Understanding the Cost of Education at the College of Southern Nevada (CSN)

Choosing the right college is a significant decision, and understanding the financial aspect is a crucial part of the process. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the tuition costs, fees, and financial aid options available at the College of Southern Nevada (CSN). It aims to provide prospective students, both in-state and out-of-state, as well as international students, with a clear picture of the expenses associated with attending CSN and the resources available to help manage those costs.

Tuition and Fees: A Detailed Breakdown

The cost of attending CSN is broken down into tuition and various fees. These costs differ based on residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state) and enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time).

Tuition Costs

In-State Tuition: For Nevada residents, the tuition is \$2,970 per year.
Out-of-State Tuition: For non-residents, the tuition is \$8,666 per year.

Compared to the national average cost of in-state tuition of \$12,436, CSN is a more affordable option for Nevada residents. Similarly, for out-of-state students, CSN's tuition is lower than the national average of \$29,815.

Fees

In addition to tuition, students are required to pay various fees, which contribute to the funding of essential campus services and resources.

Full-Time Non-Resident Fees: Non-resident students enrolled in 7 or more credits pay \$4,333.00 per semester in fees, in addition to registration fees, technology fees, and other applicable fees.
Part-Time Non-Resident Fees: Non-resident students enrolled in less than 7 credits pay fees based on course level:
- Lower Division (000-200 level courses): \$136.25 per credit
- Upper Division (300-400 level courses): \$223.25 per credit
Western Undergraduate Exchange Program (WUE) Fees: For students participating in the WUE program:
- Lower Division (000-200 level courses): \$61.88 per credit (in addition to registration fees, technology fees, and other applicable fees, WUE Application)
- Upper Division (300-400 level courses): \$101.50 per credit (in addition to registration fees, technology fees, and other applicable fees, WUE Application)
Non-Resident Online Fee: This fee is only available for non-resident students enrolled exclusively in distance education courses and reside outside of Nevada, in addition to resident tuition, technology fee, and other applicable fees.

It's important to note that all fees assessed by the college are subject to change as approved by the NSHE Board of Regents. Currently enrolled students can access their up-to-date account balance by logging into MyCSN.

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Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond tuition and fees, students should also budget for other expenses, such as:

Books and Supplies: The estimated cost for books and supplies is \$1,324 per year.
Personal Expenses:
Transportation:

When comparing the costs of different institutions, it's essential to consider the "total cost," which includes the sticker price (tuition and fees) plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. The "net price," which is the cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships, provides a more personalized estimate based on individual circumstances and financial aid policies. Using CSN's Net Price calculator can provide a more accurate estimate of your net price.

Financial Aid Opportunities

CSN offers various forms of financial aid to help students fund their education. Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs.

Types of Financial Aid

Grants: Grants are typically need-based and do not need to be repaid.
Loans: Loans must be repaid, usually with interest.
Scholarships: Scholarships are often merit-based or need-based and do not need to be repaid.
Work-Study Jobs: Work-study programs allow students to earn money to help pay for college expenses through part-time jobs.

Financial aid packages vary depending on a student's financial need, which is primarily determined based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Financial Aid Statistics

Average Aid Package: The average aid package awarded is \$4,547.
Average Net Price: The average net price, after considering financial aid, is \$7,685 per year.

Important Dates and Procedures

Students may pay for tuition and fees with a credit card through MyCSN. CSN accepts MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express, and Diners Club credit cards.
Students may pay for tuition and fees in person at the Cashier’s Office at any of the three main campuses during office hours if paying by cash, cashier check, money order, or personal check. Checks must be made payable to the NSHE Board of Regents.
A fee of \$25.00 will be assessed for any check returned unpaid by the bank. The prevailing bank rate is assessed for any check returned unpaid by the bank.
A stop payment placed on a check does not constitute an official withdrawal from courses. Official withdrawal must be made via MyCSN or in person through the Office of the Registrar.
A student who drops or withdraws from CSN courses may be entitled to a full or partial refund of tuition and course fees according to the schedule below, which is subject to change with the Board of Regent’s approval. See refund deadlines in the current College Calendar.

Special Considerations for International Students

International students have some additional requirements and considerations regarding tuition, fees, and health insurance.

Health Insurance

All international students on an F-1 visa are required to have health insurance coverage for the entire semester. The CSN Student Health Plan is a mandatory, affordable health insurance plan tailored to meet the health care needs of CSN international students. The plan must be equal to or better than the plan offered by Gallagher. Contact the International Center for information on how to apply for the waiver.

Admission to Health Science Programs

International students interested in Health Science Programs, such as dental hygiene, nursing, or radiology technician, will enroll in a general AS degree and take pre-requisite courses until they satisfy the health science admission requirements. International students must consult with a Health Science Program Advisor in their first semester to obtain detailed information about the program requirements.

Transferring Foreign Credits

To transfer foreign college or university credits to CSN, you must complete a two-step process:

Submit your transcripts for a course-by-course evaluation to a current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). grades and credits.
The NACES evaluator will send you an official report in a sealed envelope - do not open it! and international transcripts, the International Center will make a copy for our records and forward the documents to the CSN Registrar’s Office for an internal evaluation to determine which courses apply toward your major at CSN.

Processing time for evaluations can take 3 to 8 weeks, depending on volume. It is recommended to start this process as early as possible.

Tuition Guarantee Plans

Tuition at the time of first enrollment is guaranteed only to students making advance payment.

Read also: Comprehensive Look at UNLV

Payment Options

CSN offers several convenient payment options for tuition and fees:

Online Payment: Students can pay with a credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express, or Diners Club) through MyCSN.
In-Person Payment: Payments can be made at the Cashier’s Office at any of the three main campuses during office hours using cash, cashier's check, money order, or personal check. Checks should be made payable to the NSHE Board of Regents.

Refund Policy

Students who drop or withdraw from CSN courses may be entitled to a full or partial refund of tuition and course fees, according to the schedule outlined in the College Calendar. It's important to note that placing a stop payment on a check does not constitute an official withdrawal. Official withdrawal must be made via MyCSN or in person through the Office of the Registrar.

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