Costs & Financial Resources
Financial Requirements
International exchange students are required to provide proof of sufficient financial support as a part of the application process. This amount is only the minimum necessary to support yourself during your time here. Many students are unprepared for how expensive the U.S. can be, even with a good exchange rate. See specific amounts in the Application Process section.
What to Budget For
While international exchange students do not pay ASU tuition, they should budget for mandatory ASU Student Initiated Fees, mandatory ASU Health Insurance.
Students should also estimate and budget for living expenses, which will vary on each student’s lifestyle at ASU:
Estimated Costs (per semester; in USD)
- Visa fees: $350
- Student Initiated fees:
- Undergraduate: $350
- Graduate: $450
- Books: $500-$1,000
- Supplies: $150
- Health insurance (view current rate without mandatory pre-arrival insurance included: pre-arrival insurance is approx. $200 per semester)
- Fall semester: $1,300 (subject to change-this estimate is based on Fall 2024 insurance costs & includes pre-arrival health insurance fees)
- Spring semester: $2,000 (subject to change-this estimate is based on Spring 2025 insurance costs & includes pre-arrival health insurance fees)
- Insurance costs are updated every July for the Academic Year.
- Housing
- Off-campus housing: $6,000-$9,000
- On-campus housing: $4,000 (shared bedroom)-$9,500 (single bedroom apartment/studio) *ASU meal plan is required for some on-campus housing
- Food
- Food on your own: $2,000-$3,000
- ASU meal plan: $1,600-$3,500
- Everyday transportation:
- Living on-campus: $200
- Living off-campus: $300
- Personal expenses: $2,600
- Miscellaneous (e.g. gifts, extra travel, etc.): $1,000+
Total Estimated Costs: $14,150 - $22,000 USD (per semester; in USD)
Utilize the ASU MoneyMoments online resource center to help budget for your time at ASU and understand financial matters in the U.S. Information includes banking basics, saving and spending, and more.
Paying ASU Fees
- Log into MyASU and click on Finances at the top
- Click on Make a Payment and continue following the instructions to pay the balance due
Below are some examples showing how much things may cost around ASU (in USD):
- Movie ticket: $7-$11
- Fast food meal: $6
- Pizza delivery: $10 - $25
- Restaurant meal: $10-$20
- Public bus ticket: $2
- Nightclub entrance: $5-$20
- ASU t-shirt: $10-$25
- New bicycle: $70-$150
- Inexpensive hotel room: $60 (per night)
- Round trip flight from Phoenix to Las Vegas: $150
- Round trip flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles: $150
- Entrance fee to local museums and attractions: $0-$50
Check out more cost estimates.
Money Matters
How Much and What Kind to Bring (Credit Cards and Cash)
It is never advisable to travel with large amounts of cash. It is better to bring your money in a bank check in U.S. dollars or access it through a credit card. Remember, it may take up to ten days for a foreign check to clear a US bank; bring enough money to cover your arrival expenses for things such as apartment and phone deposits, purchasing furniture, etc. You may cash traveler's checks at most banks at the going exchange rate, better than the rates at the airport. U.S. traveler's checks may normally be used for purchases in shops or stores. Foreign currency agencies are also available.
Banks
GEO recommends that you open a checking account as soon as possible after you arrive at ASU. It is much safer to store your money in a bank account than in your dorm room or apartment! If you need the services of a bank (for wire transfers, money orders, etc.), you will most likely need an account with that bank.
Although most banks are open during normal hours (9 or 10 a.m. to 3 or 5 p.m.) many banks have extended hours and are even open on weekends. Check banking hours when you open your account. Many banks offer special student accounts and will be doing promotions during orientation week.
Financial Aid
ASU currently does not provide any sources of financial aid (e.g. scholarships) for international exchange students. However, your home institution may provide scholarships or other financial aid resources for Global Education programs. Contact your international office for more information. In addition, the following websites provide additional ideas for funding your time abroad: