Understanding Southeastern University Tuition Costs and Financial Aid

Choosing a university is a significant decision, and understanding the costs associated with attending is a crucial part of the process. Southeastern University aims to provide a high-value education with personalized experiences, and this article breaks down the various aspects of tuition, fees, and financial aid options available to students.

Tuition and Fees: An Overview

Southeastern University's tuition positions it in the top 45% among comparable institutions, signaling a moderately high cost relative to other universities. The annual tuition and fees at Southeastern University average around $33,740. It's essential to understand what these costs entail and how they compare to other institutions.

Undergraduate Costs

For undergraduate students, the cost of attendance varies depending on whether they live on campus, with parents/relatives, or off-campus. These costs are subject to change without notice and are expected to increase annually. The Cost of Attendance is based on estimated figures and may not accurately reflect an individual student's costs. The combination of the direct and indirect costs will be used to determine financial aid.

Here's a breakdown of the estimated costs for undergraduate students based on their living situation:

Undergraduate Living on Campus

Tuition and Fees: \$8,372.00 (Resident), \$20,848.00 (Non-Resident)
Room and Board: \$9,430.00
Books and Supplies: \$1,300.00
Miscellaneous: \$2,190.00
Transportation: \$2,100.00
TOTAL: \$23,392.00 (Resident), \$35,868.00 (Non-Resident)

Undergraduate Living with Parents/Relative

Tuition and Fees: \$8,372.00 (Resident), \$20,848.00 (Non-Resident)
Room and Board: \$3,434.00
Books and Supplies: \$1,300.00
Miscellaneous: \$2,190.00
Transportation: \$3,000.00
TOTAL: \$18,296.00 (Resident), \$30,772.00 (Non-Resident)

Undergraduate Living Off Campus

Tuition and Fees: \$8,372.00 (Resident), \$20,848.00 (Non-Resident)
Room and Board: \$9,656.00
Books and Supplies: \$1,300.00
Miscellaneous: \$2,190.00
Transportation: \$3,000.00
TOTAL: \$24,518.00 (Resident), \$36,994.00 (Non-Resident)

Graduate Costs

Southeastern University offers a variety of master's degree programs with varying tuition rates per credit hour. Here's an overview of the costs for different programs, effective beginning fall 2024:

Read also: Understanding Southeastern GPA

Master of Arts in the Art of Design Management: \$525 per credit hour
Master of Arts in Human Services: \$495 per credit hour
Master of Arts in International Community Development: \$545 per credit hour
Master of Science in Professional Counseling: \$585 per credit hour
Master of Science in Pastoral Care & Counseling: \$495 per credit hour
Master of Social Work: \$575 per credit hour
Master of Business Administration: \$650 per credit hour
Enterprise MBA: \$650 per credit hour (plus a program fee of \$667 per semester)
Master of Science in Sport Management: \$550 per credit hour
Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration: \$500 per credit hour
Master of Arts in Leadership: \$545 per credit hour
Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership (resident or online): \$545 per credit hour
Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership (executive cohort): \$575 per credit hour
Master of Arts in Theological Studies: \$545 per credit hour
Master of Arts in Biblical Studies: \$545 per credit hour
Master of Arts in Family Ministry: \$545 per credit hour
Master of Divinity: \$545 per credit hour
MA Global Ministry Design: \$545 per credit hour
MA in International Family Ministry: \$545 per credit hour
Master of Science in Kinesiology: \$500 per credit hour
Master of Education in Educational Leadership: \$375 per credit hour
Master of Education in Elementary Education: \$375 per credit hour
Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education (ESE): \$375 per credit hour
Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education/Educational Therapy: \$375 per credit hour
Master of Education in Literacy Education: \$375 per credit hour
Master of Science in Nursing: \$525 per credit hour
Master of Science in Medical Sciences: \$675 per credit hour
Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration (launching spring 2025): \$500 per credit hour

It's important to note that these tuition prices do not include books, miscellaneous fees, or travel expenses (for programs which offer in-person residencies).

