Isn't some television educationl? what is the author's purpose in asking this question

It could be. Depending on what you are watching. The author of whatever you are reading most likely would ask that because they were probably arguing about if tv is good or not.

the cost of attendance or coa is an approximate budget for the cost of attendance of the whole academic year. in order to calculate this, universities take into consideration many factors like room and board, tuitions and fees, books, transportation and personal expenses such as medicine, laundry, clothing. all these factors combined make up the final sum to the cost of attendance in each university.