Costs & Payment

All international exchange students who wish to study in the U.S. must demonstrate the ability to afford all education and living expenses by submitting proof of financial ability.

International Exchange Costs

Students participating in the TU International Student Exchange Program during the 2023-24 academic year must submit proof of financial ability in the following amounts:*

international exchange student program cOSTS One semester academic Year (FALL/sPRING)
 CalendaR year (sPRING/fALL)
Housing and meals $8,400 $16,800 $16,800
University Break living expenses (housing, meals, and personal expenses) N/A $2,100
(Winter Break)

 $6,300 (Summer Break)
Books/supplies $500 $1,000 $1,000
Health insurance and expenses

$1,700* 

 $3,400* $3,400*
Personal expenses $700 $1,400 $1,400
TOTAL

$11,300

$24,700

 $28,900

English Language Center + International Exchange Costs

International exchange students may study English language at our English Language Center (ELC) for their first semester then stay for a second semester or full year of regular Towson classes on exchange. This is called the ELC + International Exchange program. Note: Costs related to the semester at the ELC are not covered by the international exchange student agreement - separate fees apply (see below).

Students participating in the ELC + Exchange program during the 2023-24 academic year must submit proof of financial ability in the following amounts :

elc + international exchange student program (1st semester ELC / 2nd semester exchange) academic Year (FALL/sPRING) CalendaR year (sPRING/fALL)
ELC Tuition (1st semester only) $4,600* $4,600*
Housing and meals $16,800 $16,800
University Break living expenses (housing, meals, and personal expenses) $2,100
(Winter Break)		 $6,300 (Summer Break)
Books/supplies $1,000 $1,000
Health insurance and expenses $3,400* $3,400*
Personal expenses $1,400 $1,400
TOTAL $29,300 $33,500

*Items with an asterisk are subject to change, pending approval from the Board of Regents.

Housing Costs

Housing costs are not covered by the international exchange student agreement. Students who live in university housing will be contacted by email to submit a deposit of $350 prior to arrival. Upon admission to the exchange or ELC + exchange program, students will be assigned a Towson ID number and can then complete a housing request form online. The balance of the housing charges will be billed to the student's TU account and must be paid by the payment deadline. At the end of the first semester, the $350 deposit will be credited to your TU student account for second semester housing charges.

Please note that the housing contract does not include Minimester (winter break between the fall and spring terms) or summer. International students studying at Towson for the full academic or calendar year may stay in their room over the winter or summer breaks for an additional fee (approximately $160 per week). Visit our Housing page for more details.

Meal Plans

All students living on-campus (except those living in the Towson Run Apartments) are required to purchase a meal plan. Meals are not covered by the international exchange student agreement. Students will enroll in the meal plan of their choosing. If a meal plan is not selected, students will be automatically enrolled in the bronze meal plan but may upgrade upon arrival to campus. Meal plan charges will be billed to the student's TU account and must be paid by the payment deadline. Meal plans are valid during the regular semester only -- not during summer or Minimester terms. Visit our Housing page for more details about meal plans.

Health Insurance Costs

All exchange students are automatically enrolled in the TU Health Insurance Policy. The TU Health Insurance Fee is billed to the TU student’s account each semester they attend TU and must be paid by the payment deadline. See our Medical Information page for more details on health insurance and the waiver application.

Paying Your Bill

Payment for the fall semester is due in early August and payment for the spring semester is due in early January. The Towson University Student & University Billing Office is responsible for all charges and payments to student accounts. Please visit their website linked above for pricing and payment information.

Students using financial aid (scholarships/loans) from their home country to pay all or part of their TU bill can arrange a payment deferral plan until funds become available. Please contact the  if you wish to do this.