Estimated Semester Expenses for Incoming Exchange Students
The expenses listed are totals for one semester unless otherwise noted.
Please note that the budget below is an estimate and will not necessarily apply to all students.
Estimated for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
| Item | Expense | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SEVIS fee for J-1 Students | $220 | |
| Visa fee for J-1 Students | $245 | As of May 2023 |
| Startup/Arrival Costs | $250-300 | Covers transportation to campus, any meals before the dining halls open, furniture or other basic necessities for dormitories or residences. |
| US Cell Phone or SIM card | $30-50 per month | A US cell phone number is required for J-1 visa compliance. |
| On-Campus Housing | $5500 | Housing ranges from $4500-67500 for 2025-2026 based on residence options. The estimate includes the application fee, early move-in fees for orientation (around $40/night for 3-5 nights) and optional break housing during Thanksgiving break, Winter break, and Spring break, when the campus is closed. See the accommodation calendar here: ResLife: Important Dates. |
| Off-Campus Housing | $1200 per month | Ranges from $900-1500 per month |
| On-Campus Meal Plan | $3,337 | Base level dining plan as of Fall 2025 - does not include Dining Dollars. See available plans here. |
| Off-Campus Food Expenses | $2,250 | Without on-campus meal plan |
| Books/Supplies | $625 | |
| Excursions hosted by UMD | $50-100 | |
| Personal Expenses (local travel and entertainment) |
$1,600 | $100 per week estimate |
| Student Activity Fee | $51 | This fee is the only mandatory fee exchange students must pay. Based on 2025-2026 cost. |
| Mandatory Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) |
$1,630 | 2025-2026 rates: Full Year: $2,806 Fall: $1,176 Spring/Summer: $1,630 (higher cost as the coverage period is longer) |