Tuition and Fees

This web page covers information related to program tuition and fees:

Program Costs

When participating in affiliated programs, you pay the costs of the study abroad program (not Northwestern University tuition) for the quarter(s) you are abroad. Please check your program's Web site or brochures for current cost information.

The exceptions to this are:
  • Northwestern University exchange programs
  • Northwestern programs such as European Union or Health Policy Studies.
The fees for these programs are set by Northwestern University.

Compare the cost of studying abroad to the cost of studying at Northwestern by downloading cost comparison charts (pdf).

If you have further questions, contact the appropriate department at your study abroad program. It is important to note that study abroad program costs vary widely and may be considerably more or less expensive than the cost of attendance at Northwestern University. Please check this information carefully and discuss it with your parent(s) or guardian(s).

Northwestern Study Abroad Administrative Fee (SAAF)

If you plan to receive Northwestern credit (unless you are studying abroad on Northwestern programs or Northwestern exchange programs) you must pay the SAAF. This fee is in addition to program charges and covers all services related to the administration of study abroad at Northwestern University. For students on non-Northwestern programs, this is the only portion of the study abroad fees that Northwestern keeps.

The Study Abroad Office uses SAAF to fund some of its work, including:
  • Evaluating potential programs for affiliation and monitoring currently affiliated programs.
  • Developing and implementing a variety of educational programs, including Study Abroad 101 Workshops, pre-departure events, and special events for students who have returned from study abroad. These programs provide students with the practical, educational, and emotional knowledge that will help them do a number of things, including:

    • Choose the study abroad program that best meets their needs.
    • Make the most of their time abroad.
    • Continue to learn from and utilize their study abroad experiences once they return.
  • Working closely with faculty and administrators throughout the campus to clarify and streamline study abroad materials and policies.
  • Producing informational materials on study abroad for students, faculty, and administrators.
  • Advising students on an individual basis, as often as the students would like.
  • Talking with parents/guardians about the study abroad process and related issues.
  • Registering students for generic study abroad courses while they are abroad and assisting them with registration for the quarter they will return to campus.
  • Maintaining contact as needed with all students abroad.
  • Facilitating the transfer of credit once students return to campus.
2010-2011 Study Abroad Administrative Fees:

Term or Program
 Cost
Full Year $3,775
1-2 Quarters (same program) $2,310
2 Quarters (different programs) $3,050
Summer 2010
 $765
NU and NU Exchange Programs:
  • Ecole Polytechnique Exchange
  • ETH-Zurich Exchange
  • Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Exchange
  • Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Exchange
  • Sciences Po Exchange
  • Université Louis Pasteur Exchange
  • NU European Union
  • NU Public Health in Europe
 No fee

Special Fees

In addition to regular tuition, housing and program fees, some study abroad program providers may charge additional fees, such as:
  • Special supplementary course fees: these fees are charges in addition to the regular program fee, academic fees and tuition, and are assessed to students for enrollment in certain courses or departments. For instance, some foreign universities may charge a supplemental course fee for courses taken in science, engineering, and other specialty areas involving laboratory, studio, or fieldwork.
  • Supplemental housing fees: these fees are a surcharge imposed for the following services:
    • Special housing arrangements: program providers may place students in a different type of housing (such as apartments or home-stays) if for some unforeseen circumstances, foreign university accommodations (such as dorms) are not available to study abroad students.
    • Housing with extra features: full-service facilities, telephone or computer links. This surcharge may also include student activity fees, mandatory board program fees, and miscellaneous charges such as housing application or registration fees.
    • Housing deposit: such deposits are usually refunded to the student after the program, less any damages, fines, or outstanding debts in the student's name.
    • Meal plans: some programs abroad may assign students to a residence hall with a mandatory meal plan.
Contact your program provider for billable estimated program costs. Because the Study Abroad Office cannot monitor or anticipate the type or amount of any of these special fees, it is imperative that you contact your study abroad program administrator to ascertain what fees, if any, will apply.

Please note that the special fees outlined above are not covered by your NU
Financial Aid. Your program provider will bill you directly for these fees.