Why The Estimated Cost of Attendance Is Important

U.S. federal immigration regulations require that all F-1 visa applicants prove they have enough funds for the total estimated cost of attending the university and living in the U.S. for at least one academic year. 

J-1 visa applicants must show the total cost of attendance for the program dates on their DS-2019. You can multiply your program’s estimated cost by the expected number of years in your program as a starting point. ISSS will provide a more precise estimate once you submit your Immigration Document Creation Request.

ISSS must collect proof of funding from students requesting immigration documents. The proof of funding must confirm that the student has at least the minimum amount of funding to cover estimated tuition, student fees, and living expenses during the required terms for their program.

This minimum amount is called the estimated cost of attendance for your program. ISSS must include information about how you plan to cover your estimated cost of attendance on your I-20 or DS-2019. You may also need to provide this proof for your visa interview or change of status application. 

These estimated costs are calculated to meet the I-20 and DS-2019 issuance requirements. These estimates are not a guarantee of what you will pay this academic year or during your program.

The total estimated cost includes both direct expenses like tuition and fees, and indirect expenses such as standard estimates for housing, meals, books and supplies, travel, health insurance, and incidental expenses. Please remember this is an estimate. Your actual expenses may vary depending on your choices about housing and lifestyle.

Students whose spouse or children will accompany them to the United States must provide proof of how they will cover each family member’s living expenses. Children who will be in an F-2 or J-2 status must be unmarried and under the age of 21. Students in 9-month programs should add $6,750 per year for each dependent family member. Those in 12-month programs should add $9,000 per year for each dependent.

Where You Can Find the Cost of Attendance Numbers

Please review this document for the current cost of attendance numbers for your program.

Please schedule an ISSS advising appointment or participate in walk-in advising hours if you have additional questions.