Illinois Dominican University: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

Illinois Dominican University: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

River Forest, IllinoisLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1901established year
3127enrollment
Public
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Study Abroad Team

Updated on - Sep 8, 2026

Dominican University is a private, Roman Catholic university in River Forest, Illinois, about 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. The university is ranked #25 in the US News Best Regional Universities Midwest 2026 edition and holds a top-3 Midwest slot for Best Value.

Founded in 1901, Dominican University enrols about 3,189 students across 50 undergraduate degrees and 18 graduate programmes taught fully in English. Indian applicants access two intakes each year, Fall in August and Spring in January, with popular postgraduate choices spanning the MBA at the Brennan School of Business, MS Accounting, MS Data Analytics, MLIS, MSW and MS Nursing. Admission runs on rolling review, so applications are read as they arrive rather than at a single cut-off. Applicants can also compare it against MS universities in USA.

  • US News Best Regional Universities Midwest 2026: #25
  • Acceptance Rate: 67% (estimated)
  • Intakes: Fall (August), Spring (January)
  • PG Tuition: $850 per credit hour (₹ 80,325 per credit)
  • Total Enrolment: 3,189 students
  • Established: 1901

Postgraduate tuition sits at $850 per credit hour for most master’s programmes, with total investment for a taught master’s between $16,500 and $51,000 (₹ 15.6 to 48.2 Lakh) before scholarships. Merit awards worth up to $26,000 a year for undergraduates and per-credit tuition reductions at the Brennan School bring the sticker price down substantially for Indian applicants. Students enter on the F-1 student visa and stay eligible for 12 months of OPT, extended by 24 months for STEM-designated programmes.


Exchange rate used: 1 USD = ₹ 94.5 as of September 2026

Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). Applications for Spring 2027 close on 9 November 2026, with I-20 documents due by 23 November 2026 for a term start of 11 January 2027. Fall 2027 dates have not yet been published; based on the Fall 2026 cycle the international application deadline is expected around late June 2027 on a rolling review basis, so applicants may submit as early as October 2026.

Popular Courses and Fees at Dominican University Illinois 2027

Dominican University Illinois prices postgraduate study on a per-credit-hour basis, with master’s tuition ranging from $550 to $1,103 per credit depending on the school. Undergraduate students are billed a flat $20,479 per semester for full-time enrolment of 12-18 credits. Programme lengths vary: the MBA runs 30 credits, most MS programmes run 30-40 credits, and the MSW extends to 60 credits.

Top 10 Postgraduate Programmes for Indian Students at Dominican University Illinois 2027

The table below shows the ten postgraduate courses most relevant to Indian applicants. Total fees are calculated using the standard credit count per programme multiplied by the current per-credit rate; verify the exact credit load with the department before applying.

ProgrammeTotal Fee (USD)Total Fee (₹ INR Lakh)Entry Requirement (Indian Scale)
Master of Business Administration (30 credits)$25,500 (estimated)24.1 Lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with CGPA 7.0/10 or 65% (recommended)
MBA Plus Concentration (48 credits)$40,800 (estimated)38.6 Lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with CGPA 7.0/10 or 65% (recommended)
MS in Accounting (30 credits)$17,250 (estimated)16.3 Lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s in commerce or business with CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended)
MS in Healthcare Management (36 credits)$30,600 (estimated)28.9 Lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with CGPA 7.0/10 or 65% (recommended)
MLIS Library and Information Science (36 credits)$30,600 (estimated)28.9 Lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with CGPA 6.5/10 or 60% (recommended)
MS in Information Management (36 credits)$30,600 (estimated)28.9 Lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with CGPA 6.5/10 or 60% (recommended)
Master of Social Work (60 credits)$51,000 (estimated)48.2 Lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with CGPA 7.0/10 or 65% (recommended)
Master of Arts in Education (30 credits)$16,500 (estimated)15.6 Lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with CGPA 6.5/10 or 60% (recommended)
MS in Nursing (40 credits)$33,200 (estimated)31.4 Lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s in Nursing with CGPA 7.0/10 (recommended)
MS in Nutrition and Dietetics (40 credits)$28,000 (estimated)26.5 Lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s in Science or Nutrition with CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended)

