Understanding Plymouth State University Tuition and Costs

For students considering higher education, understanding the costs associated with attending a university is crucial. Plymouth State University (PSU) in New Hampshire offers a variety of programs and services, and this article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with attending PSU.

Tuition and Fees: An Overview

The University System of New Hampshire Board of Trustees sets tuition and fee rates for the upcoming academic year in June of each year. It is important to note that rare circumstances could force the University to adjust charges during the academic year.

Tuition Rates

Plymouth State University's tuition varies depending on the student's residency status. For the academic year, the tuition is $14,626 for in-state students and $25,566 for out-of-state students. Compared with the national average cost of in-state tuition of $12,201, Plymouth State University is more expensive. For students coming from out of state, the tuition is cheaper than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition of $29,084.

The undergraduate full-time tuition rate covers 12-18 credits per term (Fall and Spring, excluding early Spring). Each credit over 18 will be billed at the standard per credit rate (the same rate charged to part-time students). Each credit over 18 will be charged $510 per credit for NH Residents, and $975 per credit for Out-of-State students.

Mandatory Fees

In addition to tuition, students are required to pay mandatory fees. Mandatory fees provide funds for services and facilities such as the student center, the physical education complex, student health services, and student activities and organizations. These fees also fund technical equipment such as computer clusters, language labs, and art facilities. These fees are not charged based on the extent of students’ usage, and all students are required to pay mandatory fees.

Special Course Fees

Some courses are assessed special fees to help cover additional costs above the standard classroom instruction expenses. These courses are typically related to performance studies, lab courses, practicums and internships, adventure education courses, art studio courses, and field study courses.

Estimated Direct Bill Costs for 2025-2026

Here's a breakdown of the estimated direct bill costs for the 2025-2026 academic year:

NH Resident:
- Tuition & Mandatory Fees (Full-time): $15,068
- Room & Meals: $13,342
- Total Billed Costs: $28,410
Out-of-State Resident:
- Tuition & Mandatory Fees (Full-time): $26,218
- Room & Meals: $13,342
- Total Billed Costs: $39,560
Commuter NH Resident:
- Tuition & Mandatory Fees (Full-time): $15,068
- Total Billed Costs: $15,068
NE Regional Program:
- Tuition & Mandatory Fees (Full-time): $23,218
- Room & Meals: $13,342
- Total Billed Costs: $36,560

Payment Information and Policies

Tuition Bill Account

Each student enrolled at Plymouth State University is assigned a tuition bill account in their name. The student is responsible for all the charges and payments that occur on this account. By enrolling in classes at Plymouth State University, students accept full responsibility for their tuition bill account, regardless of who is helping to pay the bill, and they agree to pay all charges incurred by their stated due dates.

In order to maintain compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), online access to the tuition bill account is restricted to the student only, unless access has been granted through myPlymouth for Families. Since many students rely on the help of their parent(s)/guardian(s) to pay their bill, it is important for students and parent(s)/guardian(s) to form an active partnership. In order to assist our students and facilitate this partnership, students may give family members access to their enrollment and billing information through myPlymouth for Families.

Billing Schedule and Late Fees

Before each fall and spring semester, registered students are billed for tuition and fees according to the following schedule. Tuition bills can be accessed online via the myPlymouth portal. Although tuition and mandatory fees are assessed and listed only for students who are registered, the University expects all returning students to pay their bill by the due date. Students who fail to pay their bill by the due date will be assessed a monthly 1.5 percent interest late fee and will have a financial hold placed on their account that blocks registration services and online access to course grades.

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Payment Options

Plymouth State University offers multiple payment options to accommodate students' diverse needs:

Online E-Check Payments: Students can pay their bill online by clicking the Pay Now button located on their online bill. Students can also set up authorized payers for their account through the Family Access channel on myPlymouth.
Credit or Debit Card Payments: Credit and debit card payments can be made online by clicking the Pay Now button located on the online bill.
Check: Payment may be made with a personal check, cashier’s check, or money order. Include the student ID number on the payment to ensure that it is accurately posted to the student’s account. If students fail to provide their student ID number, a University staff member will write it on the payment for the student.

