In addition to affordable tuition and living expenses, the University of Minnesota offers a couple ways for undergraduate students to keep costs down: the four-year graduation guarantee and no charge for enrollment beyond 13 credits per semester. Many institutions charge students per credit, but students enrolled in 13 credits or more per semester are charged a flat rate. Therefore, if students enroll in 15 credits in a semester, two of those credits are actually free (students usually enroll in 15-16 credits per semester in order to graduate in 4 years).
Costs for International Undergraduates
| Tuition & Fees (full academic year or two semesters) | $21,445 |
| Mandatory Health Insurance | $2,098 |
| Living Expenses & Books | $15,627 |
| Total | $39,170 |
*This chart shows an estimate of undergraduate costs for 12 months. Fees and charges are subject to change without notice as necessitated by University or legislative action.
Scholarships
The University of Minnesota offers undergraduate scholarships to international students based on merit and financial need:
Global Excellence Scholarships (merit-based awards)
All international freshmen and transfer students who are admitted are considered for a Global Excellence Scholarship. These scholarships cover either the full difference or half the difference between resident and non-resident tuition rates. For the 2014-15 academic year, the freshmen scholarships were $3,625 (Maroon Award) or $7,250 (Gold Award) per year for up to four years. Transfer students may receive Maroon awards of up to three years when entering the University in the Fall semester (transfer students entering in Spring semester will be considered for scholarship on a funds-available basis). Awards are competitive, based on academic merit—students selected for awards are among the best in their high school class and show a record of very strong academic preparation. There is no separate scholarship application required; students are considered based on an overall assessment of their on-time admission application. If you have been awarded a Global Excellence Scholarship and have questions about the award, please view these Frequently Asked Questions on the International Student and Scholar Services Website.
International Student and Scholar Services Scholarships (need-based awards)
Various scholarships are available for new students based on criteria such as financial need, academic merit, and educational goals. Awards currently range from $1,200 to $5,000 per year. Students are required to submit an application form and essay for consideration. Applications for need-based scholarships must be completed no later than March 1, 2015, for 2015-16 awards. To be eligible for scholarship consideration, students must also complete their application for admission by the priority deadline (December 15, 2014, for freshman applicants; transfer admission deadlines vary). Recipients of awards are notified via email by March 15 of the year they plan to enter the University. These ISSS Scholarships are for new students only. If you are already enrolled at the University of Minnesota, please visit the International Student and Scholar Services website for financial resources.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Scholarship (UROS)
The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Scholarship (UROS) is awarded to high-achieving students with an interest in research. Recipients work on a research project with a faculty mentor and receive a stipend of approximately $1,400.