Finances

Tuition

You work with your home institution and pay tuition to your home university. The Student Exchange Program is a tuition-reciprocal exchange program. You pay your regular tuition at your school, and students leaving BYU pay BYU tuition. You will need to talk with your campus SEP coordinator to find out if you will still be eligible for tuition payment plans and scholarship money. BYU does not award scholarships, grants, or fee remissions for SEP participants.

Room and Board

You will pay the costs for room and meals directly to your contracting housing complex, not to your home university. Housing options and meal plans can be found on the BYU Admissions page.

BYU Student Fees

You will be expected to pay BYU fees, which are assessed as a condition of your enrollment (e.g., lab fees, course surcharges, and computer fees). Field trips and special events fees here at BYU will be your responsibility. Many activities on campus require small fees. You will need to purchase tickets to most sporting events.

You may also be expected to pay fees at your home institution. You will need to work with your SEP coordinator to figure out what fees you will be responsible for while studying at BYU.

Cost of Living

We have compiled a list of the average cost of living in Provo for students. These numbers are based on average student costs and will vary with each student. Below are the estimated average costs of living in Provo for one semester.

Tuition: Contact Program Director
Housing & Food: $3,000
Medical Expenses: $360
Books and Supplies: $500
Personal Expenses: $800
Transportation: $400
Approximate Total: $5,060 (excluding tuition)

The books and supplies costs vary depending on requirements for enrolled courses. Books can be sold back to the bookstore at the end of the semester.

The personal expense listing includes medical insurance required through BYU if you are not covered by another annual policy. Other costs in this category vary depending on personal spending choices. 

Financial Responsibility

You are responsible for paying tuition, fees, room, meals, and all other financial obligations in accordance with BYU and your home campus deadlines and policies. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of your exchange. Until all outstanding financial obligations have been paid, BYU will not release a transcript, and your home institution may not permit re-enrollment, issue a transcript, or award a diploma.

Other Financial Considerations

You are encouraged to carefully review all possible expenses as well as your own personal and/or family resources for exchange. Expenses related to transportation to and from BYU campus, personal expenses, visa, immunizations, and travel and sightseeing opportunities while on exchange are your responsibility. Transportation costs to BYU can vary widely depending on the distance from your current place of residence. In all likelihood, you will do more sightseeing and personal traveling in your new environment than you did at your home institution. Living in off-campus housing may incur additional costs for housing, transportation, and food. If you have been employed while attending your home campus, realize that you may find it difficult to secure employment in Provo while on exchange. Just be aware that your financial situation may undergo a change.