Graduate School Deposit Policy

Specific graduate programs require a tuition deposit in order for an applicant to accept an offer of admission. An admitted student’s place in a graduate program is not guaranteed until the deposit has been paid. The full deposit will be applied toward the first semester tuition and fees bill.

The standard deposit amount is $500, although individual programs may set a lower amount. Deposits must be paid within 30 days of the offer of admission, or by a later date if required by professional societies. The exact deposit amount and payment deadline will be clearly stated in the applicant’s offer of admission. Upon receipt of the deposit, the University will begin the matriculation process. Applicants can find additional information about the deposit and their individual program on the Graduate School admissions website.

If a student needs to defer the start date for their program, the tuition deposit will be applied to the new start date.

In limited cases, applicants may request a waiver of the tuition deposit. Waivers are considered under the following conditions:

• Participation in Undergraduate Pipeline Programs: Applicants who participated in EOP, HEOP, SEEK, CSTEP, MARC, PREP, RISE, LSAMP, or McNair Scholars programs may request a deposit waiver by providing official documentation from a university representative.
• Documented Financial Hardship: Applicants must submit a signed letter from a college official verifying financial hardship. Self-declared need or financial aid eligibility (e.g., loans) is not sufficient.

If a student meets the criteria for a waiver, the following conditions apply:

• Applicants may request a waiver only once.
• Waiver requests must be submitted and approved before a student accepts their offer of admission.

Tuition deposits are rarely refunded. In the case of a visa denial or being called into active service, a request for a refund must be made in writing, with appropriate supporting documentation attached, before the start of the academic term for which the student was admitted. Requests submitted after the term begins will not be considered.

To request a tuition deposit waiver or refund, the applicant must submit a written request to the Graduate Admissions office, gradadmissions@stonybrook.edu. This email must include any necessary supporting documentation, as outlined above. Refund requests must be received by June 15 (for Fall admission) or December 15 (for Spring admission).

For more information, applicants should contact the Graduate Admissions office directly at GradAdmissions@stonybrook.edu.