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Understanding the Home School Tuition Model
What is the Home School Tuition (HST) model?
Under the Home School Tuition model, students studying abroad during the academic year remain enrolled as ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ students and pay ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ tuition rather than tuition charged by the host university or study abroad provider. Students continue making progress toward their ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ degree while receiving support from ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ before, during, and after their time abroad.
Why is ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ adopting this model?
The Home School Tuition model allows students to earn ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ credit while studying abroad, maintain access to ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ financial aid and university resources, and choose among approved programs based on academic fit rather than differences in tuition cost. This approach is used by many of ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½’s peer institutions, including Brown, Columbia, Cornell, the University of Chicago, the University of Pennsylvania, and Vanderbilt. The model helps students focus on educational value, academic goals, language learning opportunities, and cultural immersion rather than tuition price differences.
What programs are covered by ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ Study Abroad Tuition?Â
The model applies to ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½-designed and faculty-led programs, approved partner programs, global practicum programs, and exchange programs during the Academic Year. Students remain enrolled as ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ students, receive approved transfer credit, and remain eligible for institutional financial aid consistent with University policies.
What will I pay while studying abroad?Â
Students participating in approved quarter-, semester- or year-long programs pay ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ tuition for the term abroad, plus the Study Abroad Administrative Fee and applicable international insurance fees. Summer costs depend on the program type. Students in ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ summer programs are billed differently than students participating in partner-provider summer programs.
Will every study abroad program cost the same?Â
No. While tuition is standardized under the HST model, housing, meals, airfare, visas, transportation, books, and personal expenses vary significantly by destination and program. Students should compare the full program budget, not tuition alone.
What does ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ tuition cover and what costs am I responsible for?Â
²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ tuition generally covers instructional costs, academic program fees tied to enrollment, and approved educational charges covered under institutional agreements. Students are generally responsible for housing, meals, airfare, passports and visas, transportation, books, supplies, and personal expenses.
Will I pay tuition directly to the host university?Â
No. For approved academic year programs, students pay ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ tuition and ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ pays the host institution or provider when applicable. Only summer partner programs will be billed directly by the provider.
What additional fees will appear on my ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ bill?Â
Students should expect a Study Abroad Administrative Fee and, when applicable, international insurance charges. In some cases, required program expenses may appear as pass-through charges on the student account.
What is the Study Abroad Administrative Fee?Â
The fee supports advising, student support, program coordination, administration, health and safety oversight, and other services associated with ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ study abroad programs.
Student Experience and Support
Will I remain a ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ student while abroad?Â
Yes. Students participating in approved programs remain enrolled at ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ and typically maintain full-time status while abroad.
Will I continue making progress toward my degree?Â
Yes. Approved coursework completed abroad can be applied toward degree requirements through ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ academic approval processes.
What ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ resources remain available while I am abroad?Â
Students continue to have access to advising, Global Learning Office support, library resources, global safety assistance, health and safety support, emergency response services, and selected online university resources.
What support is available during a medical or safety emergency abroad?Â
Students receive support from their program provider and from ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ offices responsible for student support, health and safety, and global security. The Global Learning Office’s pre-departure orientation and advising materials address these important topics.
How does the Home School Tuition model support access and equity?Â
The model helps maintain access to financial aid and reduces the influence of tuition differences on program selection, allowing students to focus on academic fit and educational goals.
Applications, Enrollment Management, and Program Selection
Does paying ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ tuition guarantee a place in my preferred program?Â
No. Program placement and admission decisions are separate from the tuition model. Some programs may have limited capacity or additional admissions requirements.
How will applications be reviewed?Â
Applications are reviewed based on academic preparation, course planning, program fit, alignment with academic and professional goals, language preparation when relevant, and other application materials.
Will students who have not studied abroad before receive priority?Â
When capacity is limited, students without prior study abroad experience may receive higher consideration along with academic preparation and program fit.