Student Budgeting
The 2008-2009 Estimated Student Budget is also available as a downloadable PDF file, which may be read with the Adobe Acrobat Reader.
The estimated student expense budget is designed to assist students in planning for the school year. While the cost of tuition, registration, Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance, and the University Health Services fees are fixed, other expenses are variable and the estimates are based on standard rates in the Boston area. Students seeking an individual adjustment to their expense budget should speak with the Office of Student Financial Services to discuss specific issues and required documentation.
For help in budgeting your expenses while attending HSPH, please use the student budget tool.
Choices and Adjustments
Many HSPH students have not been in school for several years and have developed a lifestyle that is dependent on their level of earnings. Returning to school as a graduate student may require an adjustment to spending habits. A more frugal lifestyle may seem like a difficult sacrifice, but should be viewed as a temporary measure that will be well worth the short-term inconvenience. Below are some ideas for reducing costs:
- Roommates: Sharing the cost of rent is always less expensive than living alone.
- Inexpensive clothing: For those moving from warmer climates, inexpensive winter clothing can be purchased at local second hand clothing stores, consignment shops, and discount stores. Dressing in several layers is warmest so that a few sweaters, a coat, a hat, a pair of gloves, and a pair of waterproof boots can take you through a Boston winter.
- Limit entertainment costs: Planning for recreational activities should be done within the limits of your budget. As part of a university community, you may be able to use your student status and ID for discounts for movies, plays, museums, and other cultural activities in the Boston area. Many area schools also offer free social activities as well.
- Do not bring a car: Financial aid cannot cover costs of car payments, insurance, parking, or maintenance. Owning a car in Boston is very expensive; insurance rates and parking costs in most areas are expensive. Using public transportation is most economical.
- Pay off credit card debt before school begins: Your budget should only include current living expenses.
General Budget Information
The purpose of this budget information is to provide students with an estimate of how much it will cost to spend 9 months at HSPH. These figures should be used as a guide in planning finances for the 2008-2009 academic year.
|
1 Year Programs (MPH, SM1)
9-Month Budget |
Multi Year Programs (SM2, SD, DPH)
9-Month Budget |
||
| Full-Time Tuition (1) |
$833/credit
|
$35,403 (based on 42.5 credits)
|
$33,320 (based on 40 credits)
|
| University Health Services Fee (2) |
$713/term
|
$1,426
|
$1,426
|
| BC/BS Health Insurance Fee (3) |
$702/term
|
$1,404
|
$1,404
|
| Registration Fee |
$125/term
|
$250
|
$250
|
| Books/Supplies |
$688/term
|
$1,376
|
$1,376
|
| Living Allowances | |||
| - Rent/Utilities(4) |
$1,046/mo
|
$9,410
|
$9,410
|
| - Food |
$336/mo
|
$3,020
|
$3,020
|
| - Personal |
$395/mo
|
$3,554
|
$3,554
|
| - Local Transportation |
$78/mo
|
$703
|
$703
|
| SUB-TOTAL (5) |
$56,546
|
$54,463
|
|
| Federal Student Loan Fees (6) |
2.0%
|
$410
|
$410
|
| TOTAL |
$56,956
|
$54,873
|
Notes:
1. For full and part-time students, tuition charges will be assessed based upon the number of credits for which a student is registered. For 2008-2009, the charge is $833 per credit hour. Please refer to the HSPH Tuition and Fees Schedule and the HSPH Student Handbook for more information on billing procedures and payment requirements.
2. Part-time students taking 10 credits or less may waive the University Health Service fee if the on-line waiver form is completed prior to September 30th for fall, and February 28th for spring. Family/spousal UHS service is available to all students at a coverage fee of $3,218 for a student and spouse, $2,218 for student and child; $4,010 for a student, spouse and child; and $4,408 for a student, spouse and children.
3. The BC/BS Health Insurance Fee can be waived upon proof of similar coverage by a U.S.-based insurance carrier. The on-line waiver from must be completed prior to September 30th for fall, and February 28th for spring proving comparable coverage by U.S.-based insurance carrier. Family/spousal BC/BS health insurance is available to all students at a coverage fee of $3,257 for a student and spouse; $2,532 for student and child; $4,345 for a student, spouse and child; and $4,892 for a student, spouse and children.
