International Undergraduate Cost of Attendance Frequently Asked Questions
Before planning to study in the United States, all undergraduate international students must be cognizant of the Estimated Cost of Attendance to ensure they have the financial resources to support themselves. This FAQ addresses the most common questions many international undergraduate students have regarding cost of attendance.
General Questions
Form I-20 is the “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F1) Student Status” that allows an individual to apply for an F-1 (student) visa. The Form I-20 is issued by a Designated School Official (DSO) at a U.S. government approved educational institution certifying that a student has been admitted to a full-time study program and has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to stay in the United States.
By law, any U.S. government approved educational institution must certify that an international student has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to stay in the United States. Each institution estimates the cost of attendance based on their location and cost of living.
Estimated annual tuition and fees for an undergraduate international student issued an I-20
| Tuition and fees | $23,500 |
| Room and meals | $12,500 |
| Insurance and books | $3,500 |
| Total cost | $39,500 |
Fees subject to change. These are the estimated annual costs for a student entering in 2026-27 and taking 12 credits. Costs are estimates based on a standard occupancy room and standard meal plan. Additional fees that vary by academic level, college and living arrangements may apply. See the fee calculator for a detailed cost summary. The aviation studies major with a specialization in flight technology and operations has higher tuition costs than other programs. Email the bursar if you have questions about tuition and fees.
The Financial Statement form is the document that all international students admitted to BGSU must fill out and submit to International Programs and Partnership to show they have the funding necessary for a BGSU DSO to issue them the Form I-20. The form is sent by International Programs and Partnerships once students are admitted to the university.
Undergraduate International Student Tuition and Fees
Students must fill out the Financial Statement Form and submit financial documents such as bank statements to prove that they meet the estimated cost of attendance to be issued an I-20.
Undergraduate Student Scholarship
- Non-Resident Fee Scholarship may only be used to pay for non-resident fees.
There are two different undergraduate tuition scholarships that undergraduate international students are eligible for: The BG Success Scholarship and the Freshman Academic Scholarship.
- The BG Success Scholarship is awarded to all international student applicants (Freshmen and Transfers) who meet the minimum GPA requirements. It is $4,000 per academic year (Fall and Spring semester) that covers half of the non-residency fees. International undergraduate students are automatically awarded this scholarship and do not have to apply.
- The Freshman Academic Scholarship is awarded to incoming Freshman undergraduate students (Transfer students are not eligible) that covers some of the instructional and general fees. It can vary in amount depending on factors such as test scores and GPA. In order to be considered for the Freshman Academic Scholarship, students should submit their transcripts and test scores to be evaluated.
The scholarship you have been awarded will cover tuition costs. Note that BGSU does not issue full undergraduate scholarships so you will be responsible for covering the remaining balance once your scholarship(s) has been applied to the yearly estimated costs.
The non-resident fee is charged to any BGSU student who is not an Ohio resident. For non-resident fee information please check the “Undergraduate” table for your cohort on the Tuition and Fees page.
The following undergraduate student fees are not covered by scholarships and must be paid by the students: registration fee; International student fee; student health insurance; counseling fee; facility fee; graduate services fee; Bg1 Card; Career Service fee; technology fee; legal services fee (optional); international orientation fee. The student is likewise responsible for the remaining instructional, general, and non-resident fees. Current fees can be viewed on the Tuition and Fees page.
Scholarships are automatically applied to the student’s bill by BGSU Office of Financial Aid.
The Academic Year is from the end of August through mid-December (fall semester) and early January through end of April (spring semester).
Final Questions
Yes, you can have more than one sponsor and your sponsor does not have to be related to you. Every sponsor you have must be indicated on the Financial Statement Form and the amount of funding they will provide must be clear. Additionally, every sponsor’s financial document must be submitted as well; this funding, when added up (minus any scholarship awarded) must equal at least one year’s estimated cost of attendance.
International Programs and Partnerships strongly advises students to bring between $2,500 to $3,000 to cover initial expense as they settle in (furnishing your residence hall; winter clothes; etc.).
Please contact the Financial Aid office at sfa@bgsu.edu
Updated: 10/23/2026 03:23PM