As you begin to plan for a study abroad experience, you will undoubtedly need to pay close attention to the cost. Many factors determine the cost associated with a study abroad program. Financial aid, such as TAP, Pell grants, and loans can often be used on Binghamton and other SUNY study abroad programs. Scholarships are also available. The summaries below should assist you in gathering the financial information you need and assessing what financial aid may be available to you.

The summaries below are designed to assist you in gathering the financial information necessary to evaluate budgetary issues for studying abroad.

Costs
The cost of studying abroad varies greatly from program to program and according to the destination. Cost information in brochures is often brief and may represent the expenses in the most favorable light. Upon request, most program sponsors will provide a detailed statement of program costs. If there is a “program fee”, it is important to understand what is and is not included. Factors that influence cost are discussed below.

Instructional costs: Within SUNY, a program sponsor may add instructional and administrative costs to the standard SUNY tuition. The additional charge is called a “tuition differential” and the amount varies greatly from program to program.

Cost of living: Student-style cost of living varies greatly according to the location. In general capital cities are noticeably more expensive than provincial cities. In many places the cost of living is greater than in the United States, in other destinations the cost of living is less, and that difference can offset some of the cost of international airfare.

International airfare: Obviously destination determines the price. New York to London is the least expensive. Locations in Asia, Australia, South America and Sub-Saharan Africa are among the most expensive. There are many good student discounts, and some programs obtain good rates for group flights.

Administrative fees: Campus administration of programs at most universities is usually not supported by the university budget. Administrative fees may be listed separately.

Totals: Be sure to add up all the individual costs. A program with low tuition in a high cost of living site may be more expensive than one with higher tuition located where the cost of living is cheaper.

Binghamton charges to students: Binghamton incurs costs in supporting study abroad for all students and, therefore, has a study abroad administration fee of $50 for each participant. This fee is incorporated in the program fee for Binghamton programs. All other students receive an invoice from OIP when they are admitted to a program.

Binghamton Financial Aid Policy
Students enrolled in a study abroad program administered by Binghamton University or another SUNY campus may generally use financial aid to pay for the costs associated with their participation. On a case-by-case basis, it may be possible to receive aid when participating in a program not administered by SUNY. We strongly recommend that any student interested in a non-SUNY program speak to his/her financial aid counselor and the Office of International Programs before committing to participation or paying a program deposit. For details, contact the Office of Financial Aid Services, Student Wing 109, ext. 7-2428. When your financial aid for study abroad has been approved, you must make arrangements for disbursement of the aid. Contact the Student Accounts Office, Student Wing 117, ext. 7-2702.

Scholarships
Several scholarships are available for students participating in study abroad programs. Many are just for Binghamton students while others are nationally competitive.