Upcoming Program Costs
| Program | Tuition | Room & Board | Comprehensive Fees | Personal Expenses | Travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Biodiversity & Conservation | $22,875 | $7,100 | $29,975 | $250 | $2,500 |
| Oceans & Climate | $22,875 | $7,100 | $29,975 | $250 | $2,500 |
| Climate & Society | $22,875 | $7,100 | $29,975 | $250 | $2,500 |
| Climate Change and Coastal Resilience | $22,875 | $7,100 | $29,975 | $250 | $2,500 |
| Ocean Policy: Marine Protected Areas | $10,100 | $3,150 | $13,250 | $250 | $2,200 |
| Coral Reef Conservation: Fiji | $8,250 | $2,500 | $10,750 | $250 | $2,200 |
| Gap Programs | $22,875 | $7,100 | $29,975 | $250 | $2,200 |
Costs & Payment Information
A non-refundable $750 deposit is due within two weeks of acceptance to the program. This fee reserves your space in the class and is credited towards the cost of tuition.
Balance of invoice is due:
- 90 days prior to start date – room & board due (after deposit is paid)
- 60 days prior to start date – final balance due
Bills will be available on your SEA student portal. Please contact Tara Anderson at 508-444-1933 if you or your college requires an invoice for payment.
Refund Policy
Students must notify SEA in writing of their intent to withdraw from the program. The following refund policies apply:
- 61 days or more before program start date = 100% refund, less $750 deposit ($300 for high school)
- 60 – 31 days before program start date = 50% refund, less $750 deposit ($300 for high school)
- 30 days or less before program start date, or after program start date = no refund
Program Inclusions & Value
Every fall or spring undergraduate program carries 17-18 semester hours of credit through Boston University or the student’s home institution; the summer programs carry 7-11 semester hour credits, depending on the program.
Academics
- 17-18 course credits issued by Boston University (or home institution, if affiliated with SEA)
- Maximum student-teacher ratio of 8:1 on shore and 3:1 at sea conducive to an intimate learning environment rarely found at other academic institutions
- Faculty with the highest level of professional degrees in their fields, many of whom are SEA alumni
- An interdisciplinary curriculum with coursework to suit most majors
Financial Aid
- Customized financial aid guidance and assistance
- Federal aid applies in most cases (Stafford Loans, Plus Loans, Pell Grants)
- Merit-based scholarships and need-based aid available for qualified students
- SEA processes institutional aid for students that may carry it with them
- Alternative Loans available
- A variety of payment plans are available, including online
Student Support
- Personalized advising and follow-up throughout the admissions process
- Welcome packet and pre-departure information
- On-site orientation at the start of each program
- All research fees are covered, including access to: SEA library, computer lab & campus wireless network, WHOI/MBL joint library memberships
- Academic field trip and science lab fees are included
Room & Board
- Student housing on the SEA campus in Woods Hole during the shore component
- Full-time Head Resident on site for student support and supervision
- Prepaid grocery cards for use during the shore component
- Three meals plus three snacks a day at sea, prepared by a professional steward with student assistant
Parent Resources
- Parents’ welcome reception at orientation
- Web access to daily satellite tracking of SEA vessels while they’re at sea
- Web access to daily blogs and periodic audio updates (podcasts) from the ships
Health Services
- 24-hour emergency assistance and support from on-site staff
- Ships carry a fully-stocked pharmacy and receive support from a physicians network available via satellite 24 hrs
- Captains are all certified Wilderness First Responders or Wilderness EMTs with extensive emergency training