External Scholarships and Awards

If students have received an external scholarship/award, they must submit a copy of their award letter to the Student Financial Services Office. When sending their award letter, the following information must be included: student ID number, award amount to be paid and for which semester(s), and the awarding organization’s name and address. In order for the award to be considered as an authorized payment on the tuition bill account, the award must not be contingent upon grades, grade point average, or any other criteria prior to it being paid to PSU. If contingencies on the award exist, it cannot count as an anticipated payment toward the student’s bill and the student will need to pay this award amount through some other means.

Purchase Orders and Government Authorizations

If the student’s tuition is to be paid by an employer, a government agency, or any such third-party company, the student must submit a letter of authorization or a purchase order to the Student Financial Services Office from their third-party payer. In order for this type of payment agreement to be considered an authorized payment on the tuition bill account, payment must not be contingent upon grades, grade point average, or any other criteria. Students must make sure their third-party authorization/purchase order (PO) includes their name, their student ID number, the maximum billing amount, and the third-party company’s name and address. If students fail to include any of this information, their authorization/PO will not be accepted, and they will be required to pay their bill out-of-pocket. If all the necessary information is provided, the Student Financial Services Office will invoice the third-party company for the authorized amount.

Miscellaneous Charges

Tuition and fees for undergraduate courses are to be paid by the due date of the term or at the time of course registration. Miscellaneous charges (e.g., library overdue fees, parking citation fees) are to be paid within 30 days from the date on which they were billed. If they are not paid in 30 days, a financial hold is placed on the account and the student will not be allowed to register for courses until the amount has been paid in full. This hold also prohibits students from receiving official transcripts, certification awards and statements, and degree conferral. Financial balances that are outstanding for more than 30 days will be assessed a 1.5 percent interest late fee until they are paid in full.

Refunds

Refunds of tuition, mandatory fees, and course fees will be made according to the applicable schedule below. Need to buy books? Students may request a Panther Bucks purchase from their tuition bill credit balance for use at the PSU Bookstore. All refunds must be requested through the online bill by completing the Direct Deposit Authorization and Refund Request Form. A Refund Request button will appear on the online bill if the student is eligible for a refund. If the student does not have a button, the student’s over payment is the result of pending activity, anticipated payments, or a PLUS loan. For information on direct deposit and when funds will be transmitted to the student’s bank, please check the Student Financial Services Office web page under Refunds.

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Financial Aid

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA. Students must be matriculated (degree-seeking) and taking at least six credits to be eligible for financial aid for the term.

Students Receiving Financial Aid63%. Freshmen With Need and Received Financial Aid100%.

Financial Aid Dates

Application Due Mar 1 The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork.
Priority Application Due Mar 1 Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date.
Notification Date Not available When students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering.
Response Due May 1 The deadline for students to respond to the college’s aid offer.

Average Aid Package

Average Aid Packages Awarded$13,719. Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award Scholarships and grants don’t need to be paid back.$11,254. Need-Based Loan Amount Loans must be paid back.$3,415.

Withdrawal and Financial Aid

If a student withdraws before completing 60 percent of the semester and has received any federal Title IV financial aid (Federal Direct Loan, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Direct PLUS, Federal Pell Grant, or Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant), a portion of the awarded federal aid must be returned. The determination of the amount to be returned is calculated by the Financial Aid Office within 30 days from the date of notification of the withdrawal.

Payment Plan

Through a third-party vendor, the Student Financial Services Office offers an interest-free payment plan. The only cost for using this plan is a $50 per term enrollment fee. Note: Payment plan contracts may need to be set up initially based on estimated costs and then be adjusted in early July and November when tuition bills are available online. These contracts will “memo” on the online bill as “anticipated.” PSU will share the student’s account balance only with the payment plan vendor. This information will be used to notify the payer if the plan balance is not sufficient to cover the billed balance for the term.

