Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the new international student services fee.
Effective fall 2019, all new and continuing non-sponsored, degree-seeking international students will be charged an international student services fee of $125 each fall and spring semester that they are enrolled.
This fee will help support a variety of services provided to our international students, including student immigration documents processing, advising, programs to help integrate international students into academic life at Towson University, and funding to comply with federally mandated regulations. The fee will cover the costs of expanding and increasingly complex government regulations and reporting requirements to protect your non-immigrant status.
International Student Fee FAQs
How much is the new international student services fee?
The new fee is $125 each fall and spring semester, effective fall 2019.
Who will be affected by this fee?
- The fee applies to all degree-seeking students in F-1 or J-1 visa status.
- The fee DOES NOT apply to:
- students who are sponsored by their home country government
- students at the English Language Center
- exchange students
Will the fee be automatically added to my bill?
Yes, the fee will be generated each semester when the student enrolls in classes.
How will the fee be used?
The fee is designed to support student services, including, but not limited to:
- the purchase of new software which will:
- facilitate compliance with federal regulations regarding immigration status
- allow students to submit forms and documents online
- automate status reminders and recurring communications
- additional targeted programming for international students, including:
- Education and cultural competency training for units supporting international students
- Multilingual resource materials
- Academic support programs
If I have a scholarship or Graduate Assistantship, will my scholarship cover this fee?
No. Although scholarships and Assistantships may cover tuition, they do not cover fees.
International students are charged out-of-state tuition. Why do we have to pay an additional international student fee?
No portion of a student鈥檚 tuition goes towards ISSO services or programs. This is the first time that an international student fee has been implemented. This fee is required to ensure that the ISSO continues to provide enhanced services that protects the students鈥� immigration status and serves their support needs.
What are the differences between the new international student fee and other existing fees? (SGA fee, facilities, etc.)
The international student fee will go directly to the ISSO to support international students.
Do other schools have this fee?
Yes, many other institutions across the country, including some within the University System of Maryland, charge a similar fee.
I rarely interact with the ISSO or use their services 鈥� why do I have to pay this fee?
There is a lot that goes on 鈥渂ehind the scenes鈥� at the ISSO including the processing of initial immigration documents for new students, tracking, reporting, and updating the immigration records for enrollment and progress each semester, employment authorizations, etc. Much of what we do at the ISSO involves processing, reporting, and authorizations.