Estimated Costs
- Overview
To be eligible for a Form I-20 or DS-2019, applicants must provide adequate proof of liquid funds that meet or exceed the estimated educational and living expenses for the first academic year.
The estimated costs of attendance provided on the tabs above are used specifically for the purpose of issuing I-20/DS-2019 forms. It is important to keep in mind that these figures are subject to change and should be considered as rough estimates.
The cost of attendance includes the nonresident rate for tuition and fees. However, please note that the actual cost may vary depending on the courses chosen, any program-specific fees, and individual living preferences. Certain programs, such as MBA, DPT, PA, DDS, and MD, may have special tuition and fees that are not listed.
For information regarding scholarship opportunities and private education loan lending institutions, please visit SBU's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Services. Here, you can find valuable resources to assist you in exploring financial assistance options. - F-1 Undergraduate
F-1 Undergraduate: Full-Time Tuition and FeesThe figures provided below are estimates specifically for I-20 issuance purposes. It is important to keep in mind that the actual amounts may vary depending on academic program-specific fees and individual living preferences.
The estimated costs of attendance are regularly updated as new information becomes available.
Expenses
Spring 2025 - Fall 2025
12 CreditsTuition and Fees* $33,860 Living Expenses $23,372 Health Insurance $2,678 TOTAL $59,911 International Student Service Fee
The International Student Service Fee is charged to all F-1 and J-1 students. This fee supports services related to advice and assistance to non-immigrant students in obtaining and maintaining valid immigration status in the United States as well as costs related for compliance with United States government regulations. The fee covers individual and group counseling to students in adjusting to life in the United States and the American system of education. The cost of this fee is $160.00/semester
* For more information regarding specific fees visit the Student Financial Services webiste.
- F-1 Graduate (Masters/PhD)
F-1 Graduate: Full-Time Tuition and FeesThe figures provided below are estimates specifically for I-20 issuance purposes. It is important to keep in mind that the actual amounts may vary depending on academic program-specific fees and individual living preferences.
The estimated costs of attendance are regularly updated as new information becomes available.
Expenses Stipended: 9 Credits
Spring 2025 - Fall 2025Unstipended: 9 Credits
Spring 2025 - Fall 2025Tuition and Fees* $23,209 $23,209 Living Expenses $20,033 $20,033 Health Insurance $928 $2,679 TOTAL $44,170 $45,921 Expenses Stipended: 12 Credits
Spring 2025 - Fall 2025Unstipended: 12 Credits
Spring 2025 - Fall 2025Tuition and Fees* $30,276 $30,276 Living Expenses $20,033 $20,033 Health Insurance $928 $2,679 TOTAL $51,237 $52,988 International Student Service Fee
The International Student Service Fee is charged to all F-1 and J-1 students. This fee supports services related to advice and assistance to non-immigrant students in obtaining and maintaining valid immigration status in the United States as well as costs related for compliance with United States government regulations. The fee covers individual and group counseling to students in adjusting to life in the United States and the American system of education. The cost of this fee is $160.00/semester
* For more information regarding specific fees visit the Student Financial Services webiste.
- J-1 Exchange/Visiting
J-1 Exchange: Full-Time Tuition and FeesThe figures provided below are estimates specifically for DS-2019 issuance purposes. It is important to keep in mind that the actual amounts may vary depending on academic program-specific fees and individual living preferences.
The estimated costs of attendance are regularly updated as new information becomes available.
Expenses Spring 2025
12 CreditsSpring 2025 - Fall 2025
12 Credits
(No Summer Enrollment)Tuition and Fees $16,530 $33,860 Living Expenses $12,635 $35,579 Health Insurance $1,531 $2,679 TOTAL $30,696 $72,118 International Student Service Fee
The International Student Service Fee is charged to all F-1 and J-1 students. This fee supports services related to advice and assistance to non-immigrant students in obtaining and maintaining valid immigration status in the United States as well as costs related for compliance with United States government regulations. The fee covers individual and group counseling to students in adjusting to life in the United States and the American system of education. The cost of this fee is $160.00/semester
* For more information regarding specific fees visit the Student Financial Services webiste.
- Acceptable Sources of Funding
Acceptable Sources of FundingInternational students requesting visa sponsorship from Stony Brook University must provide electronic copies of official financial documents as evidence of sufficient funds to meet or exceed the estimated educational and living expenses for the first academic year. Screenshots and unofficial electronic printouts are not valid for the purpose of Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 issuance. Financial documents must meet all of the requirements listed below.
Document Requirements
- Be an official bank document (signed and stamped, or an official electronic monthly statement)
- Be written in English
- Contain an issuance date within the last 6 months
- List the account holder’s full name
- List the account type
- Indicate the current balance and currency
- All funds must be liquid and immediately available for withdrawal (most commonly: checking, savings, or current accounts)
Please bear in mind that the funding amount in U.S. Dollars will be determined based on the currency conversion rate on the day your I-20 request is processed.
Document Types
Type of Document Document Requirements
Bank Letters/Statements - Includes the name of bank account holder.
- Includes the date of issuance.
