Northeastern State University: Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid
Northeastern State University (NSU) is committed to providing accessible and affordable education. Understanding the costs associated with attending NSU, including tuition, fees, and available financial aid options, is essential for prospective and current students. This article breaks down these costs and explores the various financial assistance programs available to help students finance their education.
Understanding the Costs: Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees represent the direct costs of attending Northeastern State University. These charges cover instruction, access to university resources, and student services.
Tuition Rates
Northeastern State University's tuition for the academic year is $8,868 for in-state students and $18,618 for out-of-state students. Compared to the national average cost of in-state tuition of $12,422, Northeastern State University is more affordable. Similarly, for out-of-state students, the tuition is cheaper than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition, which is $29,767.
Mandatory Fees
Mandatory fees are added to the block based on the number of credits enrolled times the amount to the right.These fees support various aspects of university life, including:
- Library services
- Student gym facilities
- Student centers
- Technology resources
- Campus health centers
Other Costs to Consider
Beyond tuition and fees, students should also budget for other expenses, including:
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- Books and Supplies: \$1,000 per year
- Personal Expenses: \$2,476 per year
- Transportation: \$604 per year
The total cost, including tuition, fees, and these additional expenses, amounts to $23,328 for in-state students and $32,782 for out-of-state students.
Payment Options
NSU offers several payment options:
- Cash
- Check
- Online payments (credit card and electronic check)
Residency Requirements
All students except bona fide residents of Oklahoma must pay a non-resident fee. The residence of a dependent student is that of their parents or guardian unless they can show reason why their residence should not be so defined. It is assumed that students know their correct resident status and that on their application and registration blanks they state truthfully the facts concerning it.
Additional Fees
*Beginning Fall 2025, a fee of $100 will be charged for each lab and studio course. This fee will appear as a separate line item on your student account and tuition bill. This fee is being introduced because laboratory and studio courses require specialized staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies that have significantly increased in cost.
Financial Aid Opportunities
Northeastern State University provides various financial aid options to help students manage the cost of their education. Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on a student's financial need, which is typically determined based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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Financial Aid Statistics
- Students Receiving Financial Aid: 68%
- Freshmen With Need and Received Financial Aid: 94%
- Average Aid Package Awarded: \$17,442
Types of Financial Aid
- Need-Based Scholarships and Grants: These awards do not need to be paid back. The average need-based scholarship or grant award is $9,312.
- Need-Based Loans: Loans must be paid back with interest. The average need-based loan amount is $8,672.
- Federal Work-Study Program: This program offers on-campus employment for students with financial need. Students can work up to 20 hours per week and are paid at least minimum wage.
- Institutional Employment: On-campus employment opportunities are also available, typically for 20 hours per week at minimum wage. Financial aid eligibility is not required for these positions.
Financial Aid Dates
- Priority Application Due: November 1 (Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration.)
- Notification Date: January 15 (Students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering.)
Steps to Apply for Financial Aid
- Apply for admission to NSU as a graduate student.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal and state aid.
- Explore scholarship opportunities through the NSU Scholarship Office, located in the CASE building.
- Consider student loans as a last resort for funding educational expenses. First-time student loan borrowers are required to participate in an online student loan counseling session and complete a master promissory note at www.studentaid.gov.
Graduate Student Financial Aid
NSU’s financial aid program for graduate students is designed to recognize excellence in academics and leadership, and also assists those who otherwise would be unable to attend the University. NSU participates in all traditional types of financial assistance available through the state and the federal government. Graduate students at NSU receive funds from a variety of sources to pay for their education, including scholarships, graduate assistantships, tuition waivers, part-time jobs and educational loans. This money comes from federal and state agencies, as well as private donors. Assistance from the federal student aid programs is based on the belief that students should make every effort possible to invest in their education. We are committed to working with students to make a graduate degree from NSU affordable.
Loan Options for Graduate Students
- Direct Grad Plus Loan: Money borrowed through the US Department of Education at a fixed interest rate. The student is responsible for the interest on this loan.
- Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan: Money borrowed through the US Department of Education at a fixed interest rate. The student is responsible for the interest on this loan.
Additional Financial Assistance Programs
- Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant: Provides grants for students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.
- State and Federal Tuition Assistance (TA) Programs: Benefits available to qualified students depending on particular criteria, including vocational rehabilitation, veterans’ benefits, and assistance from the Department of Human Services.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Federal regulations require that all recipients of student financial assistance make satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate. Students must also successfully complete and pass 67% of courses they attempt. Grades of A, B, C, D, F, P, S, W, AW, WP, WF, I N, NA, NP, X and U are all considered attempted hours. Only grades of A, B, C, D, S, and P are counted as successfully completed. Students must complete their degree program within an allotted time frame to remain eligible for financial aid. Student Financial Services recommends that students who have attempted 150 hours toward their first Bachelor’s degree log on to NSU’s Degree Audit Reporting System (Degree Works) to ensure they are taking the courses necessary to complete their degrees. For financial aid purposes grades of A, B, C, D, F, P, S, W, AW, WP, WF, I, N, NP, X, and U are all considered attempted hours.
