Paying for School
As an International Undergraduate Student
Your Money's Worth
At USU, you'll earn a top-tier education at one of the most affordable universities in the USA for international students. Plus, USU grads have a high job placement rate. It's a low-risk, high-reward investment you will value the rest of your life. NOTE: Costs vary by student type and campus. Use the buttons below to learn more.
International Undergraduate Admissions
Pay your enrollment deposit to complete the next steps to attend USU. Paying the $200 enrollment deposit is required before beginning the I-20 process, reserving housing, registering for classes and more.
Funding Requirements and the I-20
Admitted international undergraduate students are required to show adequate funding available for their USU study before they can apply for a student visa. Immigration laws require international students who wish to study in the U.S. on a F-1 visa to show proof of finances for one year.
An I-20 is an important immigration document that F-1 students need in order to obtain their student visa and enter the U.S. USU guides each student through the process of obtaining their I-20. The process of obtaining an I-20 can take some time, so it is important not to wait to begin gathering the necessary documents and uploading them after you receive email notification from the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) team's email internationalstudents@usu.edu.
Be aware that the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) website will only work on computers and laptops. The website will not work on a tablet, iPad, other mobile device or smartphone.
Passport Copy
You may take a clear photo or scan of the biographic page of your passport. The bio page is the page that shows your picture and personal details. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the U.S.
Bank Statement or Bank Letter
Admitted students must provide an official bank statement their sponsor (for example, a family member) or, if sponsored by a government agency, a letter of support on agency letterhead.
The bank statement or letter must:
- be prepared on bank letterhead
- be in English
- be liquid assets (such as checking or savings)
- include the date the letter or statement was prepared
- include the full name of the account holder
- give the type of currency used to report balances
- give a current account balance
Affidavit of Financial Support Form
International students are required to have their sponsor complete an Affidavit of Financial Support Form.
In compliance with the Department of Homeland Security and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) regulations, all international applicants on the F-1 student visa must provide evidence of sufficient funds available for their studies in the U.S. For this purpose, an Affidavit of Financial Support form must be completed and submitted along with bank statements or bank letters. Submit your Affidavit of Financial Support form along with your bank statements, bank letters or sponsor letters from an authorized sponsoring agency. USU will not be able to process your SEVIS Form I -20 without receipt of your completed Affidavit of Financial Support form.
The Department of Homeland Security requires assurance that international students are able to pay for their study costs as well as their own expenses while studying in the U.S.
I-20
An initial I-20 is issued for students with a new SEVIS record. A transfer I-20 is issued for students who have an active SEVIS record at a U.S. high school or higher education institution, and are transferring their records to USU.
If you have an active SEVIS record at another U.S. school (high school or higher education institution) and are requesting an I-20 through USU, you should follow the steps in your ISSS account. Once you have uploaded all required documents for the I-20, the ISSS team will begin the process of creating your transfer I-20.
Admitted international undergraduate students are required to show proof of finances for one year in order to receive their I-20. This amount is the estimated funding total for Academic or Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) listed in the table below. The Department of Homeland Security requires assurance that international students are able to pay for their study costs as well as their own expenses while studying in the U.S.
Estimated Costs for Fall 2025 & Spring 2026
Costs are for 9 months, Fall and Spring at 12-18 credits per semester.
| Expense | Academic or IELI*** | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees** | $28,486 | $14,243 | $14,243 |
| International Student Fee | $250 | $125 | $125 |
| Living Expenses | $7,324 | $3,662 | $3,662 |
| Personal Expenses | $9,124 |
$4,562 | $4,562 |
| Total | $45,184 | $22,592 | $22,592 |
*Dependent Costs: spouse $8,292 per academic year, each child $5,740 per academic year. These estimated costs are updated annually and may change without prior notice.
**The estimated costs are based on the regular tuition and student fees. Based on your program, there may be additional differential tuition or program fees. These costs may change without prior notice. Students must bring or have access to sufficient funds to pay their expenses for at least the first semester. After arrival, a checking account can be opened so various expenses can be paid conveniently and safely.
Estimated Costs for Dependents
| Expense | Fall & Spring | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spouse* | $8,178 | $4,089 | $4,089 |
| Child** | $5,740 | $2,870 | $2,870 |
| Total | $13,918 | $6,959 | $6,959 |
*Spouse calculated using the difference between shared and married housing, additional insurance, and $150 additional a month for food and incidentals.
**Child is calculated using the difference between married housing and 2-bedroom housing, additional insurance, and $100 additional a month for food and incidentals. For estimated costs regarding additional children, contact usuintl@usu.edu.
Providing falsified, doctored, edited, or fraudulent financial documents will result in the denial of your Form I-20 and may ultimately result in your admission from Utah State University being revoked.
International Orientation Fee
All international students (undergraduate and graduate) are charged a one-time orientation fee of $100. This fee will appear on your student account with your tuition and fees once you have registered for classes and covers the materials provided at international orientation (two books, ID card, bag, multiple meals, access to orientation leaders, etc.) Regardless if the student attends the mandatory orientation or not, the fee will be charged and the materials will be provided to the student. There is not a way to opt out of this one-time fee.
International Undergraduate Student
Scholarships
Scholarship Opportunities
The best way to pay for school is by not paying for school. Review our list of available international undergraduate scholarships. If a scholarship has special requirements or award information, click the link to learn more.
Employment Opportunities
International students at Utah State University can work part-time on campus up to 20 hours a week. Once you have been admitted and receive a student number (A-number), you can search for jobs. Make sure to set up an appointment with the Office of Global Engagement for an Employment Authorization Verification letter.