Financial Aid for Graduate Students

Financial Aid. Students must be matriculated (degree-seeking) and taking at least six credits to be eligible for financial aid for the term. Payment Plan. Through a third-party vendor, the Student Financial Services Office offers an interest-free payment plan. The only cost for using this plan is a $50 per term enrollment fee. Note: Payment plan contracts may need to be set up initially based on estimated costs and then be adjusted in early July and November when tuition bills are available online. These contracts will “memo” on the online bill as “anticipated.” PSU will share the student’s account balance only with the payment plan vendor. This information will be used to notify the payer if the plan balance is not sufficient to cover the billed balance for the term.

Veteran's Benefits

Pursuant to Section 702 of the Veteran's Choice Act of 2014, students using Ch. 30 Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (MGIB-AD), Ch. 31 Vocational Readiness and Employment (VR&E), or Ch. 33 Post 9/11 of the GI Bill® (including dependents utilizing transferred Ch. 33 benefits) are eligible for the in-state tuition rate while living in New Hampshire, regardless of length of residency. Out-of-state students using Ch. 35 Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) of the GI Bill® will receive the in-state rate while utilizing those benefits pursuant to the Colonel John M. Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA).

Additional Costs to Consider

Room and Board

Room and board expenses should also be factored into the overall cost of attending Plymouth State University. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the estimated cost for room and meals is $13,342. PSU offers a wide range of housing and meal plan options. For housing information, see our Residential Life pages to view pictures, learn about each residence hall, and get rates on specific dorms. The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows: (amount for on-campus room, board and other expenses * # of students living on-campus. + amount for off-campus (with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus with family + amount for off-campus (not with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus not with family) divided by the total # of students. Students whose living arrangements are unknown are excluded from the calculation.

Books and Supplies

Students should also budget for books and supplies. The estimated cost for books and supplies is $1,410.

Other Expenses

In addition to tuition, fees, room and board, and books and supplies, students should also consider personal and transportation expenses. Personal Expenses $2,586 per year and Transportation $1,300 per year.

Total Cost of Attendance

As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost and the net price. The total cost is the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. At Plymouth State University, the total cost is $30,854 for in-state students and $41,794 for out-of-state students.

Affordability and Financial Aid

Average Net Price

Average net price for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates paying the in-state or in-district tuition rate who were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution. Other sources of grant aid are excluded. Aid awarded anytime during the full aid year is included. Average net price is generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state or local government, or institutional grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state), books and supplies and the weighted average room and board and other expenses. Average Net Price $20,280 per year.

Average Net Price by Household Income

Calculate your net costAverage Net Price By Family IncomeTuitionIn-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. $14,558Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. $25,498

Aid & Grants

Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Average Federal Grant Aid Per YearAverage Institution Grant Aid Per Year Students receiving state aidAverage State Grant Aid Per Year Students receiving federal aidAverage Federal Grant Aid Per YearTotal Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution. Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants

Student Loans

Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents. Average Loan Amount Per Year Students receiving federal loansAverage Federal Loans Per YearAverage Other Loans Per YearAverage Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans. Loan Default RateUS National: 7%Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.

Tuition Guarantee Plans

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

Student Perspectives on Value

What Students Are SayingThis school is definitely worth it, but it's not exactly cheap. If I didn't love it, I wouldn't be here.you def get your money's worth. Great classes and all kinds of support centers ranging from computer support to the Writing CenterChristopher from Meriden, CTThe Amount you pay for what Plymouth has to offer is great. Compared to some schools I would even say it is a deal to go to Plymouth.melissa from Manchester, NHThe five-stars is an in-state thing. Out of state, it'd probably be a star less. It costs about $20,000 a year, when you take books and other things into account; as colleges go, it's not as cheap as a community college, but it could be far worse. But for this, you get over twenty clubs, meals, plenty of FLEX-cash for use in vending machines and laundry (no messing with quarters!), computers everywhere you look, professors who go out of their way to help, and a beautiful area.Alaina from Claremont, NHA lot of people have had issues with trying to come up with the money to come here, it is expensive but not as expensive as other Universities in New Hampshire. Overall, I think the education you will be receiving is worth it but I don't agree with the meal plan. That's something I don't think is worth your money.

