Tuition, Fees & Cost of Attendance
Graduate school is a significant investment, and understanding your educational costs is an important part of the financial planning process. At Teachers College, your Cost of Attendance (COA) represents the estimated total cost of completing your education for a specific academic year.
Your COA includes both direct costs that are billed by the College and indirect costs that you may incur while attending school. Direct costs may include: tuition, mandatory fees, health service fees, and student health insurance. Indirect costs may include: housing and food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.
Important: Your actual cost of attendance will be unique to your individual circumstances and may vary based on your program, enrollment level, housing arrangements, and financial aid eligibility. If you have questions about your estimated cost of attendance, we encourage you to contact the Office of Financial Aid.
Tuition at Teachers College
Teachers College charges tuition on a per-credit basis. Most students, regardless of residency, pay the same tuition rate.
Unlike many public institutions, Teachers College does not differentiate between in-state and out-of-state tuition rates. However, a limited number of specialized cohort programs may follow different tuition structures.
Your total tuition charges will depend on:
- The number of credits you enroll in each semester
- The number of semesters required to complete your degree
- Whether your program uses a standard or specialized tuition model
Most courses at Teachers College are three credits.
Students who prefer to spread out their educational expenses may be eligible to participate in a deferred payment plan through the Office of the Bursar.
Annual Tuition Rates
| Academic Year | Tuition Rate | Mandatory College Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-2027 (estimated) | $2,216 per credit | $538 per semester |
Enrollment Status
Your enrollment status is determined by the number of credits for which you register during a semester.
| Enrollment Status | Credits per Semester |
|---|---|
| Full-time | 9 or more credits |
| Three-quarter time | 7 to 8.5 credits |
| Half-time | 5 to 6.5 credits |
| Less than half-time* | Fewer than 5 credits |
*Students enrolled less than half-time are generally not eligible for federal financial aid.
Standard Tuition and Fee Estimates
The following estimates are intended to help students understand typical tuition and mandatory charges for standard academic programs.
Please note that all costs are estimates and may be subject to change.
2026-2027 Academic Year (Estimated)
Fall 2026 Tuition and Fees
| Enrollment | Tuition | College Fee | Columbia Health Service Fee | Columbia Health Insurance | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 credits | $11,080 | $538 | $228 | $2,761 | $14,607 |
| 7 credits | $15,512 | $538 | $228 | $2,761 | $19,039 |
| 9 credits | $19,944 | $538 | $759 | $2,761 | $24,002 |
*Coverage is valid from August 15 through December 31.
Spring 2027 Tuition and Fees
| Enrollment | Tuition | College Fee | Columbia Health Service Fee | Columbia Health Insurance | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 credits | $11,080 | $538 | $228 | $4,487 | $16,333 |
| 7 credits | $15,512 | $538 | $228 | $4,487 | $20,765 |
| 9 credits | $19,944 | $538 | $759 | $4,487 | $25,728 |
*Coverage is valid from January 1 through August 14.
Summer 2027 Tuition and Fees
| Enrollment | Tuition | College Fee | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 credits | $11,080 | $538 | $11,618 |
| 7 credits | $15,512 | $538 | $16,050 |
| 9 credits | $19,944 | $538 | $20,482 |
Health Fees and Student Health Insurance
Health-related charges are determined separately from tuition and may vary based on your enrollment status, residency, and insurance requirements.
For additional information, please review:
Need Help Estimated Your Cost?
The cost of graduate school extends beyond tuition alone. We encourage you to review your expected expenses carefully and develop a financial plan before enrolling.
If you have questions about your tuition charges, enrollment status, or cost of attendance, please contact the Office of Financial Aid for assistance.