[Source: Dominican University Office of Financial Aid, 2026-27 tuition schedule]

Top 5 Undergraduate Programmes for Indian Students at Dominican University 2027

Undergraduate degrees run four years at $20,479 per semester, giving a total tuition cost of about $163,832 (₹ 154.8 Lakh) across the full BA or BS. Indian applicants cluster in STEM and health science pathways.

ProgrammeTotal Fee (USD)Total Fee (₹ INR Lakh)Entry Requirement (Indian Scale)
BS Informatics$163,832154.8 LakhClass 12 with 65% to 75% (recommended)
BS Computer Science$163,832154.8 LakhClass 12 with 70% to 80% including Mathematics (recommended)
Bachelor of Medical Science$163,832154.8 LakhClass 12 Science with 75% including Biology (recommended)
BS Biology-Chemistry$163,832154.8 LakhClass 12 Science with 70% (recommended)
BS Natural Science and Environmental Studies$163,832154.8 LakhClass 12 Science with 65% (recommended)

Insider note: Indian postgraduate applicants concentrate in the MBA, MSA and MS Information Management because Dominican’s Chicago-area location gives direct access to CPT internships at Big Four accounting firms and mid-market healthcare employers, and the merit tuition cuts at the Brennan School shrink the effective bill by 15% to 20%.

Read More: Dominican University Illinois Programs and Fees Guide


Dominican University Admission 2027

Dominican University runs rolling admissions across Fall and Spring intakes, with the primary international window for Indian applicants being Spring 2027 (deadline 9 November 2026) followed by Fall 2027.

Dominican University Admission Dates 2027

The table lists the confirmed international deadlines drawn from the university’s How to Apply page. Fall 2027 dates are not yet published, so the row reflects the prior cycle’s pattern.

MilestoneDateNotes for Indian Applicants
Spring 2027 application deadline9 November 2026Rolling review; earlier submission strengthens scholarship consideration.
Spring 2027 I-20 documents deadline23 November 2026Financial proof and passport copy required for I-20 issuance.
Spring 2027 term start11 January 2027International orientation precedes the first day of class.
Fall 2027 application deadline (Expected)Expected late June 2027 (based on Fall 2026 cycle)Rolling admissions on a first-read basis; opens October 2026 for Indian applicants.
Fall 2027 term start (Expected)Expected late August 2027Verify at official Dominican University international admissions page.

Planning note: Because Dominican issues the I-20 only after receiving the funds proof and passport copy, Indian applicants who target Spring 2027 should book a Chennai or Mumbai F-1 visa slot for early December 2026 to leave a full four-week buffer before the 11 January term start.

Read More: Dominican University Admissions Guide for Indian Students


Dominican University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027

Indian applicants must clear Dominican’s academic threshold, submit an English test score and complete a credential evaluation before the international admissions team issues a decision.

Postgraduate Requirements

  • Bachelor’s academic: Three-year or four-year bachelor’s with cumulative CGPA of 3.0/4.0, equivalent to CGPA 7.0/10 or 65% in the Indian scale (recommended); Brennan School programmes accept 2.75/4.0 (CGPA 6.5/10 recommended).
  • English test minimum: TOEFL iBT 79-80, IELTS 6.0, or completion of ELS Language Centers Level 112 hosted on Dominican’s campus.
  • Credential verification: WES or ECE course-by-course evaluation of all transcripts, submitted directly to Dominican’s Office of International Admission before the decision.
  • Programme-specific: The GMAT is waived for MBA applicants with strong academic records or work experience; the GRE is not required for most master’s programmes.

