Fund Your Program

The cost of Study Abroad may be more than the cost of attending CNU.  You should create a financial plan early in your study abroad application process.  Common costs involved in a  budget include, but are not limited to:

• Tuition and fees

• Room and Board

• Books and supplies

• International transportation 

It is critical students “read the fine print” in promotions about Study Abroad programs and understand what is included and what is NOT included in a program price. Be sure to ask specific questions of the program sponsor if the budget items are not listed on the website or printed materials.

Your financial aid (except for Work Study) can be used toward any CNU-approved study abroad program.  This includes grants, scholarships, loans and other forms of aid.  In order to use financial aid, you will work closely with the Office of Financial Aid to determine your eligibility.

Some students may find that federal and state financial aid is insufficient to cover all of the costs associated with their time abroad. Students may wish to consider an alternative loan or funding to help fill the gap between financial aid and their costs.

Students should plan to watch a study abroad information session to learn more about funding options to finance a program.  If participating in an external program, you must submit a completed financial aid request form and course approval form to the Office of Financial Aid before any aid will be disbursed.

NOTE: Students who wish to use their Presidential Leadership Program (PLP) or Honors Study Abroad Scholarship must submit a scholarship application to the Office of Financial Aid by their program's application deadline.

All financial aid will be disbursed to the student billing account just the same as if you were attending a regular semester at Christopher Newport. Disbursements begin each semester after you have begun your program and your eligibility has been confirmed. Students participating in an external abroad program should plan accordingly. Some study abroad expenses for an external program must be paid in advance of receiving a financial aid disbursement. When aid is disbursed to the student account, you will be issued a refund in excess of any charges due. You must be sure to select a method of refund with the Office of Student Accounts prior to traveling abroad.  An example of a refund method is CNU's "Bank Mobile". 

CNU partners with BankMobile to handle the distribution of refunds and reimbursements to students.  All refunds from the Business Office to students are now processes through BankMobile.  Your financial aid will be disbursed to you via electronic deposit into the designated bank account you authorize. You will then have access to your funds and are responsible for paying your program fees directly.