Differential Tuition
Differential Tuition is a charge per credit that is added to your tuition and fees. Differential Tuition varies among USU colleges and enables colleges to meet the goals of their mission statements.
Which courses have Differential Tuition?
In addition to the tuition rates found on the 23-24 Tuition & Fee Schedule, the courses in the table below will have an additional Differential Tuition charge per credit (Page 5). Differential Tuition is applied to any eligible course, regardless of delivery format. Colleges not listed in the table do not charge Differential Tuition on their courses.
Note: Differential Tuition charges may change each academic year. Visit the Tuition & Payment Page to view the Tuition & Fee Schedule for previous years.
| College | Courses | 23-24 Differential Tuition Per Credit | Additional Cost of a 3 credit course |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of Agriculture & Applied Sciences | Landscape Architecture & Environmental Planning (LAEP) undergraduate upper division and graduate courses (3000+ level courses) | $59.89 | $179.67 |
| Caine College of the Arts | All courses | $38.83 | $116.49 |
| Jon M. Huntsman School of Business | Business undergraduate lower division courses (1000-2000 level courses) | $2.12 | $6.36 |
| Business undergraduate upper division courses (3000-5000 level courses) | $201.00 | $603.00 | |
| Business graduate courses (6000+ level courses) | $497.78 | $1,493.34 | |
| Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services | Education undergraduate lower division courses (1000-2000 level courses) | $5.29 | $15.87 |
| Education undergraduate upper division courses (3000-5000 level courses) | $26.39 | $79.17 | |
| Education graduate courses (6000+ level courses) | $42.22 | $126.66 | |
| College of Engineering | Engineering undergraduate lower division courses (1000-2000 level courses) | $2.04 | $6.12 |
| Engineering undergraduate upper division courses (3000-5000 level courses) | $49.01 | $147.03 | |
| Engineering graduate courses (6000+ level courses) | $70.46 | $211.38 | |
| Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources | Online Masters of Natural Resources degree program courses | $42.60 | $127.80 |
Not sure which college(s) your course(s) are in?
Look up your course and click on the course name. A pop-up box will provide details such as the Course Title, College, Deparment, Credits, etc. Use the College, Course Number and Credits to calculate your Differential Tuition charges using the table above.
Why do colleges charge Differential Tuition?
Differential Tuition is a way to provide a more valuable college experience and to limit increasing course fees. Funds from Differential Tuition allow colleges to invest in faculty, resources and opportunities that will help prepare students for post-graduation endeavors.
What are Differential Tuition Funds spent on?
Funds provide comprehensive learning environments with modern facilities and personnel resources to both undergraduate and graduate students. The use of funds vary by college but are generally used towards:
- Visiting artists, scholars or faculty
- Facilities improvement
- Maintaining and upgrading equipment
- Staffing, including teaching assistants, student-peer mentors, and graders
- Technology
- Out-of-classroom experiences
- Reducing class sizes
- Guest lecturers
- Student competitions
- Student travel to conferences
Who makes decisions on Differential Tuition?
Like standard tuition rates, Differential Tuition is governed by the same rules and oversight from the university Controller’s Office. The use of Differential Tuition funds is in accordance with university policies and State regulations and in consultation with department and unit leaders. Each college has a Differential Tuition Advisory Committee comprised of students, faculty, and staff from the college. The Committee meets to discuss needs, use, and to provide recommendations for Differential Tuition funds.
Who can I contact for additional information regarding Differential Tuition?
The USU Registrar's Office can help you understand Differential Tuition charges on your account.
For more information on individual colleges: