Cost & Financial Information

Tuition and fees at community colleges like Shoreline cost 50%-70% less, on average, than public and private universities.

 

All non-resident international students are required to demonstrate adequate financial resources to live and study in the U.S. Before we can consider you for admission, please have the person who will be financially responsible complete and sign the Financial Certification Form.

 

Although you only need to provide documentation for the first year, it is important that there be adequate funding available for the entire duration of your program. You may be asked to provide this information when you apply for a visa at the U.S. consulate or embassy. Expenses of living and studying in the United States vary from student to student. However, the following is a list of the minimum expenses that you can expect. (Extra expenses for travel, entertainment, and recreation are not included in this list.)

 

 2012-2013                                             TOTAL

Estimated Academic Expenses  1 Quarter Academic Year 
 (3 Quarters)
Tuition (15 credit hours)

 $3,034

  $9,102
Fees*
Books (estimated)

   $206
   $250

     $618
     $750
TOTAL

   $3,490

     $10,470
 
     
Estimated Living Expenses  1 Quarter Academic Year 
 (3 Quarters)
Room and Board**

      $1,875

         $5,625
Health Insurance

        $259

           $777
Other***

$350-$550

  $1050-1650
TOTAL

     $2,484

         $7,452
     
Total estimated cost for one academic year (9 months):

 

       $17,922
*Fees are mandatory for students and cover costs associated with a variety of items, including technology, student activities, F-1 administrative, sustainable commuter options, and student union costs.

**Room and board estimates are based on homestay costs. Students renting own apartment should expect higher expenses.

***Other estimated expenses include miscellaneous expenses and spending money. Individual students' expenses may vary depending on students' lifestyle and situation. Students may incur additional expenses if they purchase bus pass. SCC students are eligible for a bus pass discount.

 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires that international applicants to all colleges and universities in the U.S. demonstrate that they have access to sufficient funds to cover the entire cost of their academic and living expenses for at least one year. Therefore, evidence of this type of financial ability is part of Shoreline's admission requirements.

Your proof of financial ability and support will be met by submitting the completed and signed “Statement of Financial Support” (on the international student application), as well as the materials listed in one of the following three categories:

 

1. If your parent(s) will financially support you:

      a. An official letter from your parent's bank indicating that there is a minimum balance of $17,922 on the account. This letter should be in English and should be no more than 6 months old. Instead of the letter from the bank, you can also provide a recent official statement that they may regularly receive from the bank that shows available funds.

 

2. If you are self-supporting:

     a. An official letter from your bank indicating that there is a minimum balance of $17,922 on the account. This letter should be in English and should be no more than 6 months old. Instead of the letter from the bank, you can also provide a recent official document that you may regularly receive from the bank that shows available funds.

 

3. If you are sponsored by your government, an agency, or other organization:

     a. An original scholarship or authorization letter from the sponsoring agency listing the amount of support, length of time authorized, and any special conditions of sponsorship. This letter should be in English.

 

4. If you are sponsored by a relative (who is not your parent) or other person:

     a. An official letter from your sponsor's bank indicating that there is a minimum balance of $17,922 on the account. This letter should be in English and should be no more than 6 months old. Instead of the letter from the bank, you can also provide a recent official statement that they may regularly receive from the bank that shows available funds.
     b. An official “Affidavit of support Form” from your sponsor indicating specifically what s/he is willing to provide (for example, “all educational and living costs” or “tuition only”) and for how long. They must also state the dollar amount that they will be providing for your support. Please note that if your sponsor is not paying for all of your expenses, we will need an explanation from you of how your remaining costs will be met. Although the Affidavit of Support form is intended for U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents, we will accept it from a non-US resident. Information about funds in the U.S. can be substituted by funds in the sponsor's country.  Here are Instructions for the Affidavit of Support Form.
 
IMPORTANT NOTE: Providing financial documents from persons only for the purpose of obtaining admission and an I-20 document if that person has no intention of supporting a student will be considered as submission of fraudulent documentation by our office.