Preparing for Study in the U.S.

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Prospective International Students

Below are the estimated costs set for each degree level required for obtaining the SEVIS I-20. You are required demonstrate sufficient funding to cover all expenses for one year including tuition, fees, books, travel, and living expenses. Funding may come from your own personal account, a private sponsor's account, and/or scholarships/loans that have been approved. Please review the International Student Addendum for deatails about SEVIS, I-20 and the student visa.

Actual costs will vary for each individual and by program, but it is good to work within this estimated budget for your planning. Please keep in mind that there are additional educational costs for all students in the School of Professional Psychology to do at least 45 hours of personal psychotherapy while enrolled in the program. These hours are required for graduation and the costs are not factored into the estimates below.

After an I-20 is issued and a visa has been obtained, it is best to work within the budget you have estimated for your stay in the United States. Living expenses for each program have been estimated based on a 12-month stay in the U.S. The following is a breakdown of estimated expenses for the academic year 2011-2012:

BA (Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters)

MA (Fall and Spring Semesters)

PhD (Fall and Spring Semesters)

PsyD (Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters)

*Transportation does not include travel to your home country during vacation breaks.

Room and Board

Depending on the neighborhood, you will find rents starting at approximately $900 a month for a studio, and $1,200 a month for a one bedroom. You may also want to consider shared housing.

Through the Student Life tab of MyCIIS, the CIIS's student portal, you'll find the Housing and Relocation Guide with information on how to secure for housing in the Bay Area. You will also find postings for roommates and housing on the campus life tab. Though anyone may view the housing and roommate postings on MyCIIS, you'll need a username and password in order to place a posting. Anyone with an active application on file in the Admissions Office has a username and password. If you do not know your username and password, please email portalhelp@ciis.edu.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Miscellaneous expenses include daily necessities such as clothing, laundry, mail and postage, recreation, and entertainment. Not included are additional costs such as buying a car or additional appliances. Personal expenses will vary according to a student's habits and preferences.

Expenses for Married Students

Students who plan to bring members of their families to the U.S. must plan carefully for their family's support and must include an additional $7,000 per dependent on the Total Per Year fee. These additional monies are to be included on the Certificate of Funding and are for additional expenses for housing, food, health care, and insurance.

Child care and schooling must also be considered. Spouses, children, and other dependents may not be allowed into the United States unless the student can prove availability of sufficient funds to support dependents.