Financial Commitments: Tuition and Cost of Living

J-1 Student Costs
For J-1 undergraduate student visitors, for the 2011-12 academic year, total costs for students residing on campus or in University housing are projected as follows:

Tuition
 $23,990
Books/Supplies 
 $650
Room & Board
 $11,750
Insurance  $750
Total: $37,140

The projected costs are the same as above for J-1 graduate student visitors living on campus with the exemption of tuition which is calculated at $600 per credit hour or approximately $10,800 for the academic year based on enrolling in three courses or nine credits per semester.

As reflected on the University financial support documentation form, documents that qualify as proof of financial support include: an appointment/award letter in the exchange visitor’s name from the University, a government agency, international organization, or other sponsor. The award letter should specify the length of sponsorship and the amount of money provided, living expenses, insurance, dependents, and other personal items. If the visitor’s appointment or award will not cover all necessary expenses, she/he may use private or self-sponsorship for the remainder.

All financial documents must be current at the time of application to be considered valid. Appropriate documents reflecting financial ability include, but are not limited to the following: bank statement stamped or signed by bank official; account summary or summary of liquid assets; affidavit of support submitted by sponsor and accompanied by financial verification; scholarship letter from sponsoring organization outlining dates and terms of the scholarship(s); and letter from employer stating earnings for period of requested stay.

As far as travel arrangements and related costs, it is expected that the visiting academic professionals and J-1 students will be responsible for their travel expenses, although some may be subsidized by the sending institution or host University unit or school, depending upon the terms of the agreement between the institutions.

J-1 Professors, Research Scholars and Short Term Scholars and J-2 Visa Dependents
Exchange visitors must show proof of financial support. Exchange visitors who are in the categories of professor, research scholar or short term scholar are required to show proof of financial support for the duration of J-1 program participation prior to arrival. Typical estimate of living expenses (per month) for a family of three are as follows:

Exchange Visitor
 $2,200
Spouse 
 $700
Child
 $500
Total: $3,400

The host unit or school, in cooperation with the Office of Residence Life, will arrange for housing for all exchange visitors in advance of arrival in the United States. The University provides various housing options for exchange visitors both for those with and without dependents. Dependents of J-1 visitors are required to reside with the J-1 exchange visitor regardless of the housing option selected during the stay.

In additional to modern traditional University owed and operated housing, there are other housing options for exchange visitors including large houses, apartments, and rooms in private homes. Exchange visitors are strongly advised to consult with the Office of Residence Life before exploring off campus alternative housing which involves lease agreements or contracts with private or commercial agencies.

As previously noted, adult and child dependents of exchange visitors are eligible for J-2 visas. The CEVP and host unit, school or department will assist exchange visitors in finding day care and/or public or private schools for dependent school-age children.