Syracuse University Announces Historic Commitment to Financial Aid; 2020-21 Tuition and Fee Rates; and New, Expanded Opportunities for Financial Support

Syracuse University’s 2020-21 budget includes a substantial increase in student financial aid, reaching a historic level of $300 million. That financial commitment, which represents a 7 percent increase over the previous fiscal year, will ensure the doors of opportunity are kept wide open for students of promise and talent from across the socioeconomic spectrum.

For the 2020-21 academic year, the cost of tuition for all full-time undergraduates will increase by 3.9 percent. For those students admitted prior to fall 2018, the tuition totals $50,700. For those admitted in fall 2018 and afterwards, the tuition totals $54,270, a figure that includes the previously announced premium. Room rates for most full-time returning undergraduates will increase by an average 3.5 percent and meal plan rates by an average 2 percent, depending on the housing and meal plans chosen.

In addition to the expansion of financial aid, the University recently announced a series of new and enhanced financial programs and resources designed to help students achieve their academic goals and provide support for students facing hardships related to the pandemic. These include:

• The Syracuse Responds Fund is the result of the Syracuse University community coming together to support students facing unfortunate circumstances. Made possible through the generosity of alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends, the Syracuse Responds Fund benefits students who are struggling during this time. Grants from the Syracuse Responds Fund are administered through the Office of Financial Aid.
• The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs can assist any student regarding issues of financial need. There are resources in place to assist with unexpected expenses related to COVID-19, such as shipping and storage; technology; medical or health care due to COVID-19; food insecurity; and housing.
• Through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, students who meet eligibility requirements can receive support. Details on eligibility, applying for funds and other related questions are available on the Office of Financial Aid emergency funding webpage.
• The donor-supported Hendricks Chapel Student Opportunity Fund and Food Pantry provides mini-grants to meet a wide range of needs, including food, clothing, emergency travel, emergency health care and other non-academic expenses.

“The quality and value of a Syracuse University degree is undeniable, and we want to put it within reach for students who have big dreams, ambitious goals and great potential,” says Ryan Williams, vice president for enrollment services. “Dramatically increasing our financial support is just one way we can help deliver on those dreams, both for our prospective students as well as our current students.”

The 2020-21 budget maintains a high level of service to students with minimal or no fee increases. There is no proposed increase to the undergraduate co-curricular fee or the residential internet and cable service fee. The undergraduate student activity fee will increase by a nominal 1 percent, an average of $2 higher than the year before.  A 2 percent increase in the health and wellness fee for undergraduates, College of law and graduate students—about $15 above the year before—supports significantly enhanced services available at the Barnes Center at The Arch. Program fees across schools and colleges remain mostly flat.

Graduate assistant stipends will increase by an overall average of 2.5 percent, with the new minimum stipend for graduate students totaling $16,080. For students on a University fellowship, the 2020-21 minimum amounts for fellowships have increased to $16,125 for master’s students and remain at $25,290 for doctoral students.