Admissions & Scholarships
A-State Cost of Attendance 2026–27, Explained for Parents
One of the first questions parents ask about studying in the United States is simple: what will a year actually cost? This article walks through the published tuition, fees and estimated living costs at Arkansas State University (A-State) for the 2026–27 academic year, using only figures the university has released. It is meant to help families budget with confidence ahead of upcoming intakes: Spring 2027 (deadline November 1, 2026), Summer 2027 (deadline March 2, 2027), and Fall 2027. Tuition and fees can change from year to year, so please confirm current figures with the Vietnam Office before making final decisions.
Tuition by credit hour, 2026–27
A-State charges international students by the credit hour rather than a flat per-semester rate:
| Level | Tuition per credit | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $649 | Includes a $23 athletic fee |
| Graduate | $777 | College fee added separately |
| College fee | $27–$55 per credit | Varies by college/major |
Because the college fee is not uniform, a student in Business, Engineering or Nursing may pay a different total than one in a liberal arts program. The Vietnam Office can look up the exact fee for your child's intended major.
Estimated total cost for one year
The table below shows three illustrative scenarios, each combining tuition, fees, on-campus room and board (estimated at $12,220/year), and mandatory health insurance (estimated at $1,100/year):
| Scenario | Credits per semester | Estimated annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, minimum full-time load | 12 credits | ≈ $29,646 |
| Undergraduate, on-track for a 4-year degree | 15 credits | ≈ $33,540 |
| Graduate | 9 credits | ≈ $28,976 |
These are illustrative examples based on published 2026–27 rates. Actual costs will vary by major, number of credits taken each semester, and housing choice. Families can use the cost-of-attendance calculator to run numbers for a specific student.
Scholarships can meaningfully reduce this total. For example, the International Freshman Scholarship offers $3,000 per year to students with a 3.25 GPA, and additional merit awards tied to ACT/SAT scores range from $1,000 to $4,000 per year. Details and eligibility are on the scholarships page.
One-time costs during the admission process
Beyond per-credit tuition, families should plan for several one-time charges tied to the admission process:
- Application fee: $50, non-refundable, paid when the application is submitted.
- International deposit: $350, paid after an offer of admission to confirm enrollment.
- Health screening: $280, required before arrival as part of the university's health clearance process.
- Housing deposit: $100, if the student will live in a residence hall.
Keep the application deadlines in mind: Spring 2027 closes November 1, 2026, and Summer 2027 closes March 2, 2027. See the full deadlines page, since the I-20 and visa steps that follow admission also take time.
Mandatory health insurance and how tuition is paid
All international students are required to carry health insurance, estimated at $570–$650 per semester (already included in the annual estimates above). The current insurance provider should be confirmed directly with the Vietnam Office, as arrangements can change from year to year.
For payment, A-State accepts international transfers through Flywire or Convera, which let families pay in Vietnamese dong at a transparent exchange rate and avoid unpredictable intermediary bank fees. The Vietnam Office can walk parents through the payment steps before each deadline.
What is not included
The estimates above do not cover everything a family will spend. Items to budget for separately include:
- International and domestic US airfare (most students fly into Memphis or Little Rock and travel on to Jonesboro).
- Monthly personal spending, such as meals off campus, shopping and activities beyond the campus meal plan.
- Textbooks and supplies, which vary by major.
- Travel home during school breaks.
Because these costs depend heavily on individual habits and program, we are not listing specific figures here. Parents should speak directly with the Vietnam Office for guidance that fits their family's situation.
Talk to International Admissions about your family's budget
Every family's financial picture is different, depending on major, scholarship eligibility and housing preference. A-State's Vietnam Office (VNIS) can review each line item with you, confirm current rates, and suggest the most cost-effective path forward. Visit the dedicated parents page for more resources, or reach out through our contact page, email study@astate.edu.vn, or hotline 097 586 1994.