Additional Fees and Expenses

Beyond tuition, students should budget for additional expenses such as:

Books and Supplies: Estimated at \$1,600 per year, which is higher than average compared to similar institutions.
Personal Expenses: Estimated at \$6,000 per year.
Transportation: Estimated at \$1,800 per year.
Miscellaneous costs: These include things like medical expenses, clothing, haircuts, telephone, and other utilities, etc.
Additional course fees, program fees, and differential tuition: These may apply to high-cost programs.

Tuition Payment Plans

Fall fee payment deadline is Monday, January 12, 2026 at 5:00 pm.

Southeastern Online Programs

Southeastern Online offers a flat rate tuition for certain online programs of study. The flat rate tuition is \$375 per undergraduate credit hour for up to 12 hours and \$475 per graduate credit hour for up to 9 hours. After that, the tuition is \$100 per credit hour for each additional hour. The flat rate tuition is per semester.

Understanding the Cost of Attendance (COA)

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of school-related expenses a student can expect to have for the academic year or semester of enrollment. The COA is composed of categories such as: tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation, and some personal expenses. These components are determined by law and are designed to cover the educational-related expenses to the student. In addition, the cost of attendance will consider the residency status and living arrangements.

Cost Resources

The following links can provide more precise information regarding cost:

Tuition & Fees: Controller’s Office
Housing: Housing
Meal Plan: Dining Services
Books & Supplies: Textbook Rentals & Bookstore

The Cost of Attendance is based on full-time (12 credit hour enrollment) for 2 semesters. Beginning Spring 2020, an additional per-credit hour fee will be charged for 16 or more hours.

Financial Aid Options

Southeastern University is committed to making education affordable, and a multi-faceted program is in place to help students manage the cost of their degree. 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.

Types of Financial Aid

Grants: Financial aid that doesn't need to be repaid, often based on financial need.
Loans: Money borrowed that must be repaid with interest.
Scholarships: Awards based on academic merit, athletic ability, or other criteria, which do not need to be repaid.
Work-Study Jobs: Part-time jobs on campus that help students earn money to pay for expenses.

Financial Aid Statistics

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 71.53%
Freshmen With Need and Received Financial Aid: 74.51%
Average Aid Package Awarded: \$21,116
Average Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award: \$6,580
Average Need-Based Loan Amount: \$4,175
Non-Need-Based Aid: \$14,327

Key Financial Aid Dates

Financial Aid Application Due: June 30 (The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork.)

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants don’t need to be paid back. Need-based scholarships take a student’s financial status into account. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students for academic or athletic achievement. You might also qualify for a scholarship based on your community service involvement, unique hobbies or traits, your personal background, or a parent’s employer or military affiliation.

Some students receive enough in scholarship money to cover their tuition and living expenses.

Church-Matching Graduate Scholarship

This one-time scholarship will match a church’s contribution up to \$2,000, to be used toward its pastor’s master’s degree at SEU (for a total of no more than \$4,000). Must be a full-time licensed or ordained minister, and be accepted into and enrolled in a master’s degree program within the School of Divinity.

Tuition Guarantee Plans

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

Student Loan Debt

At Southeastern University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is \$21,500. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is \$228.

Additionally, 7% of graduating students at Southeastern University took out private loans. Students with private loans had an average of \$25,091 in private loan debt at graduation.

Average Total Indebtedness of 2024 Graduating Class: \$26,982
Graduating students who have borrowed (any loan type, 2024): 86%
Graduating students who have borrowed (private loans, 2024): 7%

Financial Aid Office

Financial Aid Office Phone Number

Work-Study and Employment Opportunities

At Southeastern University, students seeking to balance their education with employment have access to a variety of work-study options designed to help finance their college experience. Many positions available on campus include roles within administrative offices, libraries, and campus facilities, providing a range of job types suited to different interests and schedules. While the source does not specify work-study options explicitly for international students at Southeastern University, such students may often find eligibility for certain on-campus jobs.

