Syracuse University Announces Largest Financial Aid Commitment to Date, 2021-22 Tuition Rates and Fees

As Syracuse University prepares for a fully in-person residential experience for the fall 2021 semester, the University today announced its largest financial aid commitment to date, as well as the 2021-22 tuition rates and fees. The University’s 2021-22 budget includes $307 million in student aid, which represents a 7 percent increase over the previous fiscal year. This significant investment supports the University’s ongoing commitment to welcoming talented students of promise, from across the socioeconomic spectrum, while also controlling the cost of attendance for students and families with the greatest financial need.

“As demonstrated by another record-setting year for first-year applications, there is tremendous demand for and interest in pursuing a Syracuse University education from exceptionally talented students from across diverse geographies, experiences, backgrounds and financial means. The increase in our financial aid allocation is a testament to our enduring commitment to making it possible for any qualified student who wants to attend our great university to do so,” says Ryan Williams, vice president for enrollment services.

For the 2021-22 academic year, tuition for all full-time undergraduates will increase by 3 percent. For those students admitted prior to fall 2018, the tuition totals $52,240; those admitted in fall 2018 and afterwards, the tuition is $55,920. The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees recently approved tuition, room and board, and other fees.

Room rates for most full-time returning undergraduates will increase by an average 3.5 percent, and meal plan rates by an average 3 percent, depending on the housing and meal plans chosen. In response to student feedback, particularly as it relates to the weekly meal reset, the Office of Housing, Meal Plan and I.D. Card Services will transform the meal plan system for fall 2021. To address this concern, the University will transition to a block plan system, where students select a set number of meals to use each semester.

The new budget cements the University’s commitment to enhancing the student experience while minimizing or eliminating fee increases. There is no proposed increase to the undergraduate student activity fee, co-curricular fee or the residential internet and cable service fee. A 2 percent increase in the health and wellness fee, about $16 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.

The University has been working to identify additional ways to support student success, which includes financial stability. As a result of those efforts, a new laundry system will be implemented in fall 2021 as well. The University has reached an agreement with WashLava to update its appliances over the summer, and beginning in the fall, students will no longer need to pay to use on-campus laundry facilities. In addition, by utilizing WashLava’s technology, students will be able to reserve machines and receive notifications about the status of their laundry through the WashLava app.

In the 2021-22 budget, graduate assistant stipends will increase by an overall average of 2.5 percent, with the new minimum stipend for graduate students totaling $16,485. For students on a University fellowship, the 2021-22 minimum amounts for fellowships have increased to $16,485 for master’s students and remain at $25,290 for doctoral students.

In addition to the historic expansion of financial aid, the University continues to offer enhanced financial programs and resources. These resources are designed to help students achieve their academic goals and provide greater financial support for students facing ongoing hardships as a result of the pandemic. These include:

• The Syracuse Responds Fundis 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 Programsis available to consult with 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 and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSAA) 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.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors close the gap between education and action, so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives, and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community that moves ideas, individuals and impact beyond what’s possible.