How Much Does Syracuse University Cost?

Last Updated on November 14, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Deciding whether Syracuse University fits within a family’s college budget requires a thorough understanding of the full cost of attendance. This includes not only tuition, but also fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and other daily living expenses. While the upfront price tag may seem high, taking a closer look at Syracuse’s financial aid opportunities and cost-saving strategies can help make an SU education more affordable.

This detailed financial guide examines Syracuse’s current tuition rates, itemizes additional costs, outlines the availability of scholarships and grants, and provides tips to manage college expenses effectively. Whether you’re planning for yourself or your child, arming yourself with knowledge on the true price and payment options for an SU degree is essential.

How Much Does Syracuse University Cost?

Syracuse University's total cost of attendance ranges from $70,000 to $80,000 (≈2.6 years of career dedication at a $15/hour wage) per year including tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, and other expenses, but the average net price students pay after financial aid and scholarships is $30,000 to $40,000 (≈1.3 years working to pay for this at $15/hour) annually.

Tuition primarily covers professors’ salaries, building maintenance, libraries, technology and the actual costs of instruction. However, many additional fees factor into the final cost of attendance.

For full-time undergraduate students at Syracuse University, annual tuition for the academic year is:

• $60,135 (≈1.9 years spent earning $15/hour instead of living) for most programs of study
• $71,355 (≈2.3 years at your job making $15/hour non-stop) for Architecture and Art majors

This tuition rate applies uniformly to both in-state and out-of-state students, since Syracuse is a private university.

Certain graduate and professional programs carry higher tuition fees based on higher operational costs. For example:

• Syracuse College of Law – $49,060 (≈1.6 years of your professional life at $15/hour) annually
• MBA programs - $48,735 (≈1.6 years working every day at a $15/hour wage) annually
• School of Information Studies - $43,275 (≈1.4 years at your job making $15/hour non-stop) annually

Undergraduates taking graduate courses must pay the higher graduate tuition rate for those classes.

According to College Advisor, the tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year is approximately $63,310 (≈2 years working every day at a $15/hour wage). This figure represents the tuition alone and does not include additional costs such as housing and fees. When accounting for room and board, which totals around $21,904 (≈8.3 months of employment at a $15/hour wage), the overall cost of attendance can reach approximately $85,214 (≈2.7 years at your job making $15/hour non-stop).

Another source, College Simply, reports that the annual tuition is about $58,440 (≈1.9 years of continuous work at $15/hour), with additional fees of approximately $1,695 (≈2.8 weeks of continuous work at $15/hour) and room and board costs around $17,170 (≈6.5 months working without a break on a $15/hour salary). This brings the total estimated cost of attendance to about $80,947 (≈2.6 years of your working lifetime at a $15/hour job) per year. The costs are consistent for both in-state and out-of-state students.

According to Syracuse University's official site, as detailed on their Undergraduate Costs page, the tuition for undergraduate students for the 2024-2025 academic year is set at $63,310 (≈2 years working every day at a $15/hour wage). When factoring in living expenses and other fees, the total cost of attendance is projected to be around $92,963 (≈3 years of career dedication at a $15/hour wage) for international students, which includes additional costs associated with their status.

A report from Syracuse University's Bursar Office provides a breakdown of costs for students matriculated beginning Fall 2018 or later. The tuition is listed at $31,855 (≈1 year of uninterrupted work at $15/hour) for full-time students taking between 12 and 19 credit hours. Students exceeding this credit range incur additional charges of approximately $1,913 (≈3.2 weeks trading your time for $15/hour) per credit hour.

Standard Fees and Additional Costs

In addition to base tuition, Syracuse University tacks on several common fees:

• Health and Wellness Fee - $1,700 (≈2.8 weeks of continuous work at $15/hour) per year
• Student Activity Fee - $216 (≈1.8 days working to pay for this at $15/hour) per semester
• Technology Fee - $418 (≈3.5 days of your career at $15/hour) per semester

These provide access to campus facilities, activities, and technology services. Students in specialized programs may also incur equipment fees, such as lab fees up to $400 (≈3.3 days of your career at $15/hour) for engineering and science students.

Syracuse requires all full-time students to maintain health insurance, either through their own plan or school-offered coverage at an additional $3,182 (≈1.2 months of your working life at $15/hour) per year.

New undergraduate first-year and transfer students also pay a one-time matriculation fee of $615 (≈1 week of employment at a $15/hour wage) during their first semester.

Housing, Meals, and Campus Living

Syracuse offers several on-campus housing options with varying price points per academic year:

• Dormitories – Small shared rooms with communal bathrooms at $8,210-$9,130 (≈3.5 months working without a break on a $15/hour salary) per year. The most budget-friendly option.
• Suites – Double rooms with shared kitchenette and bathrooms for $9,130-$10,740 (≈4.1 months working without a break on a $15/hour salary) annually. Increased privacy.
• Apartments – Individual bedrooms with full kitchen. From $10,740-$12,350 (≈4.7 months dedicated to affording this at $15/hour) depending on occupancy and amenities. The most independent but expensive.

