Understanding Budgeting and Additional Cost 

When researching programs, it is important to understand the program specific costs and budgeting. All SLU approved programs allow students to apply their financial aid and pay the same tuition, room and board fees as living on-campus for a semester. Meal plans and/or meal stipends are included on all programs to meet your daily needs. However, students should consider the additional costs required carefully and see how these costs may be off-set by savings of not being on campus for the semester (ex. travel costs to campus, etc.).

When applying for an off-campus study program, students should examine closely the additional costs which vary by program and location. Some countries require more costly visa processes, while other locations may have significantly higher travel costs . SLU is committed to helping students off-set some of these additional costs through our airfare and financial aid assistance program. Our process is designed to enable students of demonstrated financial need to make the cost of a semester off-campus as close to being on campus as possible. While we cannot meet 100% of the need, thanks to generous alumni support, studying off-campus for a semester is accessible for all students if you plan ahead and understand the costs associated with programs before applying 

CIIS staff are happy to sit down with students and help map out a budget for each student so they can maximize their experience off-campus. Don't let cost stop you from coming in and talking to us. 

Additional Financial Support

Students may apply for additional financial aid from CIIS to help defray the costs associated with the program that are not covered by the comprehensive fee (visa costs, required immunizations, transportation in host city, airfare in excess of $750), if they have a current financial aid form on file in the financial aid office. Requests for funds should be limited to costs that students would not incur if they remained on campus. For example, requests for fees for books will not be covered because students are responsible for the cost of books on campus.

Additional aid is not guaranteed and is dependent upon the individual level of need and the number of applicants seeking additional aid. The maximum award level is based on need level, location and other factors (see below). First priority is given to students with the highest level of financial need as determined by the SLU financial aid office and those who have not yet had an off-campus study experience.

More information on possible sources of additional funding to study off-campus can be found on the CIIS website.

Application forms and deadlines for requests for additional financial aid are available in applicants' online applications (Studio Abroad) following acceptance to study off-campus. 

Please note that all financial aid awards are awarded as a credit on the student's SLU account. If the Student does not have an existing balance, these funds can be issued directly to the student by contacting Student Financial Services and ensuring the proper forms are on file with the SLU Business office to request a cash payment.

Application for Additional Financial Assistance 

 Please read the below introduction carefully before completing your application in Studio Abroad 

Additional financial aid is designed to assist students in covering costs they would not normally encounter on campus and are unique to off-campus study. This could include visa fees, airline tickets exceeding $750, immunizations, public transportation, and other costs listed here: https://www.stlawu.edu/offices/ciis/estimated-additional-costs-campus-study  

Summary of Financial Assistance Guidelines 

• Financial aid is based on demonstrated need as defined by SLU. Only Students with a demonstrated financial need level and application on file at the St. Lawrence Financial Aid Office can apply. 

• Thanks to generous alumni support, our financial aid process is designed to help make off-campus study accessible, but funds available cannot meet 100% of student need.  

• Airfare assistance is limited to programs outside the U.S, and students are expected to fund at least the first $750 of any flight. 

• Aid can only be used to support mandatory cost of attendance fees not normally incurred on campus  

• Funds cannot support additional scholarship support, extra-curricular activities, or personal travel expenses. 

• Adirondack Program and Eco League students are not eligible for additional financial assistance. Please see the Outdoor Leadership program for equipment help for the ADK semester.  

CIIS will use the following rubric to award aid based on need level, the additional costs of attendance by program location and funds available.   

• *Special Consideration may be given in rare cases to exceed these recommended guidelines based on student need if funds are available. 

• How does CIIS determine a “higher” vs. “lower” estimated costs associated with a program? CIIS takes into account factors such as the average costs of flights, visas, and cost of living on-site. For example, flights to Europe from the US may cost less than flights to Asia, and programs in a large/capital city may have a higher cost of living that programs based in smaller cities/rural areas.