Cost and Finances

The University of Cincinnati is an affordable public university in a city with a low cost of living. And with a commitment to experience-based learning, you will get a return on your educational investment.

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Estimated Expenses by Program

The following is a breakdown of expenses for all levels of study, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. Living expenses are calculated for a 12-month calendar year. These numbers do not reflect indirect costs, like travel to and from your home country, buying a car, etc. Plan your budget accordingly.

You will be expected to document that you can fund these estimated expenses in order to request an I-20 form. They are subject to change and are not a precise breakdown of the costs for every single program offered at UC. Some programs have higher costs than others. More specific tuition and fees can be found on the Office of the Bursar's Tuition and Fees page.

Dependents

Students who wish to bring a dependent spouse and/or child(ren) with them must demonstrate additional levels of support. You must be able to provide for your own estimated expenses, plus an additional $6,000 per year of study for a spouse and $3,000 per year of study for each child.

Undergraduate Programs

Most international students attend UC's Main Campus. Main Campus (also known as Uptown Campus) is the largest campus, offering the most majors. Students apply using the Common Application.  

The average International Outreach Scholarship awarded for Main Campus ranges from $5,000 - $15,000 (applied to Out-of-State Surcharge) per academic year. 

Cost of undergraduate programs at UC's Main Campus, broken down by expenses.
Expenses by college in current academic year  Main Campus  
Tuition and fees $30,310  
Living expenses $17,999  
Health insurance $2,427  
Total $50,736  

Fewer majors are offered at the UC Blue Ash and UC Clermont campuses, and many of those degrees are Associate Degrees (2 year degrees) or offer a pathway to Main Campus.

Blue Ash

  • At Blue Ash Campus, NO STUDENT HOUSING is available. There is the option to apply for housing at Main Campus.  
  • Blue Ash Campus is located approximately a 20-30 minute drive from main campus. If students are living in Main Campus housing, a UC shuttle is available at designated times between Main Campus and Blue Ash Campus.  
  • The average International Outreach Scholarship awarded for Blue Ash Campus ranges from $1,000 - $4,000 (applied to Out-of-State Surcharge) per academic year. 

Clermont

  • At Clermont, NO STUDENT HOUSING is available.  
  • Clermont Campus is located approximately a 20-30 minute drive from main campus. Students will need their own transportation and housing.  
  • The average International Outreach Scholarship awarded for Clermont Campus ranges from $1,000 - $4,000 (applied to Out-of-State Surcharge) per academic year. 
Cost of undergraduate programs at regional campuses, broken down by expenses.
Expenses by college in current academic year  UC Blue Ash College UC Clermont College  
Tuition and fees $16,247 $14,412  
Living expenses $17,999 $17,999  
Health insurance $2,427 $2,427  
Total $36,673 $34,838  

Graduate Programs, by college

Expenses in the College of Allied Health Sciences, broken down by type
Expenses in current academic year All programs Master of Athletic Training Doctor of Physical/Occupational Therapy
Tuition and other fees $27,960 $40,986 $41,940
Living expenses $23,368 $23,368 $23,368
Health insurance $2,427 $3,640 $3,640
Total $53,755 $67,994 $68,948
Expenses in the College of Arts & Sciences, broken down by type
Expenses in current academic year All programs
Tuition and other fees $26,894
Living expenses $23,368
Health insurance $2,427
Total $52,689
Expenses in the College-Conservatory of Music, broken down by type
Expenses in current academic year All programs
Tuition and other fees $29,056
Living expenses $23,368
Health insurance $2,427
Total $54,851
Expenses in DAAP, broken down by type
Expenses in current academic year Most programs Master of Architecture & MS Architecture
Tuition and other fees $28,394 $33,520
Living expenses $23,368 $23,368
Health insurance $2,427 $2,427
Total $54,219 $59,315
Expenses in the College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services, broken down by type
Expenses in current academic year All programs
Tuition and other fees $26,894
Living expenses $23,368
Health insurance $2,427
Total $52,689
Expenses in the College of Engineering & Applied Science, broken down by type
Expenses in current academic year All programs
Tuition and other fees $27,902
Living expenses $23,368
Health insurance $2,427
Total $53,697
Expenses in the Lindner College of Business, broken down by type
Expenses in current academic year Most programs Doctoral Programs Taxation Programs
Tuition and other fees $33,320 $26,894 $35,320
Living expenses $23,368 $23,368 $23,368
Health insurance $2,427 $2,427 $2,427
Total $59,115 $52,689 $61,115
Expenses in the College of Law, broken down by type
Expenses in current academic year JD LLM
Tuition and other fees $30,060 $30,060
Living expenses $23,368 $15,579
Health insurance $2,427 $2,427
Total $55,885 $48,066
Cost of programs in the College of Medicine, broken down by expense types.
Expenses in the current academic year Most Programs MS Physiology MS Pharmacology Medicine (MD)
Tuition and other fees $26,894 $39,398 $27,572 $53,104
Living expenses $23,368 $23,368 $23,368 $23,368
Health insurance $2,427 $2,427 $2,427 $2,427
Total $52,689 $65,193 $53,367 $80,865
Expenses in the College of Nursing, broken down by type
Expenses in current academic year All programs
Tuition and other fees $29,386
Living expenses $23,368
Health insurance $2,427
Total $55,181
Costs of programs in the College of Pharmacy, broken down by expense types.
Expenses in the current academic year Most Programs PharmD
Tuition and fees $29,336 $37,596
Living expenses $23,368 $23,368
Health insurance $2,427 $2,427
Total $55,131 $63,391

