Costs & Payment
All international exchange students who wish to study in the U.S. must demonstrate the ability to afford all education and living expenses by submitting proof of financial ability.
International Exchange Costs
Students participating in the TU International Student Exchange Program during the 2023-24 academic year must submit proof of financial ability in the following amounts:*
| international exchange student program cOSTS | One semester | academic Year (FALL/sPRING) |
CalendaR year (sPRING/fALL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing and meals | $8,400 | $16,800 | $16,800 |
| University Break living expenses (housing, meals, and personal expenses) | N/A | $2,100 (Winter Break) |
$6,300 (Summer Break) |
| Books/supplies | $500 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Health insurance and expenses |
$1,700* |
$3,400* | $3,400* |
| Personal expenses | $700 | $1,400 | $1,400 |
| TOTAL |
$11,300 |
$24,700 |
$28,900 |
English Language Center + International Exchange Costs
International exchange students may study English language at our English Language Center (ELC) for their first semester then stay for a second semester or full year of regular Towson classes on exchange. This is called the ELC + International Exchange program. Note: Costs related to the semester at the ELC are not covered by the international exchange student agreement - separate fees apply (see below).
Students participating in the ELC + Exchange program during the 2023-24 academic year must submit proof of financial ability in the following amounts :
| elc + international exchange student program (1st semester ELC / 2nd semester exchange) | academic Year (FALL/sPRING) | CalendaR year (sPRING/fALL) |
|---|---|---|
| ELC Tuition (1st semester only) | $4,600* | $4,600* |
| Housing and meals | $16,800 | $16,800 |
| University Break living expenses (housing, meals, and personal expenses) | $2,100 (Winter Break) |
$6,300 (Summer Break) |
| Books/supplies | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Health insurance and expenses | $3,400* | $3,400* |
| Personal expenses | $1,400 | $1,400 |
| TOTAL | $29,300 | $33,500 |
*Items with an asterisk are subject to change, pending approval from the Board of Regents.
Housing Costs
Housing costs are not covered by the international exchange student agreement. Students who live in university
housing will be contacted by email to submit a deposit of $350 prior to arrival. Upon
admission to the exchange or ELC + exchange program, students will be assigned a Towson
ID number and can then complete a housing request form online. The balance of the housing charges will be billed to the student's TU account and
must be paid by the payment deadline. At the end of the first semester, the $350 deposit will be credited to your TU student
account for second semester housing charges.
Please note that the housing contract does not include Minimester (winter break between
the fall and spring terms) or summer. International students studying at Towson for
the full academic or calendar year may stay in their room over the winter or summer
breaks for an additional fee (approximately $160 per week). Visit our Housing page for more details.
Meal Plans
All students living on-campus (except those living in the Towson Run Apartments) are required to purchase a meal plan. Meals are not covered by the international exchange student agreement. Students will enroll in the meal plan of their choosing. If a meal plan is not selected, students will be automatically enrolled in the bronze meal plan but may upgrade upon arrival to campus. Meal plan charges will be billed to the student's TU account and must be paid by the payment deadline. Meal plans are valid during the regular semester only -- not during summer or Minimester terms. Visit our Housing page for more details about meal plans.
Health Insurance Costs
All exchange students are automatically enrolled in the TU Health Insurance Policy. The TU Health Insurance Fee is billed to the TU student’s account each semester they attend TU and must be paid by the payment deadline. See our Medical Information page for more details on health insurance and the waiver application.
Paying Your Bill
Payment for the fall semester is due in early August and payment for the spring semester is due in early January. The Towson University Student & University Billing Office is responsible for all charges and payments to student accounts. Please visit their website linked above for pricing and payment information.
Students using financial aid (scholarships/loans) from their home country to pay all or part of their TU bill can arrange a payment deferral plan until funds become available. Please contact the International Student and Scholar Office ( isso AT_TOWSON) if you wish to do this.