Working while in school can help lessen the burden of your student loans. Schools offer work-study programs to those who qualify and campus jobs to students looking to earn money in their free time. Some institutions match students with work-study positions, while others require them apply to the positions, like they would for any other job.

Begin your job search by checking whether your college has in-person or online job boards.

Meal Plans

Southeastern University offers various meal plan options for both resident and commuter students.

Campus Resident Meal Plans

21-meals-per-week plan: \$2,710 per semester (includes \$200 in Fire Funds)
14-meals-per-week plan: \$2,590 per semester (includes \$250 in Fire Funds)
10-meals-per-week plan: \$2,410 per semester (includes \$275 in Fire Funds)

Required for all residential students

Commuter Meal Plans

25 meals total: \$525 per semester (includes \$250 in Fire Funds)
15 meals total: \$315 per semester (includes \$150 in Fire Funds)
10 meals total: \$240 per semester (includes \$125 in Fire Funds)

Optional; available to nonresident students only

Southeastern Fire Card

The Southeastern Fire Card (student ID card) has many functions, including:

Campus ID
Residence Hall Access
Portico Coffeehouse
Campus Dining
Bookstore
Laundry
Printing/Copying

You may add personal funds (Campus Cash) to your Fire Card’s general account at any time during the semester. Campus Cash added to the Fire Card may be used at all Southeastern University dining locations, Portîco Coffeehouse, the campus bookstore, and for purchasing copies/printing. These funds will carry over each semester and will remain on your Fire Card. Funds placed on your Fire Card will not be refunded or transferred to your student account until you graduate or officially withdraw from the university.

All meal plans include Fire Funds, which are funds placed on your card to be used in all campus dining locations, Portîco Coffeehouse, and the stadium concession stand. The Fire Funds indicated will be automatically added to your Fire Card the day after drop/add. Unused Fire Funds expire at the end of the semester.

Southeastern is not responsible for any unauthorized use of your Fire Card. Please report lost or stolen cards to the Campus Card Office immediately.

Refund Policy

Spring Semester 2026 Refund Policy

Tuition Reduction for Decrease in Hours: Students who decrease their course load by the end of the drop/add period (Monday, January 26) will receive a refund of fees previously paid. Students who drop all courses during the drop/add period will be charged a cancellation fee of \$250. Students who reduce their course load after the end of the drop/add period will receive NO refund for this reduction.
Tuition Reduction for Resignations: Students who RESIGN from the University will receive a reduction in fees according to the schedule below.

Note: In order to receive a 100% reduction of tuition and fees through January 19, 2026, students must drop to ZERO (0) hours. During the drop/add period (January 20-26), students may drop all classes and will be charged a cancellation fee of \$250. Beginning January 27, 2026, students must resign to receive a reduction.

The tuition and fees for students who receive Title IV federal financial aid will be reduced based on the above schedule. However, students may be required to repay the unearned portion of financial aid, based on the percentage of classes attended.

Refund Schedule

On or before: January 19, 2026: 100% (no fee)
Add/Drop Period: January 20 - 26, 2026: 100% (Minus Cancellation Fee of \$250)
Day after Add/Drop through the Fifteenth class day: January 27 - February 9, 2026: 50%
After Fifteenth class day: February 10, 2026: 0%

Net Price and Affordability

While the sticker price provides a baseline, the net price is a more accurate reflection of what students actually pay after factoring in grants and scholarships.

Average Net Price: \$27,935 per year

The net price is specific to each student based on their personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.

Comparing Costs

When comparing Southeastern University's combined tuition, fees, and room and board costs-approximately \$45,040 per year-to the average total annual costs in the United States, it is less expensive than private non-profit four-year colleges, which average \$54,501, but more costly than public two-year colleges and in-state public four-year universities, which average \$15,862 and \$25,707 respectively.

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