What is International Tuition?
International Tuition is a rate of tuition that includes a supplemental increase charged to cover the cost of providing services unique to international students in areas such as admissions, governmental compliance, financial transactions, advising, communication skill-building, instruction, English language placement, and research. The supplemental increase is charged in lieu of federal and state government support received from taxes paid by domestic students to fund instruction and research at Iowa State University.
- Differential cost: $750 per semester
Who is assessed international tuition?
International tuition is charged to all new and continuing nonimmigrant international undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree students registered for on-campus classes.
Are there exemptions?
Yes, the International Tuition supplement is not charged for any semester in which a student is:
- A U.S. Legal Permanent Resident, Refugee, or Asylee
- A Veterinary Medicine professional student
- A graduate student with a qualifying assistantship (A qualifying assistantship is an academic semester appointment of at least 25% lasting for at least three months, or a Summer appointment of at least 25% lasting at least six weeks.)
- Studying in the Intensive English and Orientation Program (IEOP)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations require international students on F-1 and J-1 status to enroll full time each semester as a condition of legal presence in the United States. Full-time registration is 12 credits for undergraduate students and 9 credits for graduate students not on assistantship.
Is financial assistance available to international students?
Yes. A portion of the supplemental tuition revenue is used for international student scholarships. Full-time students registered at Iowa State University for at least two academic semesters are eligible to apply for scholarship assistance and receive an email when applications are available.