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Financing

Off-campus study can cost more than remaining on campus, because of differences in cost of living, airfares for study abroad, and so on. However:

  • financial aid, including Beloit College scholarships, applies to off-campus study undertaken during the academic year;
  • student loans can be adjusted to cover additional expenses;
  • depending on program choice and financial status, some students may be eligible for additional scholarship aid from their program;
  • students with Pell Grants should apply for the Benjamin Gilman scholarship to study abroad; and
  • students with financial need are automatically considered for the College's travel scholarships.

The cost of studying abroad off-campus varies.  However, billing procedures are the same. 

  • Students studying off-campus pay Beloit College tuition no matter the tuition cost of their study abroad program, as long as the tuition cost falls below the cap described below. This allows study abroad students to continue to receive financial aid and earn Beloit College credit, while allowing the College to support and invest in the broadest range of programs available to students.
  • Study abroad tuition varies considerably, and to provide access to as many students as possible, the College imposes a tuition cap, above which the College will not pay tuition. For 2013/14, the cap is $15,231. If program tuition exceeds $15,231, the student is responsible for the difference for any program tuition above the cap. Further, students applying to programs near or above the tuition cap should identify a lower cost alternative program in their applications. Note: The tuition cap should not prevent students from finding suitable study abroad options, as many alternatives exist to the few programs that have tuition falling above the cap.
  • Room and/or board may be paid to Beloit College in the case of exchange programs. Information about room and board for other program options is available from the respective host university or program sponsor.
  • Students who pay no tuition to Beloit College (that is, have a full scholarship or tuition exchange) may only enroll in Beloit College exchange and ISEP Exchange programs in order to have this benefit applied to study abroad. Check with the Accounting Office and Financial Aid if you believe this might pertain to you.

Use the budget worksheet form to calculate the approximate costs of your program. Use the Budget Worksheet PDF form for calculating on paper, or the Budget Worksheet Excel form to calculate digitally.  You must budget separately for travel to and from your program location, spending money, individual travel, and other peripheral costs. The Office of Financial Aid can help estimate costs.

Other things to keep in mind:

  • Financial aid is not applicable to personal expenses. Students should plan on bringing approximately $1800 for spending money each semester to cover travel and entertainment costs. Please note that how much you will need depends on both local costs and your spending habits.
  • Students should not expect to be able to find work while abroad.  In fact, it is illegal in some countries to work while on a student visa.
  • Program beginning and end dates may differ from those at Beloit College, and may impact a time otherwise devoted to work, internships, and other semester break activities.
  • Students who withdraw from off-campus study before program end should refer to the Terms and Conditions signed before departure for information regarding financial responsibilities and refunds. They should also notify the Office of International Education, Accounting, and Financial Aid.

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