When I first got accepted to SAS the first thing I thought of was how I going to pay for this journey? I didn’t have my parent’s financial help, which I know many other students did but I was determined to find a way. I was one of very few students who 1) were able to pay for it completely themselves and 2) didn’t take out any loans. What I loved about the SAS financial aid application was how they included a comments section. This allowed me to express that I was paying for everything myself and my parents income should not be taken into consideration for how much aid I received. It was a success, Semester at Sea granted me $2,000 of financial aid!
Cost & Financial Aid
Studying abroad with Semester at Sea is more than just an amazing travel and learning experience — it is one of the best investments students can make in their future. And, with an average of 60% of voyagers receiving some form of aid and scholarships each voyage, we aim to make sailing with us as attainable as possible.
Overview
60% of Voyagers Receive Some Form of Financial Aid
Even students who do not qualify for standard forms of financial aid (such as Pell Grants) on their home campuses may be eligible for scholarships through the Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE) and Semester at Sea. Applicants are strongly encouraged to file the FAFSA and submit the Student Aid Report to the ISE financial aid office along with tax returns from the most recent tax year and any supplemental information that might be helpful in our review. International students are also welcome to apply for any ISE scholarships. We ask that you submit a statement of your parents’ income, with an English translation and conversion to U.S. dollars, in lieu of the FAFSA and tax forms.
Quick links
Financial Aid
Scholarships & Grants
Program Cost

SAS Costs Include:
- Semester’s tuition (up to 15 semester credits) and travel
- Housing, meals, and amenities
- Academic Field Classes
- Email account
- Starter Internet package
- Comprehensive travel health insurance
- Pre-Voyage advisement and on-site residential student services staff
- Fuel fee — subject to change depending on global cost fluctuations
Cost Calculator
Get an estimate of how much your Semester at Sea voyage will cost sent directly to your inbox.
Disclaimer: The calculator provides an estimate of total program fees. Tuition and cabin fees are subject to change. Additional scholarships and grants are also available.
Funding Options
Discover Financial Aid Options to Put the Voyage of a Lifetime Within Reach
Each semester, ISE and SAS offer scholarships, need-based grants, and merit grants to make it possible for more students to set sail and join our living and learning community. Even students who don’t receive financial aid at their home colleges or universities may qualify for funding assistance through Semester at Sea.
School-Specific Grants and Scholarships
Aid is awarded based on need and merit. Special scholarships and grants are also available to those who qualify. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis while aid is available, so apply early! You may apply after you’ve been accepted to the program and have placed your deposit. Please allow two weeks for review. Applications will formally close one month before voyage embarkation unless otherwise noted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about financial aid for Semester at Sea
Payment is due 90 days before the voyages. This due date may be extended with verification of financial aid and disbursement information.
Generally student assistants get the benefit of arriving a day before departure to meet the faculty and staff and to help prepare for embarkation. After embarkation students are expected to work 2 hours per day while at sea. Students are not expected to work during days in port. Student assistant positions are usually in the following departments: library, computer lab, field office, administrative office, student life, and registrar’s office.
A consortium agreement is a written understanding between two schools that will outline issues such as credit transfer, financial aid, and course pre-approval. Many schools require a consortium agreement to study abroad. Almost all schools will require a consortium agreement to transfer financial aid. Please visit your financial aid or study abroad office for more information.
Possibly. You will be enrolled as a visiting, non-degree seeking student at Colorado State University. Students must be degree-seeking at their home institution in order to receive federal financial aid. Please contact the Semester at Sea financial aid office if your home institution will not process aid.
Private student loans are available from most large banking institutions. The internet is a valuable resource to compare loan terms, rates, and repayment terms.