Cost of Living

Living expenses vary widely depending on:

  • where you live
  • marital status
  • whether you have dependents

The cost of living allowances below are based on averages, assume a minimum standard of living (including cost of living increases), and should be taken as a guide only. The amounts are for a single student and do not include the cost of supporting a spouse or other dependents. University-sponsored housing for graduate students is limited, so most students live off-campus. As a result, housing costs are difficult to estimate.

Cost of Living Allowances

Type of Expense

4 Quarters

3 Quarters

2 Quarters

1 Quarter

Room and board
Books
Transportation
Personal expenses
Loan Fees
Activity Fee*
NU Health Plan**

$20,212
$2,776
$2,040
$5,092
$140
*
***

$15,159
$2,082
$1,530
$3,819
$105
*
***

$10,106
$1,388
$1,020
$2,546
$70
*
***

$5,053
$694
$510
$1,273
$35
*
***

Total

$30,260

$22,695

$15,130

$7,565

* Some programs/schools have activity fees. The Graduate School charges a $78 quarterly activity fee for all full-time students. Students in the McCormick School of Engineering Masters Program in Biotechnology (MBP) and Masters of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) are charged a $74 quarterly activity fee. 

** All full-time students must maintain health insurance that meets the University's standards. You will have the opportunity to waive the NU Health Plan if you have other comparable coverage.

*** Students who are registered full-time for the fall quarter and did not waive the NU Health Plan, are charged the entire annual premium on their first tuition statement (for coverage from Sept 1 through Aug 31). Students admitted in subsequent terms will be charged a pro-rated premium amount based on the number of quarters of coverage. The yearly premium for the 2011-2012 academic year is $2584 ($646 per quarter).

View additional information regarding payment options, coverage details, cancellation policies, and eligibility for the Health Subsidy.  

|