Other Important Information

Residency Reclassification

The residency status of undergraduate students is determined at the time of admission to Plymouth State University and may be changed only by applying for reclassification. Applications for reclassification for a fall semester are due no later than July 1. Applications for a spring semester are due no later than December 1.

FERPA and Student Privacy

Please note that the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) restricts the Student Financial Services Office from discussing a student’s bill without the student’s consent. FERPA authorization can be granted when the student gives access to myPlymouth for Families.

Registration for Graduate Courses

There are a variety of options available for students to register for a graduate course. Students are to register and pay for all courses, including independent studies, individual enrollments, practica, theses or master’s research projects, and internships prior to the beginning of studies. Students who have a financial hold on their account are not permitted to register for courses. Students who have not been admitted into a graduate degree program may take up to 12 graduate credits, but are not eligible for federal student aid until admitted into a degree program. Students who have an active myPlymouth account may register for courses online through the myPlymouth portal. Online registration is available during specific time frames leading up to the start of the classes. Registration forms outside of these time frames must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office for review.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistants are an important part of Plymouth State’s collaborative learning community. Graduate assistantships are available on a limited basis to highly qualified graduate students who have been fully accepted into a graduate program at Plymouth State. Applications for assistantships should be submitted to Academic Affairs by April 1 for the upcoming year. The application is available online. Students admitted to the post professional athletic training programs may be eligible for a limited number of athletic training graduate assistantships. MS programs in biology, applied meteorology, and environmental science and policy award a limited number of research assistantships that are grant funded. Students who are awarded a research grant assist faculty members with research that often informs and complements student thesis and professional work.

Breakdown of Mandatory Fees

At PSU mandatory fees provide funds for services and facilities such as the student center, the physical education complex, health services, and student activities and organizations. These fees also fund technical equipment such as computer clusters, language labs, and art facilities. These fees are not charged based on the extent of students’ usage, and all students are required to pay mandatory fees.

Student Activities: Supports student club activities as approved by Student Government as well as provides financial support for all-campus student activities such as the Outdoor Center, throughout the academic year.
Athletics: Supports Plymouth State University’s NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletic program.
Transportation: Funds transportation services to students in and around the University area.
Health Services: Provides acute care for Plymouth State University students.
Counseling Services: Provides a variety of emotional-health services designed to support the emotional, personal, social, and developmental needs of all Plymouth State University students.
Hartman Union Fee: Serves our university community as the center for student life and campus activity.
Recreation Fee: Gives students full use of the Recreation Center facilities (recreation courts, weight room, cardio room, jogging track, multipurpose rooms, racquetball court, swimming pool, locker rooms, e-sports, ice arena, All Well) and participation in intramural sports, group fitness classes, special events, informal recreation, and open swimming.
Technology Fee: Provides systems and services available to all students for this flat fee. Technology systems and services supported by the fee include such items as: HelpDesk Services Student Technicians - providers of IT support Technology-enhanced classrooms equipment Academic Technology Liaisons and Instructional Designer
Registration Fee: Supports the administration of class enrollments.

New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Regional Student Program

Plymouth State University participates in a regional cooperative program administered by the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE). The Regional Student Program enables residents of New England to attend an out-of-state public college or university within New England at reduced tuition for certain degree programs that are not available within their own state’s institutions.

BS Nursing Program Fee

Nursing students have a program fee of $550/semester as determined by the nursing program.

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