Fees, Expenses, and Financial Aid

Click on any of the following links for information:

• Fees
• Miscellaneous Fee Policies
• Registrations
• Residence Classification
• Schedule of Fees
• Student Financial Aid

All University fees and assessments are established by the Indiana State University Board of Trustees, which reserves the right to make necessary adjustments at any future time. The right to correct errors is also reserved.

Undergraduate students who are residents of Indiana pay in-state tuition, academic fees, and a student recreation center fee. Out-of-state residents pay non-resident tuition, academic fees, and a student recreation center fee. Distance delivery fees are also assessed in conjunction with distance courses. Note that the student recreation center fee is only assessed when six or more hours of on-campus registration is accomplished fall/spring and 3 or more hours of on-campus registration is accomplished summer. Fee information can be found on-line on the Sycamore Express site.

The academic fees are used to help meet the cost of construction and maintenance of buildings, campus, library, laboratories, and to support various student services and activities.

All currently enrolled students are eligible for various personal, social, and cultural activities including the use of services, facilities, and programs provided by Hulman Memorial Student Union and by the Student Government Association; are entitled to receive the Indiana Statesman, the student newspaper; and are eligible for services at the UAP Clinic – ISU Health Center. Students, if enrolled in the appropriate number of credit hours, can be admitted without further charge to all regularly scheduled home intercollegiate athletic contests sponsored by the Intercollegiate Athletic Department.

The payment of fees is made to the Office of the Controller. Information regarding payment options is available on-line on the Sycamore Express site for each enrollment period. Students may use cash, check, Visa, or MasterCard to pay for fees and other charges. Electronic check payment is also available when paying on-line.

The assessment of tuition and fees is based on a student’s residence classification prior to the first day of classes for that semester or term. This initial classification remains for subsequent academic semesters or terms unless and until such classification is changed. An individual could be considered a legal resident of Indiana (i.e., holds a driver’s license, pays taxes), but not qualify as a resident for tuition purposes at Indiana State University. The “University” residence classification must not be confused with a person’s “civil” residence status. In-state residence requires a bona fide permanent domicile in excess of 12 months, as explained in the ISU residency regulations. A person can have only one permanent domicile at a time. The Office of Admissions makes the initial determination of residence at the time of admission. Students classified as non-residents (those whose domiciles are outside Indiana) for tuition purposes may petition for in-state status, if they believe they have been incorrectly classified as non-residents. For more information on how to appeal residence classification, refer to the Sycamore Express site.

Non-Resident Tuition

In addition to the academic fees required of all students plus the student recreation center fee, if enrolled in six or more on-campus hours fall/spring and three or more summer, those students classified as non-residents of the State of Indiana must pay additional non-resident tuition for study during the regular academic year and summer term.

Rates for tuition and academic fees are determined on a bi-annual basis by the Indiana State University Board of Trustees. They are announced prior to the start of each academic year. However, the University Board of Trustees reserves the right to change fees at any time.

Students scheduling classes by utilization of the Web system must obtain important financial messages regarding payment responsibilities at the conclusion of their course selection process. Payment information is also published on-line on the Sycamore Express Web site of the respective term and is provided to those students attending New Student Orientation. Bills may not be generated until after the variable payment plan fee has gone into effect.

Returned Check Policy. Students providing paper or electronic checks which are subsequently returned as non-negotiable are assessed a $25 penalty per check. In addition, once a student has presented three non-negotiable checks, all check writing privileges will be suspended indefinitely.

Admission Application Fee. All initial applications must be accompanied by a $25 nonrefundable application fee.

International Student Application Fee. International students’ applications must be accompanied by a $65 nonrefundable fee.

Auditor’s Fee. An auditor’s fee of $5 per credit hour is charged to persons properly qualified who desire to attend one of the classes open for auditing without participating in the recitation and without formal credit.

Official Withdrawal–Refund Policy. Students who participate in registration must initiate an official withdrawal if they elect not to attend any classes during the semester/term for which registration was accomplished.  Students who officially withdraw from 16 week classes through the first week of the semester will receive a 100 percent reduction of academic fees; during the second week, a 75 percent reduction; during the third week, a 50 percent reduction; during the fourth week, a 25 percent reduction; after the fourth week, no reduction. (All days will be counted regardless of whether or not the course meets beginning with the first day of class. This means Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are counted.)  Summer and Eight week classes have a shorter refund time line. Specific refund dates and information can be found on the Registration and Records site.

Dropping Courses–Refund Policy. Students who drop one or more 16 week class through the first week of the semester will receive a 100 percent reduction of academic fees; during the second week, a 75 percent reduction; during the third week, a 50 percent reduction; during the fourth week, a 25 percent reduction; after the fourth week, no reduction. (All days will be counted regardless of whether or not the course meets beginning with the first day of class. This means Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are counted.) Summer and Eight week classes have a shorter refund time line. Specific refund dates and information can be found on the Registration and Records site.

Late Registration Fee. A late registration fee of $30 will be assessed during the first seven calendar days of the academic semester to a student who fails to complete registration on the dates and within the hours specified in the published procedure for registration for any particular fall/spring semester. The fee will increase to $100 starting with the eighth calendar day of the academic semester. Effective Summer 2017, the late registration fee is not charged during the summer term.

Encumbrance. Students who have a financial obligation to the University will have their future registrations encumbered; their records, transcripts, and diploma will not be released.

Variable Payment Plan Fee. Variable Payment Plan fees are assessed each semester/term according to schedules published on the Sycamore Express site. There is a $60 maximum per semester (fall/spring) and a $30 charge for the summer term.

Internal Collections Process. Students whose accounts are turned over to University Collections Specialists for failure to meet financial obligations:

1. Will have grades withheld;
2. Will have records (e.g., diplomas, transcripts, etc.) encumbered;
3. Will not be able to register for future semesters/terms; and,
4. Will have a $55 late fee added to their account.

Change of Schedule Fee. A student who initiates a change of schedule will be charged $10 per completed term transaction through the seventh calendar day of the academic semester. The fee will increase to $30 per completed term transaction starting with the eighth calendar day of the academic semester. Effective Summer 2017, a $30 Change of Schedule Fee will be assessed on days in which a student makes adjustments to their schedule, effective the first start date of the course(s).

Parking Permit. All faculty, staff, and students who own, possess, operate or have the use of a motor vehicle on any property owned, leased, or used by Indiana State University, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, must purchase and properly display a current parking permit from the rear view mirror. The University Board of Trustees has established a registration fee. The registration fee may be paid on-line or at Parking Services, a division of the Public Safety Department.

Parking Fine. The Public Safety Department may assess fines for parking and traffic violations in accordance with Indiana State University traffic regulations.

Replacement of Sycamore Card Fee. A fee will be charged to students who make application to replace their Sycamore Card. The fee is payable at the time a replacement card is requested in the Public Safety Department.

Breakage Fee. A breakage fee is charged for laboratory equipment which is either non-returnable or which is not returned in good condition.

Laboratory, Course, and Program Fees. Laboratory, course, and program fees are charged in certain classes for supplies and equipment usage, and/or special instruction/supervision.

Library Fines. Fines are assessed for overdue and lost books/materials.

Student Cap and Gown Fee. Candidates who attend commencement are required to purchase or rent the appropriate cap and gown for commencement. The Barnes and Noble Bookstore is the exclusive source for commencement regalia.

Applied Music Fee. An applied music fee will be charged for each course in instruments or voice done on the basis of individual instruction with a regular faculty music instructor.

Transcript Fees. A transcript fee will be charged for each transcript of record issued. Transcripts cannot be released without a student’s written consent. Transcripts can be ordered on-line.