The Cost of Education
Cost must be considered when a student is making decisions about whether, where and when to attend college. A student budget is used as an estimate of the amount of money it will cost a student to attend college. The budget includes allowances for tuition, fees, books, transportation, housing, food and personal expenses. Additional allowances may be made for unusual expenses such as dependent care costs.
Student budgets are set each year by CUNY. They reflect the average expenses of all students who are living with their parents or living away from their parents. Students with disabilities should speak to a financial aid counselor about budget adjustments for their special needs.
The current Hunter College budgets for full-time undergraduate students who are charged the NY State resident tuition rate can be seen by logging into: www.hunter.cuny.edu/onestop.
Note: Tuition charges are estimates for full-time New York State residents based on current tuition charges. Actual tuition charges for New York State residents, out-of-state residents and international students for full-time and part-time study can be found at https://hunter.cuny.edu/students/tuition-and-payment/tuition-and-fees/
The Housing component of the Living Away from Parent budget is derived using average housing costs for a rental apartment in metropolitan New York and using the assumption that the student is sharing the cost of housing with a roommate. The Personal component includes an allowance for medical expenses and/or health insurance.
Student Resources
In reviewing the student budget, a prospective student should consider the resources they will have to cover cost associated with their educational expenses. Filing the FAFSA early can help prospective and continuing students to determine their available financial need and other resources needed prior to the beginning of the academic year. Students should also consider indirect educational expenses, i.e., books, supplies and transportation prior to the beginning of the school year.
Packaging
Rather than using one source of funds to finance their education, students may receive a combination of funds from a number of programs for which they are eligible. This system for allocating aid is called packaging. Funds will be allocated first to meet the basic costs of attendance (tuition, books, transportation). If funding permits, other living expenses will then be addressed.
Applications for financial aid must be filed each year. FAFSA on the Web for the coming academic year is available starting on October 1.
Study Abroad
Students who enroll in an overseas program of study approved by Hunter College are eligible to receive federal financial aid and, in some cases, New York State aid. The coursework for which they enroll must be applicable to their degree at Hunter College. Contact the Office of Programs Abroad at (212) 772-4983 for further information about study abroad.