A WARNING is given to students for one semester who do not meet both requirements I. and II. SUSPENSION will be required for any students who fail to meet both requirements I. and II.
A student with extenuating circumstances may appeal his/her financial aid suspension by submitting a written appeal to the Office of Student Financial Services. Appeals must explain in detail why the student failed to meet the minimum academic standards, what extenuating circumstances caused the failure, and how the situation has since improved. Examples of extenuating circumstances include illness, medical issues with immediate family members, or a death in the family. Personal or financial issues with family, friends, or roommates are not considered extenuating circumstances. The appeal should include supporting documentation to substantiate the request for reinstatement. The appeal and all supporting documentation will be reviewed by the financial aid committee, and be approved or denied.
Academic transcripts for all transfer students will be reviewed by the NSU Office of Admissions and coursework from all previously attended colleges will be posted to their NSU transcript. Transfer students with no grade history at NSU will be placed on financial aid probation their first semester of attendance if the transcript shows that the minimum requirements have not been met. Transfer students admitted on financial aid probation are eligible to receive financial assistance their first semester of attendance.
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Return of Title IV Funds
Any student receiving federal financial assistance who completely withdraws from or fails all classes at NSU will be subject to the Return of Title IV Funds refund policy required by federal regulation. Any student who does not begin attendance in all courses for which they are enrolled in may be subject to the Return of Title IV funds. This policy assumes a student earns his or her financial aid based on the period of time the student remains enrolled through the semester. If the amount of federal aid disbursed exceeds the amount of federal aid earned as of the date of withdrawal, either the university, the student, or both are required to return some portion of the federal aid received. Students who remain enrolled beyond the 60% date of all modules for which they are enrolled during a semester are considered to have earned 100% of the financial aid received. Student Financial Services will calculate the amount of any refund due according to the Return of Title IV Funds Formula outlined in federal regulations. Examples of this refund formula are available in Student Financial Services. Any refund amount calculated from this formula will be returned to the appropriate federal financial aid programs. Refunds for financial aid recipients are never given directly to the student.
Under this policy, the date of withdrawal is the date the student began the withdrawal process by contacting the NSU Office of the Registrar either in person or by phone to complete a Notice of Withdrawal form. If a student leaves NSU without contacting the registrar’s office to formally withdraw, the withdrawal date will be designated as the midpoint of the semester or the last date of attendance at a documented academically related activity.
Tuition Assistance Withdrawal Policy
When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of TA funds originally awarded. Students are encouraged to contact the appropriate government office for more information about these programs. If a student withdraws after the semester’s census date, NSU will return funds in accordance with the specific terms of the program. The Bursar’s office will calculate the amount of tuition assistance earned prior to the date of withdrawal. Any unearned TA funds must be returned to the appropriate program - Department of Defense (DOD) Military Departments, Vocational Rehabilitation, or Department of Human Services. The proportional calculation for return of TA funds is based on the tuition assistance received for the term and the withdrawal date. Number of days in the term is counted between the first day of instruction and the last day of finals, excluding spring break. Fully Earned Tuition Assistance: Return policies apply to students that withdraw on or before the 60% point of the term.
Procedures: NSU will track drops, withdrawals, and administrative withdrawals for students receiving Tuition Assistance. The procedure below is drawn from Veteran’s Services. Veteran’s Services provides the Bursar’s office with documentation of students enrolled in tuition assistance programs. This information includes ID, name, CRN, course prefix & number, course title, part-of-term, class start date, drop/withdraw date. If you do not begin attendance in all of the courses for which you have received financial aid, you may be obligated to repay all or a portion of your financial aid.
Additional Fees
College of Optometry Fee - Used in direct support of student learning within the College, to increase diverse, qualified applicants.
Graduate Education Enhancement Fee - This fee supports students in all graduate programs.
Additional Considerations
Tuition Guarantee Plans
Tuition at the time of first enrollment is guaranteed only to students making advance payments.
Unpaid Accounts
All tuition and fees are due by the first day of the regular semester. Unpaid accounts receivable are considered to be in violation of university regulations as set forth by the Board of Regents and therefore become disciplinary matters. A hold will be placed on university records and future enrollment until such violations are corrected. In addition, unpaid accounts may be assigned for collection. If an account is assigned, any collection costs, court costs, and/or attorney’s fees necessary to collect the amount owed will be added to the balance due.
Refunds
Refunds are calculated based on the day the official withdrawal is filed in the Registrar’s Office (in person, by fax, or by post mark date), not when the student stopped attending classes. If a credit balance occurs on the student’s Bursar account due to a refund of fees and/or other charges, the student may be issued a refund of that credit balance. Refunds from NSU are processed via direct deposit.
Center Memberships
Members of the NSU community may purchase a membership to the Center. Individual or family memberships are available for students, NSU faculty, staff and emeriti faculty and staff. Children of all members and guests must be accompanied by a parent unless the child is over 16 years old. Children must be 14 years old to use the handball/racquetball courts and weight room.
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