Visiting Student Programs (Exchange)

Costs of visiting student programs by level of study and length of time.
Expenses in current academic year Undergraduate - One Semester Undergraduate - Two Semesters Postgraduate - One Semester Postgraduate - Two Semesters
Tuition and other fees $15,155 $30,310 $13,447 $26,894
Living expenses $7,789 $15,579 $7,789 $15,579
Health insurance $1,214 $2,427 $1,214 $2,427
Total $24,158 $48,316 $22,450 $44,900

Costs and Fees

On your student bill, you will see tuition and a number of other costs and fees. The financial aid website has more details on fees you might see on your bill.

Learn more about fees

Non-Tuition Costs

Attending college costs more than just tuition. To help you project your non-tuition expenses, the Student Financial Aid Office estimates average amounts for several student groups and cost categories. 

Your personal expenses may differ, and you are only required to document the amounts shown on this webpage to request an I-20, but understanding potential costs can help you plan for expenses beyond tuition. 

Dependency status is based on federal definition. Estimated costs are based on at least half-time (6 hours per term) attendance. 

Housing and food amounts are averages for each tuition guarantee cohort based on when a degree-seeking student first enrolls. Billed housing and food rates for on-campus students will be charged based on actual room assignment and meal plan selection as well as tuition cohort.

Estimated amount for 9-month academic year. 
Cost Amount
2024-25 Housing and Food
 $16,178
2023-24 Housing and Food
 $15,546
2022-23 Housing and Food
 $14,940
2021-22 Housing and Food
 $14,272
2020-21 Housing and Food
 $13,780
2019-20 Housing and Food
 $13,372
Books and Course Materials $1,300
Transportation (if Ohio, metro, or reciprocity tuition rate) $2,038
Transportation (if non-resident tution rate) $3,038
Miscellaneous $3,386
Computer (first year) $3,000

Dependency status is based on federal definition. Estimated costs are based on at least half-time (6 hours per term) attendance.

Estimated amount for 9-month academic year.
Cost Amount
Housing and Food $17,526
Books and Course Materials $1,300
Transportation (if Ohio, metro, or reciprocity tuition rate)
 $2,038
Transportation (if non-resident tuition rate)
 $3,038
Miscellaneous $4,892
Computer (first year) $3,000

Dependency status is based on federal definition. Estimated costs are based on at least half-time (6 hours per term) attendance. Expenses are based on individual student costs and do not include spouse or dependent costs.

Estimated amount for 9-month academic year.
Cost Amount
Housing and Food $17,526
Books and Course Materials $1,300
Transportation (if Ohio, metro, or reciprocity tuition rate)
 $2,038
Transportation (if non-resident tuition rate)
 $3,038
Miscellaneous $4,892
Computer (first year) $3,000

Estimated costs are based on at least half-time (5 hours per term) attendance. Expenses are based on individual student costs and do not include spouse or dependent costs.

Estimated amount for 9-month academic year.
Cost Amount
Housing and Food $17,526
Books and Course Materials $1,300
Transportation (if Ohio, metro, or reciprocity tuition rate)
 $2,038
Transportation (if non-resident tuition rate)
 $3,038
Miscellaneous $4,892

M.D. students in College of Medicine have specific estimates with unique breakdowns of miscellaneous expenses determined by their college and the nature of medical education.

Scholarships, Loans and Financial Aid

International students are not eligible for federal aid programs like FAFSA. However, there are a variety of funding options that you may be eligible for as an international student.

UC Scholarships

  • The International Outreach Award provides between $5,000 and $15,000 per year to international undergraduate students studying on the Uptown (Main) Campus, contingent on various factors, including academic performance. For students studying on a regional campus (UC Blue Ash or UC Clermont), awards range from $2,000 to $4,000 per year.
  • University Graduate Scholarships, fellowships and assistantships are available in many graduate programs. Scholarship levels vary by academic program and may include a living stipend. Contact your program of interest to inquire about college- or department-based scholarships, fellowships and assistantships.

External Scholarships

Take a look at our online scholarship listing for a description of some opportunities available to international students. UC's financial aid office also has a searchable database of scholarships.

You can also use one of the online databases below to search for more scholarships:

Both provide a searchable database of financial aid, college scholarships, student loans, and grant information for international students.

Loans

Loans are typically very difficult for international students to receive in the US. Very few lenders offer student loans to international students, and if they do, they often require that a US citizen co-signs the loan with you.

The Financial Aid Office has a resource for UC students that allows you to populate a list of possible loan vendors.

Paying Your Bill

The University of Cincinnati has partnered with Flywire to offer a streamlined way to make a payment from your home country.

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