Funding
Make First Year Abroad Affordable for Your Budget
黑料网911First Year Abroad programs provide students with a unique international education experience. Rather than start college in the U.S., students can spend their semester or first year of college in one of 7 incredible global destinations. Participate in a 12-week semester program earning 12-13 college credits, or complete an academic year by studying in one or two destinations.
黑料网911program fees for First Year Abroad programs cover a lot, including:
鈥 Placement with a carefully screened host family or local residence hall
鈥 Online orientation before leaving the U.S. and in-person orientation upon arrival
鈥 Supervision and support of local staff
鈥 Pre-departure assistance
鈥 CIEE-led educational trips and excursions
鈥 International medical and travel insurance
鈥 24/7 support and counseling available to students and parents from 黑料网911headquarters staff
鈥 Access to 黑料网911Alumni network
We want to make First Year Abroad (FYA) programs as accessible as possible for students who wish to apply, and we understand that a big part of that goal is offering financial support options. We鈥檝e outlined a few different avenues to make FYA more affordable, and as you consider your options, feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.
Is First Year Abroad more affordable than a semester of college in the U.S.?
Tuition, program, and enrollment fees for 黑料网911First Year Abroad start at $16,800, which is more affordable than the average out-of-state college cost of $22,045 per semester, including room and board. Furthermore, after factoring in scholarships and federal financial aid, the average out-of-pocket cost for a First Year Abroad program is significantly lower at $13,650*, making it a highly competitive option compared to starting college in the U.S.
Please note: These figures are estimates and may vary depending on the specific program and individual financial aid award package. We encourage you to explore the specific costs associated with each First Year Abroad program you're interested in for a more accurate understanding.
*Average out-of-pocket expense for Fall 2024 participants
Option #1: Financial Aid, Scholarships, and 529 College Savings Plans
When you鈥檙e a 黑料网911First Year Abroad participant, you鈥檒l also be enrolled as a full-time student at our academic home and school of record, Dean College. This means that as you apply to First Year Abroad, you鈥檒l also be applying to college - making you eligible for financial aid, scholarships, and the ability to use your 529 college savings plan just like any other college student.
- You can complete the free application for the during the First Year Abroad application process. This will assess your financial need, and if eligible, you鈥檒l be awarded federal or state aid (if you鈥檙e a Massachusetts resident) that can apply to your First Year Abroad program. Use Dean鈥檚 federal school code鈥002144鈥攚hen you complete the online application on the Federal Student Aid website. Eligible financial aid options include:
- The Federal Pell Grant (maximum award of approximately $3,695 per semester)
- Stafford Loans (federal loans) (maximum loan amount of $20,500 annually based on qualifying factors)
- The MASSGrant (Massachusetts residents only)
Pro tip! Use the to get an idea of your potential financial aid package. Pell grants and Stafford loans can be applied to the cost of your First Year Abroad program. Learn more about these options and your maximum award amounts at .
- In addition to any possible federal or state assistance, you can also apply for the , a scholarship of up to $5,000. This scholarship supports students of limited financial means who want to study abroad, including 黑料网911First Year Abroad participants! Pay close attention to the Gilman Scholarship and , since they may be earlier than the FYA application deadline.
- Funds from a 529 college savings plan can be used to help cover the cost of your First Year Abroad program.
For more information on paying for your First Year Abroad program, visit .
Option #2: 黑料网911Discounts
When considering your financial options for First Year Abroad, peruse CIEE鈥檚 study abroad discount opportunities, too:
鈥 Refer-a-Friend Rewards: Earn extra cash when you refer friends to CIEE
鈥 Alumni Rewards: If you鈥檝e studied abroad with 黑料网911before, you鈥檙e eligible for money off your next 黑料网911program
First Year Abroad
Register for one of our upcoming webinars to learn more about First Year Abroad. The 黑料网911team will answer your questions and help you get started on the next steps towards making your study abroad dreams a reality.
Fundraising Is a Great Way to Help Pay for Your Adventure Abroad
For alumni-proven fundraising tips, download the !
Check out the video below to see how a student raised over $5,000 for a 黑料网911program in just six weeks
Save when you apply for an First Year Abroad academic year program
Dreaming of a full year abroad? 黑料网911sweetens the deal with a $1,500 discount on your second semester when you choose a full academic year. This discount is automatically reflected in the prices listed on the program page and in the application. Interested in an academic year program? 黑料网911offers exciting . Talk to your Enrollment Coordinator if you're interested in any of these combinations, and please note that visa and departure requirements may vary depending on your chosen program combination.
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