Understanding Costs
Study abroad is an investment in personal, academic, and professional growth and the Study Abroad Office is committed to helping NC State students identify and utilize available resources. Students typically pay for their programs with a combination of financial aid, scholarships, and personal funds. Early planning is key to ensuring that students can benefit from all available resources.
Low-Cost Programs
When reviewing programs, look at fixed costs and estimated costs listed on the budget sheet of the program page. Some programs include housing, meals, cultural activities, and excursions in the program cost (fixed expenses). Estimated costs are not included in program fees and may vary significantly. Some examples of estimated costs are airfare, passports, textbooks, personal expenses, and anything else not included in the fixed cost section.
Compare with On-Campus Costs
Compare study abroad expenses to the cost of attending NC State and living in Raleigh:
Costs of Attendance- Undergraduate
Costs of Attendance- Graduate
Keep in mind that the on-site cost of living will also affect your expenses abroad. Research the cost of living in various program locations and consider non-traditional locations that may offer cheaper options for everyday purchases, such as food.
In-state students should consider semester exchange programs, which carry the same tuition costs as NC State tuition. Out-of-state students are encouraged to research direct enroll options, which may cost less than spending the semester here at NC State.
Utilize Financial Resources
Students can utilize existing loans, grants, scholarships and other financial aid towards the cost of studying abroad! Students must work with the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, and courses must fulfill degree requirements. View Financial Aid information to learn more.
Apply for NC State study abroad scholarships first, before you apply for your program. NC State Study Abroad coordinates over $1 million in study abroad scholarships. Check deadlines to ensure your application can be considered!
Other external scholarships are also available for NC State students. For highly competitive awards, the Fellowships Advising Office can help students identify all applicable awards and even work with students in writing application essays.
Budgeting
This budget calculator (developed by NC State finance students) can help students stay on track with spending. Students interested in learning more about financial resources and budgeting are invited to attend the regular funding sessions, which are organized jointly by the Study Abroad Office and the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
Fees
Students should review the costs/financials tab on each program page to review the total cost of program attendance.
At NC State students pay a $75 Study Abroad Setup Fee prior to the deadline, and a separate Study Abroad Admin Fee upon commitment (within two weeks of acceptance). Read more about these fees and how they fund the services provided by the Study Abroad Office.