It is important to understand that:

For these reasons, you cannot get accurate financial information from friends going on programs different from yours, or from former study abroad participants.   Check with the IPIA office and Purdue’s Division of Financial Aid to determine the costs that you must pay for your program and which aid opportunities are open to you.

Also be aware that, in addition to the billed expenses discussed on this page, you will have out-of-pocket expenses, which vary from program to program and from person to person. 

For valuable insight on financial aid as it applies to study abroad, see NAFSA's financial aid page  (NAFSA is the Association of International Educators).

Exchange programs are exactly what they sound like:  a Purdue student goes to Germany (for example) for a semester, and a German student takes his/her place at Purdue for that time.  Purdue students continue to pay their regular tuition (in-state students pay in-state tuition and out-of-state students pay out-of-state tuition) and there are no supplemental fees.  This means that:

Externally-sponsored programs are run by outside organizations, usually non-profits or universities (Ex: ZAMORANO). Students going on externally-sponsored programs pay the externally-sponsoring organization’s costs in addition to a supplemental administration fee to Purdue. These costs usually include tuition, housing, some meals and cultural activities, and are to be billed to the student by the Purdue Bursar.  The fees of externally-sponsoring organizations do not depend on residency status.

• If you normally get a Purdue tuition discount (“Fee Remission”), you would NOT get that discount on a externally-sponsored program, since you are not paying Purdue fees for the experience.  Be sure to see the section on Fee Remissions below.

Purdue-administered programs

• If you normally get a Purdue tuition discount (“Fee Remission”), you CANNOT assume that you can use the discount on one of these programs, since you may not be paying Purdue fees for the experience.  Be sure to consult with Study Abroad staff on this question.  Be sure to see the section on Fee Remissions below.

A special note on summer study abroad and aid

• You probably cannot use a "Fee Remission" to lower your costs. (see above)

• If you want to take summer classes at Purdue in addition to going on study abroad, take a close look at the amount of your summer aid award.  It may not be enough to comfortably cover both a study abroad experience and classes/rent/food in West Lafayette

• Your aid eligibility may increase if you take more credits over the summer, for example, if you register for distance learning courses in addition to your study abroad courses.

YOUR FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID

Special guidelines from the Purdue Division of Financial Aid

OTHER SOURCES OF AID

ABOUT PURDUE TUITION DISCOUNTS (AKA “FEE REMISSIONS”)

• CDV – Child of Disabled Veteran (NOTE:  This is a state program and could be used if the student makes arrangements with the State SSACI)
• Indiana Higher Education Award
• Indiana Higher Education Award Core 40
• Indiana Higher Education Honors Award
• 21st Century Award
• National Guard
• University Merit Fee Remit
• Special Achievement Prize Fee Remit
• POW/MIA Fee Remit
• Fire/Police Fee Remit
• 4-H Fee Remit
• W. C. Smith Fee Remit
• M. F. Dunn Fee Remit
• COG Fee Remit
• Grad Assistantship Fee Remit
• Counsellorship Fee Remit
• Staff Spouse Fee Remit
• Staff Dependent Fee Remit
• Fellowship (if approved by the department paying the fellowship)
• ROTC Fee Remit