Undergraduate Cost of Attendance FAQ

Form I-20 is the “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F1) Student Status” that allows an individual to apply for an F-1 (student) visa. The Form I-20 is issued by a Designated School Official (DSO) at a U.S. government approved educational institution certifying that a student has been admitted to a full-time study program and has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to stay in the United States.

By law, any U.S. government approved educational institution must certify that an international student has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to stay in the United States.  Each institution estimates the cost of attendance based on their location and cost of living.

The estimated annual cost of attendance for undergraduate international students to be issued an I-20 is $35,500.

The Financial Statement form is the document that all international students admitted to BGSU must fill out and submit to International Programs and Partnership  to show they have the funding necessary for a BGSU DSO to issue them the Form I-20.  The form is sent by International Programs and Partnerships once students are admitted to the university.

Students must fill out the Financial Statement Form and submit financial documents such as bank statements to prove that they meet the estimated cost of attendance to be issued an I-20.

• Non-Resident Fee Scholarship may only be used to pay for non-resident fees.

There are two different undergraduate tuition scholarships that undergraduate international students are eligible for: The BG Success Scholarship and the Freshman Academic Scholarship.

• The BG Success Scholarship is awarded to all international student applicants (Freshmen and Transfers) who meet the minimum GPA requirements. It is $4,000 per academic year (Fall and Spring semester) that covers half of the non-residency fees. International undergraduate students are automatically awarded this scholarship and do not have to apply.
• The Freshman Academic Scholarship is awarded to incoming Freshman undergraduate students (Transfer students are not eligible) that covers some of the instructional and general fees. It can vary in amount depending on factors such as test scores and GPA. In order to be considered for the Freshman Academic Scholarship, students should submit their transcripts and test scores to be evaluated.

The scholarship you have been awarded will cover tuition costs. Note that BGSU does not issue full undergraduate scholarships so you will be responsible for covering the remaining balance once your scholarship(s) has been applied to the yearly estimated costs of $35,500.

The non-resident fee is charged to any BGSU student who is not an Ohio resident.  For non-resident fee information please check the “Undergraduate” table at: https://www.bgsu.edu/bursar/Tuition_and_Fees_2022-2023.html

The following undergraduate student fees are not covered by scholarships and must be paid by the students: registration fee; International student fee; student health insurance; counseling  fee; facility fee; graduate services fee; Bg1 Card; Career Service fee; technology fee; legal services fee (optional); international orientation fee. The student is likewise responsible for the remaining instructional, general, and non-resident fees. For each fee cost, please find “Other Costs at  https://www.bgsu.edu/bursar/Tuition_and_Fees_2022-2023.html

Scholarships are automatically applied to the student’s bill by BGSU Office of Financial Aid.

The Academic Year is from the end of August through mid-December (fall semester) and early January through end of April (spring semester).

Yes, you can have more than one sponsor and your sponsor does not have to be related to you. Every sponsor you have must be indicated on the Financial Statement Form and the amount of funding they will provide must be clear.  Additionally, every sponsor’s financial document must be submitted as well; this funding, when added up (minus any scholarship awarded) must equal at least one year’s estimated cost of attendance.

International Programs and Partnerships strongly advises students to bring between $2,500 to $3,000 to cover initial expense as they settle in (furnishing your residence hall; winter clothes; etc.).

Please contact the Financial Aid office at sfa@bgsu.edu