,250 $2,800 $3,204 $2,810 $3,101 
 
$1,082 
 
$6,923 
 
$3,437 
 
Total Out-ofState 
Living on Campus 
$32,299 $34,864 
N/A $33,582 
$23,814 N/A 
$23,814 
N/A $32,686 $22,805 $25,676 $24,294 $20,082 
N/A $24,304 $26,341 $26,404 $22,717 $25,482 $24,616 $22,703 
N/A $17,080 $21,208 $15,804 $17,250 
N/A $17,836 
$19,890 $15,936 $18,695 $16,468 $17,171 $17,888 $15,274 $16,718 $18,548 $17,399 
$22,012 
 
April 2009 Page 11 of 11