Finance FAQ

The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about financing study abroad apply to all Skidmore Approved Programs, non-Skidmore Approved Programs and petitioned programs that have been approved for individual students by the Advisory Committee on Off-Campus Programs (ACOP). Non-Skidmore students should discuss these questions with a member of the international programs/study abroad office on their own campus to obtain appropriate information.

How much does it cost to study abroad?

Students will be charged the Skidmore comprehensive fee for their semester or year abroad. This fee is equal to Skidmore’s tuition, room at the Scribner Apartment rate, board, and mandatory college fees. If the program does not include room and/or board, or only includes partial board, the fee will be adjusted accordingly.

What does the Comprehensive Fee include?

The Skidmore comprehensive fee covers costs for overseas tuition and mandatory academic fees, double room, board if applicable, medical insurance, and any other mandatory program fees. Students are responsible for their airfare, books, personal expenses (including passport and visa charges), accommodation upgrades, board if not included in the provider's program fee, voluntary field trips and excursions, and any refundable deposits.

How is payment handled?

Students will be billed by Skidmore’s Bursar for the comprehensive fee. The bill will show one charge for the tuition portion of the program, a second charge titled Study Abroad Accommodation Fees for the room and board portion, and any additional mandatory Skidmore College fees. Payments are to be made to Skidmore College. The Office of Off-Campus Study & Exchanges will handle payments to the study abroad program providers on the student’s behalf.

What are program deposits and who are they sent to?

Most programs require two deposits upon acceptance - a confirmation deposit to secure a spot in the program and a housing deposit. The confirmation deposit should be paid to the Office of Off-Campus Study & Exchanges, not the provider. This deposit will be credited to the student’s Skidmore College account. The student should note on their acceptance paperwork to the provider that this deposit was paid directly to Skidmore. The housing deposit needs to be sent directly to the provider, not to the Office of Off-Campus Study & Exchanges. The majority of the housing deposits are refundable to the student at the end of the program. Please check with the program provider for their policy.

Can Financial Aid be used for study abroad programs?

Yes, financial aid can be used for both Skidmore and Approved Programs. Students receiving financial aid should speak with a Student Aid representative to review possible aid changes based on increased expenses resulting from study abroad. It is highly recommended that all students intending to study abroad meet with Student Aid to find out if the increased expenses associated with study abroad may now qualify them to receive aid even though they previously did not.

Is there any financial assistance available to students who are not eligible for Financial Aid?

Yes, Skidmore offers competitive Overseas Travel Awards to select students studying abroad on any Skidmore or Approved Program. This program is currently running from fall 2006 through spring 2008. Any student receiving $2,000 or less in Skidmore College grant, or any student not receiving any need-based grant assistance from the College, is eligible to apply for an Overseas Travel Award. Skidmore will offer 10 awards per year – 7 in fall and 3 in spring. Awards equal $1,000 or 50% of the cost differential as determined by Skidmore and the program provider, whichever is greater, with a maximum award of $3,000. Students will be notified via e-mail regarding how to apply for these awards and application deadlines. Applications are also available in the Office of Off-Campus Study & Exchanges.

Is Financial Aid available for short-term programs?

Financial Aid may be available for short-term programs taking place during the academic year. It is not available for summer programs. It is recommended that students speak with a Student Aid representative to determine if aid is available.

What if a student is on a tuition exchange program?

The tuition portion of the comprehensive fee will be taken care of through the tuition exchange program. Students will be responsible for all other fees and expenses of the program. Those are not covered under the tuition exchange program.

What if a Skidmore program includes a stipend? How and when is that money disbursed?

If a program includes a stipend for living expenses, the student will be asked to open a bank account at a financial institution of our choosing. The necessary paperwork will be made available to the student. The monies will be deposited into this account at the start of the program.

For additional information, please contact the Office of Off-Campus Study & Exchanges.