Use an estimate as a planning baseline, not a fixed bill
ASU’s international student cost page publishes 2026–27 estimated expenses for full-time study. It lists total annual expenses of USD 69,906 for undergraduates and USD 66,646 for graduate students. The assumptions are 12 credits per semester for undergraduates and 9 for graduate students. The total includes tuition and fees as well as estimated housing and meals, books, travel, personal expenses, health insurance and an international student fee. Actual charges depend on the college, credit load, campus and individual choices. ASU explicitly says the health-insurance figure in the displayed table is still the 2025–26 rate and will be updated for 2026–27. Treat the total as a current planning estimate with that limitation, not as the invoice amount or a guaranteed cost for the 2027–28 cohort.
Source: Cost of college and financial aid for international students
Separate base tuition from college and mandatory fees
ASU’s 2026–27 tuition update lists international on-campus undergraduate base tuition of USD 39,062 at Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic, Tempe and West Valley, and international graduate base tuition of USD 42,475 at those metro campuses. Base tuition is only one component. The international estimate separately lists a USD 350 tuition surcharge, USD 200 advanced technology fee and USD 807 student-initiated fees; graduate students also see a USD 300 graduate student support fee. Undergraduate college fees depend on the programme, and the estimate displays the highest possible amount as USD 2,190. ASU recommends using its tuition estimator for the chosen programme. Course load matters: the Fall 2026 catalog schedule lists undergraduate international tuition by enrolled credit hours and says the published charges are proposed for 2026–27 and can change with approval.
Source: 2026–2027 tuition update
What the published annual totals include
For an international undergraduate, ASU’s 2026–27 cost table includes USD 18,819 for on-campus housing and meals, USD 1,320 for books and course materials, USD 1,650 for travel, USD 2,343 for personal expenses, USD 400 for the international student fee and USD 2,765 for health insurance, with the explicit note that insurance uses the prior 2025–26 rate. The graduate estimate uses USD 21,087 for on-campus housing and meals, USD 1,908 for books and supplies, USD 3,696 for travel, USD 4,785 for personal expenses, USD 400 for the international student fee and the same caveated insurance figure. These are planning allowances, not a promise of a room, meal plan or individual spending level. Compare the housing estimate to the residence hall or off-campus plan you expect to use.
Source: Cost of college and financial aid for international students
Compare your intended programme and credit load
The same university can produce different tuition bills for students in different colleges or course loads. ASU’s international cost page bases tuition on 12 undergraduate credits or 9 graduate credits each semester and notes that the highest undergraduate college-fee estimate can be replaced by a programme-specific figure. The Fall 2026 international tuition schedule shows per-credit hour amounts for undergraduate study and separate college-fee tables; excess credit hours can carry additional charges. Graduate programme fees may also be specific to an academic unit. Before estimating total cost, identify the exact degree, campus, residency category, academic year, expected credits each term and whether the programme requires lab, studio or other course fees. Use the university estimator and then ask the programme to confirm unusual costs. A per-year figure copied from a different programme or residency status can materially misstate your budget.
Source: Fall 2026 International Undergraduate Degree Program and Nondegree-seeking
Build a full funding plan before accepting
International applicants should budget beyond tuition: include housing deposit, meals, books, local transport, travel to Arizona, health coverage, application and visa costs, and a reserve for exchange-rate movement. ASU’s Spring 2027 international first-year page lists a USD 90 nonrefundable application fee for international nonresidents; the U.S. Department of State currently lists a USD 185 nonimmigrant visa application fee, with any nationality-specific issuance fee separate. Visa and government charges can change, so confirm at payment time. ASU requires international F-1 or J-1 graduate applicants to submit a financial guarantee before it processes an I-20 or DS-2019. Build the plan using the exact academic level and intended campus, and do not subtract an unconfirmed scholarship from the total. A scholarship offer, if received, may have eligibility and renewal conditions.
Source: International first-year student
Avoid treating a 2026–27 quote as a 2027–28 price
At the time of this review, ASU’s opened international cost table is for academic year 2026–27. Its tuition page says student net tuition differs and directs applicants to the estimator. This evidence does not establish 2027–28 international rates, and the current 2026–27 table itself says the health-insurance estimate will be updated. If you are planning to enter in Fall 2027 or Spring 2028, keep a separate provisional budget and refresh tuition, college fees, insurance, housing and scholarship terms when ASU issues the relevant schedule. The estimator is the right next step once the programme and course load are selected. Ask the office responsible for your particular programme about additional programme fees, not just the university’s base tuition.
Source: 2026–2027 tuition update