Exchange students coming from universities that have direct-exchange agreements with MU are not required to pay the basic tuition when enrolled in 12-15 undergraduate credit hours or 9-12 graduate hours. However, you will be required to pay tuition if enrolled in more hours, and some schools and departments charge supplemental fees that exchange students are required to pay. The International Center recommends that undergraduate students take only 12 credit hours the first semester while adjusting to the new university system and improving English language skills, if applicable.
MU has agreements with some sponsoring agencies concerning tuition and fees. Most of these agreements allow students to take 12 undergraduate credit hours or nine graduate credit hours. Students or their sponsors may have to pay additional amounts for extra hours, special course fees or summer classes.
If your sponsor will pay all or a portion of your academic fees, you must meet with the coordinator of the Sponsored Student Program to review contracts and work with third-party-billing in the MU Office of Cashiers to set up the billing procedures.
Important: If you receive an updated contract or changes to your existing agreement, please let the Sponsor Student Coordinator at the International Center know as soon as possible. Make sure to review your bills and let the Coordinator or sponsor billing know if you have questions!
Students in the United States spend a lot of money each year on books and materials for their classes, something many exchange students are not accustomed to. You should expect to spend approximately $450‐$500 per semester on books and supplies. At the end of the semester, the University Bookstore may buy back some of your books. Unfortunately, the amount of money you can get from selling your books back to the bookstore is considerably less than the amount you paid for them.
The overall cost of living abroad can sometimes be higher than the cost of living and studying in your home country. At the start of your program, take some time to become familiar with the exchange rate and reasonable product prices before making too many purchases.
You are required to provide proof of adequate funding to support you while you are in the U.S. The J‐1 exchange visitor program also allows international students to work up to 20 hours a week in an on‐campus job, which may be a viable option for earning some spending money. If you want to work, you must apply for a U.S. Social Security number and obtain a work authorization letter from your MU adviser.
Learn more about expenses.
