What does it cost to attend Au Sable?
Like most colleges, Au Sable has a published “sticker price” that includes tuition and housing. However, that number is only part of the story.
Most students receive financial aid, and many pay significantly less than the published cost.
100% of students who request financial aid receive it.
Au Sable awarded over $300,000 in financial aid to students last year.
How our pricing works
Au Sable uses a different model than most colleges. Rather than charging a full semester rate, tuition is based on the courses you take.
Most courses are 4 credits ($2,950)
Housing is charged as a weekly site fee (e.g., approximately $580/week at Great Lakes)
Students typically attend for a single 3–5 week session (4–8 credits)
This flexible structure allows students to earn credit in a shorter timeframe and often at a lower overall cost. For more details about Au Sable's cost structure, financial aid and policies, visit our detailed costs and financial aid page.
What students typically pay
Because students enroll for shorter sessions, it is often most helpful to think in terms of a single session rather than a full semester.
Example: One course (5-week session)
Tuition: ~$2,950
Housing: ~$2,900
Estimated total: ~$5,800
Example: Two courses (same session)
Tuition: ~$5,900
Housing: ~$2,900 (shared across both courses)
Estimated total: ~$8,800
How this compares
A 4-credit Au Sable course (~$5,800 including housing and immersive field experience) often costs about the same as, or less than, the tuition alone for a summer course at many institutions.
For students taking two courses in a session, the total cost per credit becomes even more favorable: ~$8,800 total for 8 credits.
Over the course of a summer, students can earn 12–16 credits (comparable to a semester’s load) at significantly lower total tuition than a typical private college semester.
Financial aid
We are committed to making Au Sable accessible to students from a wide range of backgrounds.
Aid is awarded based on a combination of academic achievement, program participation, and demonstrated financial need
Additional scholarships and fellowships are available for qualified applicants
Because each student’s situation is unique, your actual cost may be significantly lower than the published price.
Estimate your cost
Use the following calculator to estimate your total cost, including housing before financial aid.
For a more personalized estimate, you are welcome to contact us at ashley@ausable.org.
Quick Cost Estimate
Choose the option that best matches your plans for a quick estimate of tuition and site fees.
Estimate only. Deposits, course-specific fees, travel, and financial aid are not included.
Student experiences
“I was surprised that the total cost was comparable to taking a summer course at my home institution, but the experience was far more immersive and meaningful.”
“Taking two courses in one session made it an incredibly cost-effective way to earn credits while gaining hands-on field experience.”
“Financial aid made it possible for me to attend, and the value of the experience far exceeded the cost.”
A different kind of investment
Au Sable is designed to provide a high-impact academic experience in a focused period of time. Students are not only earning credits, they are gaining field experience, forming close academic communities, and pursuing professional skills.