4. The rent/utilities expense is an AVERAGE cost, and $1,046/month generally means sharing an apartment with a roommate. Monthly rates for 2008-2009 for the HSPH student apartment building, Shattuck House, are $1,400-$1,800 for a 1-bedroom, $2,100-$2,300 for a 2-bedroom, and $1,050-$1,150 for a shared 2-bedroom. Off-campus housing rates vary greatly depending on but not limited to location, number of roommates, and size.
5. International students in the 1-year Masters Programs (MPH, SM1, and MOH) must be able to demonstrate support a 9-month level of support ($56,546) when beginning in the fall and a 12-month level of support ($62,095) when beginning in the summer prior to the issuance of an I-20 or DS-2019. Multi-year degree (SD, DPH, and SM2) candidates must demonstrate a 12 month support level of at least $60,012. Students with additional family members must demonstrate the following levels of support.
|
Student & Spouse
|
Student & Child
|
Student, Spouse
& 1 Child* |
Student, Spouse
& 2 Children* |
|
|
9 Month (1-yr Programs)
|
$64,594
|
$62,226
|
$67,664
|
$69,959
|
|
12 Month (1-yr Programs)
|
$71,624
|
$69,035
|
$75,084
|
$77,829
|
|
12 Month (Multi-yr Programs)
|
$69,541
|
$66,952
|
$73,001
|
$75,746
|
6. Federal student loan fees are based on borrowing $20,500 William D. Ford Direct Loans, available to US citizens and permanent residents only.
Personal Expenses
The following items are considered as in the personal expense calculation: newspapers/periodicals, laundry/dry cleaning, toiletries, clothing purchases, and entertainment costs.
Costs Excluded from the Student Budget (Only 2008-2009 educational expenses can be included in the student budget calculation):
- Prior credit card debt
- Relocation costs such as moving expenses, purchase of warm clothing, furniture and household items
- Costs associated with purchase, parking and maintenance of cars
- Costs associated with private education of children
- Costs associated with job interviewing and certification exams
Individual Budget Adjustments
Individual adjustments to the student expense budget may be made for the following:
- Child care
- Medical/Dental expenses not covered by insurance
- The cost of one round-trip coach ticket to/from student's home
- Membership to career-related organizations
- School-related or career-related trips
- Purchase or rental of a personal computer
Students seeking an individual adjustment to their expense budget should speak with the Office of Student Financial Services to discuss specific issues and required documentation.
Matriculation in Summer 2008 Programs
Students matriculating in Summer Programs should increase the 9-month budget according to the table below:
|
Professional Communications Seminar
|
Clinical Effectiveness Program
(15 credits) |
Summer Session in Public Health Studies
|
|
| Tuition |
$800
|
$12,495
|
$2,085.50
(per 2.5 credit course) |
| Registration Fee |
N/A
|
$125
|
$125
|
| Course Materials / Book Allowance |
N/A
|
$325
|
$ 90
(per 2.5 credit course) |
| Living Allowances |
Based on 1 month
|
Based on 2 months
|
Based on 2 months
|
| - Rent/Utilities |
$1,046
|
$2,092
|
$2,092
|
| - Food |
$336
|
$672
|
$672
|
| - Personal |
$395
|
$790
|
$790
|
| - Transportation |
$74
|
$148
|
$148
|
| TOTAL |
$2,651
|
$16,647
|
$6,005.50
|
Please refer to the HSPH Tuition and Fee Schedule for information on summer tuition billing for full and part-time students. Questions may be directed to the Admissions Office at 617-432-1031, Registrar's Office at 617-432-1032, or Office of Student Financial Services at 617-432-1867.
Non-degree summer students and summer-only degree candidates are not required to have insurance. The University's health services facilities are however, available on a fee-for service basis. New degree candidates starting in the summer may purchase insurance for the month of July. All insurance questions should be directed to Hildi Keary at the HSPH Registrar's Office at 617-432-1052, or the University Health Services (UHS) Office at 617-495-2008