Graduate Cost of Attendance

The graduate cost of attendance is an estimate of the costs for one year as a graduate student at the University of South Dakota. Students are assigned a federal aid cost of attendance once they file a FAFSA, which is used to determine the maximum amount of financial aid needed.

Direct costs are those costs that are automatically billed to your university account.

Indirect costs are expenses that would still be incurred, but not charged by the university.

Cost of Attendance Explained

Tuition and Fees

These are the costs for your classes. The amount listed is based on 18 credits of tuition per academic year and the general activity fee; this does not include any special course fees. 

Housing and Meals

The amount listed is based on an average of the residence options available and a standard food allowance that provides the equivalent of three meals each day. Your actual costs may differ depending on your housing assignment and meal plan choice. If you are not living on campus or do not have a meal plan through the university, you will not be charged for these items.

Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment

The amount listed is an estimate; your actual costs may differ each semester based on the classes you are taking.

Transportation and Personal Expenses

The amounts listed are an estimate for your daily personal expenses. These are not charged to you but you can use financial aid to help cover these costs if you so choose. Personal expenses include phone bills, clothes, entertainment, laundry, and gas.

Loan Fees

This amount is added to estimated costs to offset the direct loan origination fees.