Meal plans provide dining hall access and meal swipes. Costs vary by frequency:

• Unlimited Plan - $6,662 (≈2.5 months of employment at a $15/hour wage) per year
• Weekly 12 - $6,128 (≈2.3 months working every single day at $15/hour) per year
• Weekly 7 - $4,950 (≈1.9 months trading your time for $15/hour) per year
• Orange 60 - $3,408 per year

Some dietary restriction plans cost more. Syracuse also offers Orange Cash and Dining Dollars debit accounts.

Off-campus housing in surrounding neighborhoods costs $5,000-$9,000 annually. Potential savings are offset by transportation time to campus and utilities.

Books, Supplies, and Personal Expenses

On average, Syracuse students should budget around $1,500 per year for textbooks and supplies, though costs can rise in specialized programs like engineering or architecture. Many students reduce book costs by renting or purchasing digital versions, offering savings over traditional print textbooks.

In addition to direct educational costs, students should allocate $1,700–$2,200 for personal expenses including toiletries, entertainment, and incidental items. Laundry, household items, and leisure activities contribute to this portion of the overall budget.

Transportation expenses for Syracuse students vary, with local students spending around $700 annually, while out-of-state students may need to allocate more for flights or long-distance travel back home, which can add $500-$1,000 or more to the budget.

You might also like our articles about the cost of tuition at High Point University, Boston University, or Harvard University.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities

Syracuse awarded over $477 million in financial aid to undergraduate students. Aid includes:

• Grants and scholarships – Based on merit, need, or other criteria and do not require repayment. Syracuse offered $151 million.
• Loans – Federal government loans like Stafford and Perkins loans offered at low interest rates and favorable repayment terms. SU students borrowed $95 million.
• Work-study – Campus jobs to earn income during school. Over 3,000 students worked under this program.

To qualify, U.S. citizens must complete the FAFSA form. International and undocumented students can discuss alternative aid options.

Syracuse merit scholarships ranging from $5,000 to full-tuition are awarded at admission to top academic performers.

Syracuse's Net Price Calculator

The net cost is the amount a student pays after financial aid, scholarships, and grants have been applied, offering a more realistic picture of affordability. Syracuse’s average net price came to $33,779 after subtracting all scholarships and grants – much lower than the sticker price for unrestrained payers.

Students can use Syracuse’s Net Price Calculator on the official website to receive an estimated net cost tailored to their family’s financial situation. This tool provides prospective students and families with a personalized snapshot of potential aid.

Syracuse University vs Other Colleges

As a private college, Syracuse’s published tuition is higher than public New York state universities. However, generous aid packages make its final net cost more competitive.

When evaluating affordability, students should compare net prices across multiple colleges after projected financial aid. Also consider 4-year graduation rates, as extra semesters increase total costs. Syracuse’s 4-year graduation rate is competitive at 73%.

For a balanced college investment, aim for an affordable net price paired with strong graduate employment outcomes. Syracuse delivers positive results on both counts.

Insider Tips

Here are pro tips current students and recent alumni recommend for managing SU costs:

• “Split textbooks with a classmate or rent digital versions to bring book costs down.” – Sarah L., Class of 2024
• “Apply for every scholarship you can, even small ones. They add up over four years.” – Matt R., Class of 2022
• “Find an on-campus job through Handshake for a few hours a week. The extra income really helps.” – Daniel C., Class of 2023
• “Establish a student credit card only for emergencies. It helps build credit without ballooning card debt.” – Jennifer K., Class of 2021
• “Pack snacks and lunch instead of constantly buying food out. Those daily expenses drain your budget over time.” – Michael B., Class of 2022

Being proactive to reduce avoidable costs goes a long way over four years.

Final Words

Understanding the full cost of attending Syracuse University—including tuition, fees, living expenses, and personal costs—ensures that students and families can plan effectively for the investment in higher education. Prospective students are encouraged to speak with Syracuse’s financial aid counselors to explore options for making their education as affordable as possible.

Answers to Common Questions

Does Syracuse University give full aid to international students?

Syracuse does provide financial aid to eligible international students, including grants and scholarships. However, institutional aid packages do not typically cover full tuition as they might for domestic students. International students should seek external student aid in their home country.

Why is Syracuse tuition so high?

As a private university, Syracuse does not receive direct public funding like state schools, so tuition covers the full operating costs. Services, amenities, research capabilities and small class sizes also raise expenses. However, generous financial aid helps offset the tuition sticker price.

Can I get into Syracuse with a 2.7 GPA?

While Syracuse does not publish strict GPA cutoffs, a 2.7 high school GPA would fall below the university's average admitted student GPA of 3.7. Competitive applicants typically have a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Strong SAT/ACT scores, rigorous courses, letters of recommendation and extracurriculars can also compensate for a lower GPA.