- Issued within the last six months.
- Specifies type of account(s), i.e. checking, savings, current, money market, and/or fixed deposit/fixed term/time deposits.
- Includes total available balance(s) held by the account holder, specifying currency.
- Printed on official bank stationary (letterhead) or logo/heading, including bank's name, address, etc.
- If applicable, contains bank official's signature or stamp.
- If applicable, online account printouts may be accepted pending review.
University Funding or Scholarship Award Letter - Must be on department letterhead.
- Include student's full name (or first name and student ID) and detail the terms of the funding including the amount of support, duration, and type.
- Must have signature of appropriate person within the school/department.
Education Loan - Evidence of the loan should be written in English on official letterhead, or accompanied by official translation.
- Letter must detail the purpose of the loan, amount of support, and specify the period during which the support will be available. Must include a signature from an appropriate officer.
- Loans must be fully sanctioned (approved). Loans that are conditionally approved upon issuance of a Form I-20 will not be accepted as proof of funds.
- If the loan is in your name or in both your name and a sponsor's name, please list this amount under 'Personal Funds.'
- If the loan is in your sponsor's name, please list this amount under 'Family Funds.'
Government Financial Guarantee - Evidence of support should be presented in English, on letterhead, include student's full name, and detail the purpose of the support, amount of support, and specify the period during which the support will be available.
- This must be signed by an appropriate government officer.
Company/Corporate Sponsorship Letter - Printed on company letterhead in English.
- Endorsement or signature of company official with financial authority.
- Include the full name of student.
- Include the amount and duration of sponsorship.
The following funding sources/documents are not acceptable:
- Real estate deeds
- Physical assets
- Trust fund accounts
- Salary statements
- Credit card statements
- Stocks and bonds (unless funds can be withdrawn at anytime)
- Retirement funds (unless funds can be withdrawn at anytime)
- Mutual Funds (unless funds can be withdrawn at anytime)
- SEVIS Fee
SEVIS FeeThe SEVIS Fee is a one-time fee that covers the costs of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Regulation requires all prospective F and J students to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee before the Department of State issues a visa.
For most people, the I-901 SEVIS Fee is $350. See the Fee Amount Chart for more detailed information. To pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee, visit FMJfee.com.
You can watch the I-901 SEVIS Fee payment tutorial to learn about each step of the payment process.
This fee is not a University fee and provides no funds or services to the University.
Who has to pay the SEVIS Fee?
- New F-1 and J-1 students who are issued an "initial attendance" I-20 or a "begin new program" DS- 2019.
- Students in the U.S. applying for a change of status to F-1 or J-1.
- Returning students and exchange visitors who have been outside of the U.S. for more than 5 months, were not enrolled in classes at a U.S. university on a full-time basis, or were not pursuing an authorized study abroad or research program that would continue their nonimmigrant status.
- F-1 students who have violated their status and are issued a new I-20 for the purpose of leaving and reentering the U.S. to regain legal status.
- F-1 students who have violated their status and apply for reinstatement more than 5 months after the violation of status occurred.
- J-1 students who have violated their status and apply for reinstatement to the Department of State.
- J-1 students transferring from federally-sponsored exchange programs whose program codes start with G-1, G-2, and G-3 to non-government sponsored J-1 programs.
Who does not have to pay the SEVIS Fee?
- J-1 students participating in federally-sponsored exchange visitor programs whose program codes start with G-1, G-2 and G-3 (e.g. Fulbright program).
- F-1 and J-1 students transferring between universities or programs, changing degree levels, or requesting a program extension.
- F-2 and J-2 dependents of students and exchange visitors.
When to Pay the SEVIS Fee
- If you are applying for an initial F-1 visa at a U.S. Consulate outside the U.S., you must pay the fee prior to applying for your U.S. visa.
- If you are a Canadian citizen and, therefore, do not need an F-1 visa, you must pay the fee prior to entering the U.S. The fee cannot be paid at a Port of Entry.
- If you are applying for a change of status to F-1 or reinstatement to F-1 status, you must pay the fee prior to submitting a change of status or reinstatement application.
How to Pay
The fee can be paid online, by mail or via Western Union. It must be accompanied by Form I-901. It can be paid by you or by a third party, inside or outside the U.S.
To Pay Online
- Find Form I-901 at www.FMJfee.com.
- Complete the form online.
- Pay the fee by supplying the necessary Visa, MasterCard or American Express card information.
- Print a copy of the online receipt.
- Keep a copy of the receipt for your records.
If your country of citizenship or country of birth is Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria or Gambia, you will not be able to pay the fee by credit card. You must pay by money order, Western Union Quick Pay, or certified check drawn on a U.S. financial institution.
SEVIS Fee Scams
Many websites may claim they collect SEVIS fee payments but only the only federal website certified to do so is www.FMJfee.com.Is the SEVIS fee transferable?
Yes, the SEVIS fee may be transferable. For instructions, please visit https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq.
What if my F-1 visa application is denied?
The SEVIS fee will not be refunded. However, if you reapply for a new F-1 visa within 12 months of the denial, you will not have to pay the fee again.