Understanding Plymouth State University Tuition and Fees

For prospective students and their families, understanding the cost of higher education is crucial. Plymouth State University (PSU) offers a range of programs and opportunities, and this article provides a detailed breakdown of tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with attending PSU. It also covers financial aid options and payment plans to help make education accessible.

Tuition and Mandatory Fees

Plymouth State University's tuition and fee structure vary depending on residency status. For the academic year 2025-2026, the estimated direct bill costs are as follows:

NH Resident: \$15,068 (Full-time)
Out-of-State Resident: \$26,218 (Full-time)
Commuter NH Resident: \$15,068
NE Regional Program Resident: \$23,218

These figures represent the cost for full-time enrollment, covering 12-18 credits per term in the Fall and Spring semesters, excluding early Spring. Students taking more than 18 credits will be charged an additional per-credit rate: \$510 for NH Residents and \$975 for Out-of-State students. It's important to note that these rates are subject to change and will be finalized after the June 2025 board meeting.

Mandatory fees at PSU support various services and facilities, including the student center, physical education complex, health services, student activities, and organizations. These fees also fund technical equipment like computer clusters, language labs, and art facilities. All students are required to pay these fees, regardless of their usage of the services.

Room and Meals

In addition to tuition and fees, students need to consider the cost of room and meals. For 2025-2026, the estimated cost for room and meals is \$13,342. This estimate is based on a double room and an unlimited meal plan; actual costs may vary depending on the housing and meal plan options selected. PSU offers a wide range of housing options, and detailed information, including pictures and rates for specific residence halls, can be found on the Residential Life pages.

Read also: Affording Plymouth State

Total Billed Costs

Combining tuition and mandatory fees with room and meal expenses, the total billed costs for the 2025-2026 academic year are:

NH Resident: \$28,410
Out-of-State Resident: \$39,560
Commuter NH Resident: \$15,068
NE Regional Program Resident: \$36,560

These figures provide a comprehensive overview of the direct costs students can expect to be billed.

Additional Program Fees

Nursing students face an additional program fee. The nursing program has determined this fee to be \$1,100 annually for the academic years 2023-2024, 2024-2025, and a proposed rate for 2025-2026.

Understanding Mandatory Fees

Mandatory fees at Plymouth State University are essential for maintaining and enhancing the campus environment and student experience. These fees support a wide array of services and facilities:

Student Activities: Supports student club activities approved by Student Government and provides financial support for all-campus student activities, such as the Outdoor Center.
Athletics: Funds Plymouth State University’s NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletic program.
Transportation: Provides transportation services to students in and around the University area.
Health Services: Offers acute care for Plymouth State University students.
Counseling Services: Delivers emotional-health services designed to support the emotional, personal, social, and developmental needs of all Plymouth State University students.
Hartman Union Fee: Supports the Hartman Union Building as the center for student life and campus activity.
Recreation Fee: Grants students full use of the Recreation Center facilities, including recreation courts, weight room, cardio room, jogging track, multipurpose rooms, racquetball court, swimming pool, locker rooms, e-sports, ice arena, and participation in intramural sports, group fitness classes, special events, informal recreation, and open swimming.
Technology Fee: Provides systems and services available to all students, including HelpDesk Services, Student Technicians, Technology-enhanced classrooms equipment, and Academic Technology Liaisons and Instructional Designers.
Registration Fee: Supports the administration of class enrollments.

Payment Options and Financial Aid

Payment Methods

Plymouth State University offers multiple payment options to accommodate students and their families:

Online E-Check Payments: Payments can be made online through the myPlymouth portal by clicking the "Pay Now" button on the online bill.
Credit or Debit Card Payments: Credit and debit card payments can also be made online via the "Pay Now" button.
Check: Payment can be made with a personal check, cashier’s check, or money order. The student ID number must be included on the payment to ensure accurate posting to the student’s account.

Payment Plans

The Student Financial Services Office offers an interest-free payment plan through a third-party vendor. The only cost for using this plan is a \$50 per term enrollment fee. Payment plan contracts may need to be set up initially based on estimated costs and then adjusted in early July and November when tuition bills are available online.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to matriculated (degree-seeking) students taking at least six credits per term. In 2023, 92% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, while 73% received aid through loans.

External Scholarships and Awards

Students who receive external scholarships or awards must submit a copy of their award letter to the Student Financial Services Office, including their student ID number, the award amount, the semester(s) for which the award is to be paid, and the awarding organization’s name and address.

