Financial Aid Policies
The following information applies to members of the Classes of 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030. For members of the Class of 2031, please see the description of the new home tuition policy here.
Financial Aid is available for Approved Off-Campus Study Programs according to the policies that apply to the aid recipient on campus, up to the amount that would have been provided if the student were enrolled on-campus.
Once the student has been accepted to a program and confirmed their intentions, the Center for Global Education calculates the Cost of Attendance Template. Student Financial Services uses this cost to calculate the amount of aid that the student receives for the semester or year abroad. If you qualify for financial aid, the Student Financial Services will issue a credit on your account with Bates in September or January. If possible Bates will pay costs of your program directly, upon receiving an invoice/bill.
The following costs are included in the calculation of your Cost of Attendance:
Tuition, mandatory fees, program deposit.
If attending an English language university, the costs are calculated on the cost of direct application and enrollment at the university. Unless otherwise indicated in the approved programs listing, the extra costs of applying through Arcadia, IFSA-Butler, and other programs are not eligible. The extra costs of optional academic or extracurricular activities are not eligible.
Beginning with members of the Class of 2031, Bates will follow a “home school tuition” policy, which is outlined at this webpage and at the bottom of this page.
Housing and food costs for the orientation and academic program.
These costs are calculated up to the cost of home stays or dormitories with host-country students with food options if a range of housing options is available. The cost of alternate housing is not included if more expensive. Dormitory costs are based on accommodation in a double.
Books and supplies; Personal expenses.
Students receive the Bates allocation for books and supplies, except for those programs where books are included in program fee. The allocation for “personal expenses” is based on the cost of living at the host city and / or based on program estimates. This allocation is excluded if the program cost includes personal expenses.
Round trip transportation to the program and visa application fees.
Flight estimates are based on advance purchased student fares. Program estimates are used to calculate estimated costs for local travel expenses. For international students, the cost of round trip travel from Boston to the program/university is addressed, unless lower cost alternatives are more appropriate.
Financial aid will consider the cost of an appropriate student visa or resident permit as required to study in the host location. It does not include additional costs related to travel for visa appointments, background checks, or biometric screening costs.
Off-Campus Study Fee.
The College charges an “Off-Campus Study Fee” equal to 7% ($3,310 per semester in 2026-2027) of the Bates Single Fee for that semester except when students pay the full Bates Single Fee for their program.
Work-study.
The expected work-study contribution for the semester abroad is covered by Bates grant aid.
Non-Bates Grants
Students are encouraged to apply for non-Bates scholarships. Students may apply outside scholarships toward the loan portions of their financial aid package and their expected family contribution. Students retain all the outside grant money they receive unless the Bates and outside grants exceed the “Cost of Attendance.”
Adjustments
Awards are based on the anticipated costs and the currency exchange rate at the time of the calculation of the “Cost of Attendance.” They are not adjusted, upwards or downwards, unless exceptional cost or rate changes occur. Appropriate documentation is required.
Additional Costs
The costs of passports, immunizations/vaccinations, health insurance, extra travel, and optional program travel are the student’s responsibility.
Revised Tuition Policy for Off-Campus Study
Beginning with members of the Class of 2031, students who study off-campus will be charged Bates’ tuition, while room and board costs will continue to be managed by the host institution. Students will no longer be charged the off-campus study fee listed above.
The “home school tuition” policy, which most of Bates’ peer institutions follow, accounts for the variety of services and resources that Bates students receive to facilitate and support their off-campus study experience. These include evaluations of study abroad programs, program advising, academic advising, liaising with program providers, visa guidance, emergency response, transcript reviews and credit transfers, student support advising, and career planning. This policy also recognizes that, approved academic credits received during off-campus study count toward a student’s Bates degree.
Financial aid recipients whose off-campus study cost exceeds their expected family contribution will continue to receive the same level of aid as they do for on-campus study. If the total cost of the program exceeds Bates’ single fee, students will be responsible for the difference.
More information about how the home tuition policy will affect payment and financial aid steps associated with off-campus study for the Class of 2031 and beyond will be made available during the 2027-2028 academic year.