Going Abroad Within Your Budget

Are you on a budget? Great! We are here to help and we offer a range of programs for every budget. Check out these resources to find a program that works for you:

• Review the most affordable program list and the best semester abroad deals
• Talk to an Ed Abroad advisor (we can suggest programs and talk about your personal financial situation)

Remember:

• You can use your financial aid package!
• Program costs vary widely
• There is not a direct correlation between program cost and the quality of your experience.

Knowing your cost of attendance at CU is crucial to determining which program fits in your budget.

1. Check out CU’s Bill Estimator
2. Write down your “CU Boulder Cost Estimate”
3. Check out CU Ed Abroad’s Program Costs
4. Choose any program and jot down the “Total Estimated Budget” number*
5. Now, compare those numbers. If the Ed Abroad program feels like too much for you, select a new program – maybe one from the most affordable program list!

*The posted costs for CU Education Abroad are comprehensive and include everything we think you’ll spend money on, like tuition, housing, food, insurance, a plane ticket and personal expenses. (Costs don’t include vacation travel, so plan for that if it’s important to you).

Other factors to consider: 
 

• Think location! Avoiding bigger cities and "hot spots" is often the best strategy to cut costs. While a well-known city may seem exciting, looking beyond that dream city can save a lot of money. You might find yourself with a whole new love for those off-the-beaten-path destinations, and with the money you save, you can still spend time visiting any larger cities on breaks/weekends.
   
• Debating between a summer or semester program? There are many financial factors to consider:
  • Summer programs generally have a smaller price tag since they are shorter, but they tend to cost more per credit hour.
  • Maybe summer is your best option because of academic, work or family obligations. If so, we can help you find an affordable summer option!
  • Financial aid is decreased in the summer, so you’ll need a way to pay for most costs out-of-pocket. See the Financial Aid page for more information about how financial aid works for summer.
  • Don’t rule out a semester program because the price tag is higher. You can use more of your financial aid package for semester programs, and scholarships tend to be higher than summer.
  • Consider whether you rely upon a summer job and how studying abroad for a summer may impact your earnings. While you may also work during the regular school year, students typically work many more hours during the summer months and heavily rely upon summer earnings for the remainder of the year.

1. Calculate the cost of a summer abroad and add that to the cost of a regular semester in Boulder. (See #1 above!)
2. Now do the opposite and think about the costs of an affordable semester program (plus maybe a summer class at CU).
3. If you plan to have a summer or year-round job, think about the income gained or lost and calculate that into your plan.
4. Consider whether you will have any financial aid to use for summer. If you aren’t sure, check out the Financial Aid page, or speak with the Office of Financial Aid to learn more about what’s available to you.

The takeaway: A semester abroad can simply replace the cost of a semester at CU, while summer is an "extra" cost that families have often not planned on financially. Students who select an affordable semester program will almost always find that it is more cost-effective to go abroad for a semester.

Regardless of your choice, be sure to apply for the Buffs Abroad Scholarship, and research more scholarships you might qualify for based on you major, destination, and more.