Undergraduate Requirements

  • Class 12 academic: Class 12 aggregate of 65% to 75% from CBSE, ISC or state board accepted; higher scores unlock larger merit scholarships.
  • Language requirement: TOEFL iBT 79 or IELTS 6.0; waiver available for Indian applicants with all-English-medium schooling documented on transcripts.
  • Credential verification: WES or ECE evaluation of Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets.

Key insight: Applicants who studied at English-medium schools and can produce a letter from the principal on school letterhead confirming the medium of instruction can request a TOEFL or IELTS waiver at Dominican, saving the $190 test fee and a scheduling delay of two to three weeks.


Dominican University Acceptance Rate 2027

Dominican University does not publish a single institutional acceptance rate on its official pages; third-party admission tracking places the figure at approximately 67% (estimated) for the most recent cycle. The estimate reflects that most academically prepared Indian applicants who meet the CGPA 7.0/10 and TOEFL 79 thresholds secure an offer.

The high admit rate does not translate into automatic scholarship packages; merit awards still weigh Class 12 and bachelor’s scores. Indian applicants below the recommended CGPA can strengthen the file with stronger English scores and detailed statement of purpose.

Reality check: A 67% acceptance rate makes Dominican University a realistic option for Indian applicants with a CGPA of 6.5 to 7.5 who want a US degree without top-30 US News competition; the trade-off is that peer academic profile in the classroom is broader than at flagship state universities.

Read More: Dominican University Full Profile and Admissions Data


Dominican University Illinois Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027

The total annual cost for an Indian student at Dominican University Illinois ranges from about $34,000 to $55,000 (₹ 32.1 to 52.0 Lakh), combining tuition, campus housing, meals and personal expenses. The study MBA in the USA guide breaks down the same cost drivers by programme type.

Dominican University Illinois Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2026-2027

Tuition is billed per credit hour for graduate programmes and per semester for full-time undergraduates. The range below covers the schools most Indian applicants target.

Programme LevelAnnual Tuition (USD)Annual Tuition (₹ INR Lakh)
Undergraduate (full-time, 12-18 credits)$40,958 per year38.7 Lakh
MBA and MS Business (Brennan School)$12,750 to $25,500 per year12.0 to 24.1 Lakh
MLIS and MS Information Management$15,300 per year (18 credits)14.5 Lakh
Master of Social Work$25,500 per year (30 credits)24.1 Lakh
MS Nursing and Health Sciences$16,600 to $22,060 per year15.7 to 20.8 Lakh
Master of Arts in Education$9,900 to $16,500 per year9.4 to 15.6 Lakh

[Source: Dominican University Office of Financial Aid, 2026-27 tuition schedule]

Monthly Cost of Living in River Forest and Chicago for Indian Students

River Forest is a residential Chicago suburb with lower rent than the Loop but full CTA and Metra access. Monthly living costs sit between the university’s on-campus housing budget and typical off-campus rents in nearby Oak Park.

Expense CategoryMonthly (USD)Monthly (₹ INR)
Accommodation (on-campus or shared off-campus)$750 to $1,000₹ 70,875 to 94,500
Food and groceries$300 to $450₹ 28,350 to 42,525
Transportation (CTA + Metra pass)$80 to $120₹ 7,560 to 11,340
Books and supplies$50 to $70₹ 4,725 to 6,615
Personal and utilities$150 to $200₹ 14,175 to 18,900
Total monthly$1,330 to $1,840₹ 1.25 to 1.74 Lakh
Total annual (12 months)$15,960 to $22,080₹ 15.1 to 20.9 Lakh

[Source: aggregated cost estimates for Chicago western suburbs; on-campus housing verified from Dominican Student Accounts]

Insider note: Indian students who rent in Oak Park or Forest Park within a mile of the Green Line save $200 to $300 a month on rent versus on-campus housing, but the meal plan of $2,675 per semester is only refundable if you move off-campus before the second week of classes.

