Office of Global Education FAQs for Home School Tuition

Why do I have to pay Amherst tuition while on study away?

Amherst students who entered starting in the fall of 2018 and later can expect to pay eight semesters of Amherst tuition once admitted to the College. Students are still supported academically by the faculty, staff and systems of the College, even when they are studying away from campus. By charging tuition for study away – whereby students receive credit towards their degree – the College will secure the sustainability of study away for future Amherst students, while also permitting Amherst students to choose the program that best fits their interests and needs, regardless of the costs. Also, the College is aligning its practice with that of the majority of U.S. colleges and universities.

What if the program tuition is more or less than Amherst’s tuition?

Amherst students will pay Amherst tuition regardless of the tuition cost of the program. Any additional tuition expenses will be paid for by the College.

How will my Amherst financial aid apply?

Students who are eligible for financial aid will have the same family contribution as if they attended Amherst. Financial aid will continue to be fully portable, and the budget used to determine a student’s financial aid willl include non-billed expenses (e.g., airfare, local transportation, and other costs as estimated by the program).  How costs beyond the billed tuition fees are paid depends on each student’s individual financial aid award.

Must I enroll in and pay for the Amherst Student Health Insurance Plan?

Students will be charged the Amherst Student Health Insurance Plan for the semester or year of study away, but they will have the option to opt-out of the coverage. However, when opting out, students will need to sign a waiver acknowleging that they understand that many alternative domestic health insurance plans do not offer international coverage and confirm that they have enrolled in a plan that offers comprehensive international coverage for the duration of their time away, including personal travel before and after the official program dates and upon return to the U.S.

Will Amherst cover the cost of my course materials and other academic fees?

Similar to when students are in residence at Amherst, the College will cover the cost of printed and electronic course materials (i.e., course readers provided by instructors, and course fees). For some students, the program can bill the College. For others, students will need to submit a receipt for reimbursement. Textbooks and tangible course supplies like lab coats or CDs will continue to be paid directly by students.

Will Amherst cover the school of record fee?

Amherst will pay any school of record fees on behalf of students. The school of record is required for programs that are not degree-granting institutions (e.g., CIEE, IES Abroad). These organizations have a school of record that certifies each course offered by the program and this school issues the official transcript (e.g., Tulane University for CIEE, the University of Rochester for IES Abroad).

Can I take a personal leave of absence or transfer away to another institution to attend a study away program and transfer the credit when I return?

No, students must be enrolled in the Study Away Placeholder Course before the start of the program in order to transfer credit and financial aid.

Will payments from 529 plans and/or tuition benefits still be possible?

Yes, students and their families will make tuition payments from a 529 plan directly to Amherst College as they would when in residence at the College. Students eligible to receive tuition benefits from parents’ employers will continue to receive those benefits through Amherst College.

Will my parents be able to continue to use the TMS installment plan?

Yes, your family will continue to be able to use the TMS plan but for tuition and charges billed by Amherst College only (Tuition, Health Insurance, Tuition Insurance).

Do I need to apply for financial aid from the study away program or host institution?

No, students do not need to apply for financial aid from an outside source. In some instances, outside funding may reduce the Amherst award.  Students who are awarded merit or need-based funds from a program must report the amount awarded to the financial aid office as it must be incorporated into a student’s award.

Does this tuition model apply to Amherst’s exchanges and special programs?

No, each exchange program has a special relationship with the partner school and the tuition model may be different depending on the exchange agreement.

Who pays the program deposit? What if I decide not to attend my program after the program deposit has been paid?

Most programs require a non-refundable program deposit to confirm a spot on the program. In most instances, the program deposit will be covered by Amherst since the program deposit counts towards tuition payments. (There are a few programs where the program deposit secures housing and, therefore, the deposit is the responsibility of the student.) Students who withdraw from the program after the non-refundable deposit has been paid by Amherst will be financially responsible for the deposit, and any fees incurred by the program prior to the start of the program. These fees will be posted to the students’ account and must be paid in full before the start of the subsequent semester at the College. Students and their families should carefully review, and are held responsible for knowing, the home school tuition policies and the program’s refund policies and Amherst’s policy on outstanding balances.

What is the refund policy for study away?

For tuition refunds, the College will follow Amherst’s tuition refund policy. For room, board, and non-tuition expenses, the College will follow the program’s refund policy. Students are responsible for all fees extended on their behalf.  If a student receives federal aid and withdraws from a program, the federal aid refund policy will apply.

What about domestic study?  Are they treated the same as study away?

Yes, this tuition model applies to both domestic study and study abroad. The only exception is our exchange programs.

Must I enroll in and pay for the tuition insurance plan?

No. If you do not wish to participate in the program you must complete the online waiver by the deadline. Optional, independent tuition insurance covering medical withdrawals is offered by A.W.G. Dewar, Inc. Subscribers are assured a refund of tuition within the terms of the plan for medical withdrawals. All medical withdrawals under the program are insured at 80% of the insured term tuition less any refund or credit due to you from the college. More detailed information is available at https://www.amherst.edu/offices/controller/student-accounts/tuition-insurance.