Third-Party Payments

If a student’s tuition is to be paid by an employer, a government agency, or any other third party, the student must submit a letter of authorization or a purchase order to the Student Financial Services Office. The authorization must include the student’s name, student ID number, the maximum billing amount, and the third-party company’s name and address.

Veteran's Affairs (VA) Benefits

Plymouth State University is committed to supporting veterans and their families. Pursuant to Section 702 of the Veteran's Choice Act of 2014, students using Ch. 30 Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (MGIB-AD), Ch. 31 Vocational Readiness and Employment (VR&E), or Ch. 33 Post 9/11 of the GI Bill® are eligible for the in-state tuition rate while living in New Hampshire, regardless of length of residency. Out-of-state students using Ch. 35 Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) of the GI Bill® will receive the in-state rate while utilizing those benefits.

Read also: PSU Football Through the Years

Tuition Billing Account Responsibilities

Each student enrolled at Plymouth State University is assigned a tuition bill account in their name. The student is responsible for all charges and payments on this account. Students accept full responsibility for their tuition bill account, regardless of who is helping to pay the bill, and agree to pay all charges incurred by their stated due dates.

Late Fees and Financial Holds

Tuition and fees are due by the due date of the term or at the time of course registration. Failure to pay by the due date results in a monthly 1.5 percent interest late fee and a financial hold on the account, which blocks registration services and online access to course grades. Financial balances outstanding for more than 30 days will be assessed a monthly 1.5 percent interest late fee until paid in full.

Tuition Costs Over Time

Understanding the trend in tuition costs can help families plan for future expenses.

2023 Undergraduate Tuition: \$11,870

The cost of tuition at Plymouth State University is \$-12,705 less than the national average for Masters Colleges and Universities (\$24,575).

Historical Tuition Data

Year	Net In-State Price	In-State Sticker Price	Out-of-State Sticker Price
2025-26	\$21,284	\$31,707	\$43,398
2024-25	\$20,995	\$31,278	\$42,588
2023-24	\$20,711	\$30,854	\$41,794
2022-23	\$20,280	\$30,212	\$40,592
2021-22	\$20,321	\$29,804	\$39,744
2020-21	\$20,145	\$29,742	\$39,152
2019-20	\$20,631	\$29,430	\$38,320
2018-19	\$19,675	\$28,950	\$37,620
2017-18	\$21,143	\$28,314	\$36,774
2016-17	\$22,028	\$28,062	\$36,322
2015-16	\$20,844	\$27,479	\$35,559
2014-15	\$21,473	\$26,853	\$34,763
2013-14	\$19,018	\$26,555	\$33,975

Net Price and Financial Aid Over Time

The average net price, which factors in grants and loans, provides a more accurate picture of what students actually pay. In 2023, Plymouth State University had an average net price of $20,280.

Distribution of Financial Aid

In 2023, 63.43% of students received financial aid, with an average aid package of \$13,719.

Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award: \$11,254 (Scholarships and grants don’t need to be paid back.)
Need-Based Loan Amount: \$3,415 (Loans must be paid back.)

Financial Aid by Income Level

A student's family income significantly impacts the net price they pay. At Plymouth State University, students with incomes over \$110K are projected to pay around \$24,786, while those with incomes below \$30K will pay around \$14,746.

Income Bracket	Projected Net Price
<\$30K	\$14,746
\$30K-\$48K	\$16,102
\$48K-\$75K	\$19,326
\$75K-\$110K	\$22,732
>\$110K	\$24,786

Other Student Expenses

Besides tuition, fees, room, and board, students should also budget for other expenses:

Books and Supplies: The average yearly cost in 2023 was \$1,330, an increase of 3.91% from the previous year.
Personal Expenses: \$2,586 per year
Transportation: \$1,300 per year

Enrollment and Graduation Rates

Enrollment Statistics

In 2023, Plymouth State University had a total enrollment of 3,839 students. Full-time enrollment was 3,446 students, representing 89.8% of the student body. The student population is predominantly White (79.4%), followed by Two or More Races (5.68%), Hispanic or Latino (5.18%), and other smaller groups.

Graduation Rates

Plymouth State University's graduation rate is an important factor for prospective students. Over the last five years, 52% of students earned their bachelor’s degree within six years of enrolling.

Student Retention

Student retention, which indicates how many students return after their first year, is another helpful metric. At Plymouth State University, about 68% of full-time students return the following fall to continue their degree.

FERPA and Student Privacy

The Student Financial Services Office is restricted by the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) from discussing a student’s bill without the student’s consent. Students can grant FERPA authorization by giving access to myPlymouth for Families.

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