Read More: Cost of Living in USA for International Students


Dominican University Campus, Facilities and Student Life

The Dominican University campus occupies a compact 30-acre site in River Forest, a residential village 10 miles west of downtown Chicago, with direct access via the CTA Green Line at Harlem station and Metra Union Pacific West line.

  • Location and transport: A 25-minute Green Line ride connects the campus to downtown Chicago; O’Hare International Airport is 15 miles north, useful for Indian students on holiday travel.
  • Housing: On-campus residence halls charge $3,400 to $4,400 per semester with meal plans at $2,675 per semester; guaranteed for first-year international students on request.
  • Rebecca Crown Library: Houses the largest library and information science teaching collection in the Chicago area and anchors the MLIS programme’s field placements.
  • Indian student community: Small on campus, but the greater Chicago metropolitan area has a large South Asian population with active temples, grocery stores and cultural associations in nearby Devon Avenue.

What Indian students say: The small class sizes make it easy to talk to faculty and secure research assistantships within the first semester. The suburb feels quiet after Indian metros, but weekend Green Line trips to Chicago’s Devon Avenue and the Loop replace the missing city energy.


Dominican University Illinois Scholarships 2027

Dominican University offers five main scholarship pathways open to international students, three of which are explicitly available to Indian applicants at the undergraduate and graduate level.

ScholarshipTypeAward ValueEligibilityDeadline
First-Year Merit ScholarshipMerit (UG)$13,000 to $26,000 per year (₹ 12.3 to 24.6 Lakh)International first-year applicants; automatic on admissionRolling
Transfer Merit ScholarshipMerit (UG)$11,000 to $19,000 per year (₹ 10.4 to 17.9 Lakh)International transfer students, full-time enrolmentRolling
SUCCESS ScholarshipNeed-based$2,500 to $5,000 per year (₹ 2.4 to 4.7 Lakh)First-year, transfer and international students verified in an approved CBORolling on CBO verification
Brennan School of Business AwardMerit (PG)$700 to $750 tuition reduction per credit hourMBA and MS Healthcare Management students with GPA 3.5 or aboveRolling
School of Information Studies AwardMerit (PG)Tuition reduction on first and last coursesNew degree-seeking MLIS, MSIM, MAYL and PhD studentsFall: 15 June, Spring: 15 November, Summer: 15 March

[Source: Dominican University Office of Financial Aid, Scholarships at Dominican page]

Planning note: Indian applicants applying for Spring 2027 should target submission by mid-October 2026 so the merit review happens before the 9 November deadline; late applications still receive scholarship consideration but at reduced award bands.

Read More: MBA Universities in USA


Dominican University Rankings 2027

Dominican University is a regional master’s university, not a global research institution, so it appears in US News regional rankings rather than QS World, THE World or ARWU tables.

Ranking BodyLatest EditionPrevious EditionTwo Editions Back
US News Best Regional Universities Midwest2026: #252025: #112024: NA
US News Best Value Schools (Midwest Regional)2026: #3NANA
US News Social Mobility (Illinois)2026: #1NANA
QS World University Rankings2027: Not ranked2026: Not ranked2025: Not ranked
THE World University Rankings2026: Not ranked2025: Not ranked2024: Not ranked

[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026 edition]

As per US News Best Colleges 2026, Dominican University holds a top-3 slot for Best Value in the Midwest region and the #1 slot in Illinois for social mobility, reflecting strong graduation outcomes for first-generation and international students relative to its price. Indian applicants comparing options can also explore study in USA pathways more broadly.

Key insight: For F-1 visa officers and Indian employers, US News Regional Universities Midwest #25 signals a regionally recognised accredited US master’s; it does not carry the QS or THE brand weight expected by some Indian recruiters for return-to-India roles.

Read More: Universities in USA Rankings and Comparison


Dominican University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027

Dominican University’s Career Development Center supports Indian graduates through internship placement, CPT authorization and OPT filing, with employer relationships concentrated in the Chicago metropolitan area.

