Higher Education in America, Part Seven: Enrollment and Tuition Costs at an American University - 2003-06-13

Education Report: Series 7 continues with information on how foreign students can pursue their studies at an American college or university. Today, we provide information regarding the enrollment and tuition costs at an American university. All foreign students must have sufficient financial means to cover their tuition costs for all years of study at an American college. You can find the annual tuition costs in the university's guidebook or on the university's website. The cost of university credit hours is referred to as 'Tuition'. Other expenses include living costs and food that must be consumed on campus, as well as the purchase of books and other necessary educational supplies. For example, the University of Colorado in Boulder states that a foreign student must pay approximately thirty-one thousand dollars for each academic year at this university. Experts say that every foreign student should keep enough money to cover at least two months of their educational expenses in a bank near their place of study. More than a thousand foreign students from about one hundred countries are studying at the University of Colorado. Generally, there are no scholarships available for foreign undergraduate students. However, responsible officials say that some students in music and sports may receive financial aid from the university they wish to attend, provided they can demonstrate their proficiency in those fields. Foreign students must provide sufficient documentation of their financial capability and how they will pay their tuition fees to the university's admissions office. For example, if you want to enroll at the University of Colorado, you must present a document stating the name of the person and the source that will cover your tuition costs. The mentioned person must also sign that document, and in addition, they must send their bank documents showing the necessary funds to cover such costs to the university. If you will be paying the educational costs yourself, you must provide a letter from an official bank in your country confirming your financial capability to pay the tuition fees. Tuition costs at many American colleges and universities are much lower than at the University of Colorado, and in some cases, even higher. Your government or employer may assist in paying your university costs. It is advisable to check at least eighteen months before starting your studies in America to see if you can receive such assistance. In future reports, we will discuss other costs associated with studying at an American college or university, such as health insurance, etc.