Admissions & Scholarships
How Much Does It Cost to Study at A-State? 2026-27 Guide
"How much does it really cost to study in the USA?" is one of the first questions students ask when they start researching Arkansas State University (A-State). With Spring 2027 applications open now (deadline November 1, 2026), Summer 2027 (March 2, 2027), and Fall 2027 applications also being accepted, this is a good moment to build a real budget instead of relying on rumors. Here is a breakdown of the 2026-27 published costs so you can plan your own numbers.
How international tuition is actually calculated
Undergraduate international tuition is $649 per credit hour (this already includes a $23 athletic fee), plus a college fee that ranges from $27 to $55 per credit hour depending on your major. Tuition is not one flat "per year" number — it depends directly on how many credit hours you register for each semester. Full-time students typically take 12-15 credit hours per semester, or roughly 24-30 credit hours per academic year.
At the graduate level, tuition is $777 per credit hour, with a similar range of college fees. For a student taking 9 credit hours per semester (common in many master's programs), A-State's published estimate for one academic year — including housing and insurance — is about $28,976.
Required costs beyond tuition: housing, food, insurance
International undergraduates living in the residence halls (mandatory for freshmen aged 17 and older) should budget for:
- Room and board: A-State estimates roughly $12,220 per year for a standard package. The actual figure varies by room type (double, single, or newer communities like Collegiate Park, Red Wolf Den, Pack Place, Village, or Circle) and meal plan — these are billed per semester, not as one flat annual charge.
- Health insurance: mandatory for all international students, estimated at roughly $1,100 per year, or about $570-650 per semester. For the exact insurance provider and current semester rate, confirm with the Vietnam Office before making a payment.
Example: 12 credits vs. 15 credits
The table below is an illustrative example for a full-time international undergraduate for one academic year, based on A-State's published 2026-27 figures (tuition, college fee, housing, meals, and health insurance combined):
| Credit hours per semester | Estimated total per year |
|---|---|
| 12 credits | ≈ $29,646 |
| 15 credits | ≈ $33,540 |
These are university-published estimates for financial planning, not an actual bill. Your real invoice will depend on the credit hours, room type, and meal plan you select each semester — always verify current figures before making any payment, since tuition and fees can change from year to year.
One-time costs to plan for separately
Beyond tuition and per-semester living costs, a few charges apply only once, at the start of your enrollment:
- Application fee: $50
- International deposit: $350
- Health screening: $280
- Housing deposit: $100
Your visa application will also require an I-20 and proof of sufficient funds to cover your costs — the exact amount required depends on your individual file, so confirm the current requirement with the Vietnam Office before you prepare your financial documents.
Why your total may look different from someone else's
Three factors usually explain the biggest differences in total cost:
- Credit load: registering for more credits (15 vs. 12) costs more per semester but can help you graduate sooner, which may save money overall.
- Room type: single rooms and newer residence communities generally cost more than a standard double room.
- Scholarships: the International Freshman Scholarship ($3,000/year, requires a 3.25 GPA) and ACT/SAT merit awards ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 per year can meaningfully reduce what you pay out of pocket. See eligibility details on the scholarships page.
To get a number closer to your own situation — major, expected credit load, preferred room type — use the cost-of-attendance calculator or review the overview on the cost hub. Also check the application deadlines so you can time your financial preparation accordingly.
Talk to International Admissions for a number that fits you
Your actual cost depends on your major, the semester you start, and your housing and meal choices. A-State's Vietnam Office (VNIS) can help build a personalized cost estimate along with an application timeline and scholarship plan that fits your profile. Reach out through the contact page, email study@astate.edu.vn, or call the hotline 097 586 1994 — and always confirm current tuition and fee figures before making a final decision, since costs can change from year to year.
Photo by Aaron Lefler on Unsplash