  • Placement rate: The university does not publish a single institutional placement percentage; graduate outcome data is reported at programme level.
  • Median starting salary: Not disclosed for the institution as a whole; MBA graduates in the Chicago market earn a median of about $70,000 to $85,000 (₹ 66.2 to 80.3 Lakh) based on regional market medians.
  • Top sectors: Accounting and audit (Chicago Big Four regional offices), healthcare management, library and information science, education administration and social work.
  • Career support: One-on-one advising, resume review, mock interviews and an on-campus career fair each Fall; CPT authorized from the first Spring semester for MBA and MS students.
  • Post-study work: F-1 graduates receive 12 months of OPT, extended by 24 months for STEM-designated programmes such as MS in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Insider note: Indian MBA graduates typically move into finance or accounting analyst roles at Chicago-area mid-market firms; the Brennan School’s CPA-track MSA has a stronger direct-hire pipeline into public accounting than the general MBA.

Dominican University vs Peer Universities

The peer set below covers three regional Midwest master’s universities and one large private Chicago institution that Indian applicants commonly weigh against Dominican.

UniversityQS World 2027US News Regional Midwest 2026Avg Annual PG FeeDifferentiator
Dominican UniversityNot ranked#25$16,500 to $30,600 (₹ 15.6 to 28.9 Lakh)Top-3 Midwest value; small Catholic suburb
Loyola University ChicagoNot rankedNational tier: #97$26,000 to $48,000 (estimated) (₹ 24.6 to 45.4 Lakh)Jesuit; larger; downtown lakeside campus
DePaul UniversityNot rankedNational tier: #135$28,000 to $50,000 (estimated) (₹ 26.5 to 47.3 Lakh)Largest US Catholic; strong finance and CS ties
Elmhurst UniversityNot ranked#26$25,000 to $32,000 (estimated) (₹ 23.6 to 30.2 Lakh)Direct peer in suburban Chicago; smaller MBA
Lewis UniversityNot ranked#34$22,000 to $30,000 (estimated) (₹ 20.8 to 28.4 Lakh)Catholic; aviation and healthcare specialisation

Dominican University stands out on price-to-quality: it prices $8,000 to $15,000 a year below Loyola and DePaul at the master’s level while sitting above Elmhurst on regional ranking and value recognition. Its 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio delivers small-cohort teaching that the larger Chicago urban universities cannot match.

Dominican University suits Indian applicants who want a CGPA 6.5 to 7.5 admission pathway, a Chicago-area address for CPT and OPT employer access, and a total master’s investment under ₹ 30 Lakh before scholarships. The Brennan School MBA at $25,500 (₹ 24.1 Lakh) delivers a US degree at less than half the sticker price of a top-30 US News MBA, offset by median Chicago-market salaries of $70,000 to $85,000 (₹ 66.2 to 80.3 Lakh) that keep the ROI window within three years.

It is not the right fit for applicants who need a QS top-200 brand for return-to-India hiring, or those targeting Silicon Valley tech recruiting where West Coast networks matter more. Indian applicants in those categories should consider Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago for a QS-ranked STEM alternative in the same metropolitan area.


Dominican University FAQs

Ques. Does Dominican University accept a three-year Indian bachelor’s degree?

Ans. Yes, Dominican University accepts three-year Indian bachelor’s degrees from UGC-recognised universities for most master’s programmes, subject to a WES or ECE course-by-course credential evaluation. Applicants with a three-year BCom or BA usually receive equivalency to a US four-year bachelor’s when the CGPA is 7.0/10 or higher. The Brennan School may request an additional post-graduate diploma or a Chartered Accountant intermediate certification for candidates below CGPA 6.5.

Ques. How long can Indian students work in the US after graduating from Dominican University?

