Understanding CUNY International Student Tuition Fees and Costs
For international students aspiring to pursue higher education in New York City, the City University of New York (CUNY) system offers a diverse range of academic programs and a supportive environment. Navigating the financial aspects of studying abroad is crucial, and this article provides a comprehensive overview of CUNY's tuition fees, associated costs, and relevant policies for international students.
Tuition Structure for International Students
CUNY's tuition fees vary based on several factors, including residency status, degree level (undergraduate or graduate), and the number of credits taken per semester.
Undergraduate Tuition
Tuition per semester for full-time and part-time students:
- Residents of New York City:
- Matriculated Students: \$2,400/semester
- Non-matriculated Students: \$265/credit
- Non-Residents of New York City:
- Residents of New York State with B-81 form on file: \$210/credit
- Residents of New York State without B-81 form on file: \$265/credit
- Out-of-State Residents
- International Students
- Full-Time Status: To be considered a full-time student, international students must register and complete a minimum of 12 credits each semester. Students dropping below 12 credits may lose their immigration status.
Graduate Tuition
Tuition rates for doctoral students (and nonmatriculated students):
- Level I:
- New York State Residents (full-time, 7 or more credits/WIUs): \$4,965 per semester
- Out-of-State Residents and International Students (per credit/WIU): \$965 per semester
- Level II:
- New York State Residents (full-time only): \$3,110 per semester
- Out-of-State Residents and International Students (full-time only): \$6,910 per semester
- Level III:
- New York State Residents (full-time only): \$1,235 per semester
- Out-of-State Residents and International Students (full-time only): \$2,450 per semester
Tuition rates for master’s students (applicable to all students admitted before Fall 2018 and students in specific programs):
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- New York State Residents:
- 12 or more credits: \$5,545 per semester
- Fewer than 12 credits: \$470 per credit/WIU
- Maintenance of matriculation: \$225
- Out-of-State Residents and International Students:
- \$855 per credit/WIU
- Maintenance of matriculation: \$370
Tuition rates for master’s students (applicable to all students admitted Fall 2018 or later in specific programs):
- New York State Residents:
- 12 or more credits: \$5,545 + \$100/credit (excellence fee)
- Fewer than 12 credits: \$470 per credit/WIU + \$100/credit (excellence fee)
- Maintenance of matriculation: \$225
- Out-of-State Residents and International Students:
- \$855 per credit/WIU + \$100/credit (excellence fee)
- Maintenance of matriculation: \$370
Additional Notes on Tuition
- All tuition charges and fees are subject to change by action of the Board of Trustees of The City University of New York without prior notice.
- Full payment of tuition and fees is due by the first day of classes.
- A reprocessing fee of \$20 will be assessed if a check is not honored by the bank.
- If students do not make full payment on their tuition and fees, their account may be sent to a collection agency, and they will be responsible for all collection costs.
Mandatory Fees
In addition to tuition, international students are required to pay certain mandatory fees:
- Consolidated Services Fee: \$15.00 per semester (all students)
- Student Activities Fees:
- Full-time Students: \$44.45 (Includes \$1.45 University Senate fee)
- Part-time Students: \$22.45
- Technology Fee:
- Full-time: \$125.00 per semester
- Part-time: \$62.50 per semester
Other Fees
Several other fees may apply depending on the student's situation:
- Application for Admission:
- New Students: \$65.00
- Transfer Students: \$70.00
- Non-degree Students: \$65.00
- Application for Readmission: \$20.00
- Late Registration fee: \$25.00
- Change of Program fee: \$18.00 (adding or changing sections of a course)
- CUNY Card replacement fee: \$10.00
- Transcripts: \$7.00
- Senior Citizens-semester charge (no tuition): \$65.00
- Late Payment: \$15.00
- Payment Reprocessing (bad checks): \$20.00
- Special Examinations: \$25.00 (each additional exam \$5.00)
- Duplicate Diploma: \$30.00
Estimated Total Costs
Beyond tuition and fees, international students should also budget for living expenses. CUNY estimates the total cost for one year (including tuition, fees, and living expenses) to be approximately:
- Undergraduates: \$51,942
- Graduate Students: \$52,242
These figures cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for one year. The total cost at CUNY--City College is \$33,688 for in-state students and \$45,358 for out-of-state students. These figures include both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price. Fees differ by institution and may fund library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources and campus health centers.
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Cost of Attendance Breakdown
The costs of pursuing full-time doctoral study are not, of course, restricted to the tuition and fee charges alone. An expense budget for the academic year, September-May, drawn from government data in accordance with both federal and University regulations, appears below.
- Books and Supplies - Academic Year \$1,179
- Housing (including rent/utilities) - Academic Year \$14,850
- Food - Academic Year \$3,000
- Transportation - Academic Year \$986
- Personal - Academic Year \$5,031
Payment Options
CUNY offers various payment methods for tuition and fees:
- Cash, check, or money order: Checks and money orders should be made payable to “BMCC”.
- Online payments: May be made with e-check. Credit cards are not accepted directly by CUNY.
- Tuition Pay Plan: CUNY offers a tuition payment plan to manage payments over time. An enrollment fee is charged by the vendor.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
International students holding the F/J visa type are generally not eligible for Federal or NY State financial aid. However, they may explore private scholarships and funding opportunities specifically for international students.
Important Considerations for International Students
Visa Requirements
To study at CUNY, international students must obtain either an F-1 Student Visa or a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa. After being accepted to a CUNY College, students will receive the necessary documents from their College’s DSO (Designated School Official).
Maintaining Immigration Status
Maintaining lawful immigration status is crucial for international students. This includes:
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- Enrolling in the required minimum number of credits (12 for undergraduates, 9 for graduates). Students dropping below 12 credits may lose their immigration status.
- Complying with all regulations related to their visa status.
- Reporting to the College within 3-4 days of arrival.
Health Insurance
US health insurance is a mandatory requirement for J1 students and their J2 dependents. Since health care in the US is very expensive, it is highly recommended that F1 and F2 students obtain medical insurance as well.
Federal regulations governing J-1 status require all J-1 students and their dependents to carry health insurance throughout their duration of status in the United States. Sponsors must require that all exchange visitors have insurance in effect that covers the exchange visitors for sickness or accidents during the period of time that they participate in the sponsor’s exchange visitor program.
New York State Residency
To qualify for the New York City tuition rate, you must have completed one year of residency in New York City prior to the first day of classes.
Tuition Refund Policy
Students who find it necessary to drop classes must do so by the deadline dates. Failure to attend class, giving notice to an instructor or stopping payment on a check is not considered an official withdrawal.
For the Fall and Spring semesters, tuition refunds will be made in accordance with the following schedule:
- Drop prior to the first day of class: 100% refund
- Drop during the first calendar week of classes: 75% refund
- Drop during the second calendar week of classes: 50% refund
- Drop during the third calendar week of classes: 25% refund
- Drop after the third calendar week of classes: No refund
Student activities fees, consolidated services fees and technology fees are not refundable.
CUNY Resources for International Students
CUNY is home to approximately 8,000+ international students in F and J immigration status, representing more than 100 countries. CUNY values its diversified student population and is committed to helping international students adjust to new cultural and academic practices in a supportive environment.
- CUNY Office of International Student and Scholar Services: Provides services and programs that facilitate the transition, integration, and retention of international students and scholars.
- Campus Responsible Officers (RO) and Alternate Responsible Officers (ARO): Assist international scholars and their dependents with obtaining and maintaining J-1 Visa and Immigration Status.
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