Aid, Billing & Costs
We'll Help You
Cover the Cost
What an SFS program costs and the funding that helps you cover it.
We'll Help You
Financial Aid
Your Aid Follows You
Most campus financial aid (including federal loans and institutional grants) transfers directly to your SFS program. The relationship SFS has with your school determines the billing process, and our team will walk you through every step.
Many students use funds from a 529 plan to pay for their SFS program. Disbursement rules vary by plan, so check with your 529 administrator about their requirements.
All students are encouraged to apply for SFS financial aid. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submissions are welcomed. Students who submit by the payment deadline are considered for the full range of aid options.
If you can't complete the FAFSA, use this financial aid application instead.
Start to Finish
Three Steps to Financial Aid
1
Coordinate with Your School
Your campus study abroad office confirms aid transfer. Federal loans, institutional grants, and outside scholarships typically apply to your SFS program.
2
Apply for SFS Aid
Submit the SFS financial aid application through your SFS Student Portal. There's no separate deadline, so apply as early as possible for the best options.
3
Receive Your Package
SFS notifies you of your aid award. Aid is typically a credit on your SFS invoice, reducing the amount you need to pay.
Aid Review Begins
Applications are reviewed as they arrive, so apply early.
Summer
February
Fall
April
Spring
September
Scholarships
Each fund is named for a donor or alum and provides need-based tuition aid.
SFS General Scholarship Fund
The most flexible giving vehicle. Directed wherever financial need is greatest each year, so cost alone never keeps a student out of the field.
Roy A. Hunt Foundation Scholarship
Made possible through the generosity of The Roy A. Hunt Foundation. Priority is given to first-generation college students pursuing a field-based semester abroad.
The Fountain Scholarship
Established by filmmaker Darren Aronofsky (KY ’85; AK ’86). Provides tuition assistance to applicants from urban environments who demonstrate financial need.
Tozer Scholarship
Established by former Trustee W. James Tozer Jr. and his wife Elizabeth to support the SFS mission and student access.
McKee Scholarship
Established by Charles D. McKee, former Board of Trustees member. Awarded to a student who exemplifies the spirit of field-based environmental inquiry.
Heather Jo Leibowitz Memorial Scholarship
Honors Heather Jo (KY ’04). Awarded to Tanzania or Kenya program students who demonstrate a commitment to learning about and contributing to local communities.
Stephen F. Lee Memorial Scholarship
In memory of SFS alumnus, intern, and faculty member Stephen F. Lee (FL ’86; HI ’87–’89). Preference for marine program applicants in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) or Panama.
Jillian Wiener Memorial Scholarship Fund
Honors the exceptional life of Jillian “Jilly” Wiener (Spring 2022 TCI). Awarded to the TCI applicant who best exemplifies her commitment to the marine environment and service to others.
Program Costs
Current Tuition
SFS program costs vary by center and term length. The one-page cost sheet lists tuition and room & board for every program, with rates for Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and Spring 2027.
Within a week of acceptance, students or their schools pay a non-refundable deposit to reserve their spot. SFS then reaches out to collect tuition payments on the schedule below.
View Program Costs (PDF) →
Your Tuition
What's In & What's Not
Included
Program advising and orientations
Research fees
Airport transfers
Housing and meals during program time
Field excursions and cultural activities
Official transcript processing
Evacuation and 24/7 emergency support
Not Included
Flights to and from program
Passport
Visa fees (if applicable)
Immunizations and medications
Personal expenses
Accommodation and food during program breaks
Billing Deadlines
Non-refundable deposit due within one week of acceptance.
Spring
Nov 1
Summer I
Apr 1
Summer II
May 1
Fall
Jun 1
Refunds
If Plans Change
Refunds cover tuition and room & board only, not the deposit, flights, visas, immunizations, or program gear. Students dismissed from a program receive no refund.
Semester Withdrawal
91+ days before startFull refund, minus deposit
90–61 days before start50%, minus deposit
60 days before – 14 days after start25%, minus deposit
15+ days after startNo refund
Summer Withdrawal
52+ days before startFull refund, minus deposit
0–51 days before start50%, minus deposit
After program beginsNo refund
Deferrals. Switching to another SFS program within 90 days of your start date forfeits the deposit; a new deposit reserves your new spot. Remaining payments transfer to the new program.
If SFS cancels a program for reasons other than force majeure, you receive a full refund before the start date, or a pro-rated refund after. In force majeure cancellations (natural disaster, political unrest, public-health events), SFS may extend or reschedule the program; refunds are not guaranteed.
Home-institution-mandated withdrawals follow the same schedule as voluntary withdrawals. Full policy available from the billing team on request.
Questions About Aid or Payments?
The SFS billing team is here to help.