Ans. Indian F-1 graduates from Dominican University receive 12 months of Optional Practical Training that starts within 60 days of programme completion. STEM-designated degrees at Dominican, such as the MS in Nutrition and Dietetics, qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, taking total post-study work to 36 months. Employers must be E-Verify enrolled for the extension, and the STEM DSO submits the I-983 training plan on the student’s behalf.

Ques. Can Indian applicants get a TOEFL or IELTS waiver at Dominican University?

Ans. Yes, Dominican University waives the TOEFL or IELTS for Indian applicants who studied at English-medium schools and can produce a letter from the principal on school letterhead confirming the medium of instruction across Class 10, Class 12 and the bachelor’s degree. Applicants who completed a bachelor’s from an English-medium university may also submit transcripts with the medium clearly stated. Waiver requests are reviewed case-by-case by the international admissions office.

Ques. What is the application fee for international students at Dominican University Illinois?

Ans. Dominican University charges no application fee for international undergraduate or graduate applicants applying directly through the university portal or the Common Application. The zero fee applies across Fall, Spring and Summer intakes and is one of the few US universities where Indian applicants save the typical $50 to $100 fee. Supporting document costs, such as the WES evaluation at about $200, are separate and must be paid by the applicant.

Ques. Is the GRE or GMAT required for master’s programmes at Dominican University?

Ans. The GRE is not required for most Dominican University master’s programmes, including MLIS, MS Information Management, MSW and MA in Education. The GMAT is waived for MBA applicants who present strong undergraduate academics with a CGPA of 3.0 or above, or two years of full-time professional work experience. Applicants below those thresholds may submit a GMAT of 500 or GRE of 300 to strengthen the file, though it remains optional in most cases.

Ques. How much financial proof do Indian students need for the Dominican University I-20?

Ans. Dominican University requires financial proof equal to one full year of estimated cost of attendance, which sits at about $55,000 (₹ 52.0 Lakh) for full-time postgraduate students including tuition, room, board and personal expenses. Documentation can be a bank statement, an education loan sanction letter, a sponsor affidavit of support or a combination. The I-20 is issued only after both the financial proof and passport bio page are received, and Indian applicants typically use HDFC Credila, SBI or Prodigy loans to meet the threshold.

Ques. Which Indian banks recognise Dominican University for education loans?

Ans. Dominican University is US Department of Education accredited and appears on the approved-institution list of major Indian education lenders including HDFC Credila, State Bank of India, ICICI Bank and Bank of Baroda. Non-collateral loans up to ₹ 40 Lakh are typically available for STEM master’s programmes with co-signer income above ₹ 12 Lakh per year. Collateral-backed loans can extend to ₹ 60 Lakh, sufficient to cover the two-year MSW or MBA Plus Concentration.

Ques. Can Indian students work part-time on campus at Dominican University?

Ans. Yes, F-1 students at Dominican University may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year and full-time during official university breaks, without separate work authorization. Typical on-campus roles include library assistant at the Rebecca Crown Library, research assistant for Brennan School faculty, resident assistant in campus housing and tutor at the Academic Enrichment Center. Hourly wages range from $15 to $18, aligned with the Illinois state minimum wage for tipped and non-tipped roles.

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On Campus
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Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6.5
USD 38,328 /Yr

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Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6.5
Degrees Available: B.A
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4 years
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Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6.5
USD 38,328 /Yr
4 years
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Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6.5
USD 38,328 /Yr
4 years
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USD 38,328 /Yr
4 years
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Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6.5
USD 38,328 /Yr

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Illinois Dominican University Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
QS Connect Master’s ScholarshipScholarship per student$5,000Level Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
BL Mandhana ScholarshipsScholarship per student$10,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Go Clean ScholarshipScholarship per student$3,500Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Business Administration ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Novus Biological Scholarship ProgramScholarship per student$1,500Level Of StudyAssociateTypeMerit-Based
Washington DC ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based

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Attendance Cost

$38,328

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$38,328 / Year

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