Study Away at PSU

Plymouth State University views study away as an important element of your education. In support of the overall educational mission of the institution, PSU permits institutional aid (i.e. PSU grants, PSU scholarships, and departmental scholarships) to be used towards the cost of fall and/or spring study away expenses.

Study AbroadNational Student Exchange

Plymouth State University’s Study Abroad Financial Aid Policy

While most times, costs to study abroad exceed PSU semester costs, students are able to apply for additional Federal Parent PLUS or student alternative loans to help meet their additional study abroad costs.  Federal and state regulation permits the use of federal and state funds for program related costs in which PSU awards college level credit.   A Consortium Agreement between PSU and the host institution is required.  The Global Engagement Office coordinates the collection of these agreements.

Financial Aid Criteria for Study Abroad
In using financial aid for study abroad, the following criteria must be met:

  1. Students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credits each term.
  2. Students must research program costs and submit a Cost Summary sheet (obtained and reviewed with the Global Engagement Office) with copies of program costs from the sponsoring institution, to the Director of Financial Aid.  The student should schedule a meeting with the director to go over budget material.
  3. A bill or an invoice for the program needs to be submitted to the Student Account Services office. If possible, please have all loan checks submitted electronically to PSU.
  4. Students should designate someone as their “Power-of-Attorney” (not an employee of PSU) prior to leaving the country.  This should be someone you trust to complete financial arrangements for you while you are out of the country.
  5. A final transcript from the overseas institution must be sent to PSU Registrar’s Office at the completion of your study abroad program.
  6. Faculty/Staff Tuition Benefit recipients may have their benefits applied toward study abroad costs.

PSU Scholarship Opportunities for Study Abroad
PSU provides study abroad students an opportunity to apply for the Barbara Willey Scholarship.  Applications are available through the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Office as well as online.

ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

The U.S. government believes it is important for citizens to be better educated about the world and is providing scholarship assistance to help college students engage in overseas study. Below are links to additional scholarship opportunities. Read the instructions carefully since some scholarships do have a service component associated with receipt of the scholarship.

All of these scholarships are competitive with other students around the U.S.  To be the most competitive it is important to:

Possible scholarships are:

Other Study Abroad Funding Information

Diversity Abroad.com – Dedicated to increasing participation and better serving the needs of diverse and underrepresented students in international education
Generation Study Abroad – Resources IIE (Institute of International Education) has for people interested in study abroad
Fund for Education Abroad – Committed to increasing the opportunities for dedicated American students to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs by reducing financial restrictions through the provision of grants and scholarships.

FAFSA Filing While Away

The FAFSA must be submitted every year if you are in need of any federal aid for the following school year.  PSU’s priority deadline is March 1. Do not miss PSU’s priority March 1 FAFSA deadline if you are participating in a spring Study Abroad semester program and plan to return to PSU the following fall semester. Please make arrangements to complete the application while you are away. This is your source for any PSU grants or scholarships, Federal work-study (which can be used once you return to PSU), and Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grants (SEOG).  Late FAFSA filers may only be eligible for Federal Direct Loans, Federal PELL & SEOG Grants, PLUS and Alternative loans.

PSU participates in the National Student Exchange (NSE) program, which is a domestic program similar to study abroad, and is the only comprehensive, university-level, student exchange program in the US.  PSU is a Plan B exchange participant which means students pay tuition and fees to PSU, and room/board and course fees to the host school.

If financial aid resources will be needed to assist in funding your program, it is important to communicate with the Financial Aid Office as you plan your NSE program. PSU allows students to use any financial aid refunds after PSU tuition/fees are paid to cover additional NSE expenses (i.e. room and board).  If additional financial assistance is needed, you/your parents may be eligible to apply for loans through a Federal Direct PLUS loan and/or a Student Alternative loan.  Once accepted, additional funds are possible by completing a NSE Cost Summary Form, available through the Global Engagement Office, and contacting the Financial Aid Team for an appointment to discuss loan options.

Financial Aid Criteria for Student Exchange
If you are receiving financial aid at PSU, you can use your financial aid funding as long as specific criteria are met:

  • You are currently enrolled as a full- time student in a degree program at PSU and are considered to be in good academic and judicial standing.
  • You will be attending an NSE program during the academic year (fall or spring semester)
  • The courses for which you register at your host program or university have been approved for credit transfer back to Plymouth (each course requires a completed and approved Transfer Credit Approval form unless on the PSU course approved data base).
  • You enroll as and maintain full-time student status at the NSE host institution.  As you are aware, only courses in which you earn a “C” or better will transfer back to PSU.
  • You complete the Cost Summary Form with the Global Engagement Office, listing all anticipated expenses including tuition, fees, books, accommodations, meals, flights, and other estimated living expenses.  You will want to bring this form to your first appointment with the Financial Aid Office.

FAFSA Filing While Away

The FAFSA must be submitted every year if you are in need of any federal aid for the following school year.  PSU’s priority deadline is March 1. Do not miss PSU’s priority March 1 FAFSA deadline if you are participating in a spring NSE semester program and plan to return to PSU the following fall semester. Please make arrangements to complete the application while you are away. This is your source for any PSU grants or scholarships, Federal work-study (which can be used once you return to PSU), and Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grants (SEOG).  Late FAFSA filers may only be eligible for Federal Direct Loans, Federal PELL & SEOG Grants, PLUS and Alternative loans.