What are alternative fee programs?
Some online and self-support programs charge per-credit fees instead of standard tuition and fees. Many online programs fall into this category and charge an alternative per-credit rate.
The classes offered by these programs are not included when calculating a student’s part-time or full-time standard tuition and fees.
Which classes use alternative fees?
Classes utilizing alternative fees can be identified by their section number or their class notes.
- Class section numbers will be between 1100-3999 or 4200-5600.
- Class notes will indicate whether a class charges alternative fees.
Can I enroll with a permission number?
Many classes utilizing alternative fees have additional prerequisites for declaring an alternative fee program (major). You can contact the instructor or department to request a permission number, but it’s important to review the potential impacts of enrolling in these courses before doing so. If you are not currently admitted to an alternative fee program, consider searching for non-alternative fee classes to avoid these impacts.
What impacts should I consider when enrolling in these sections?
If you are not currently admitted to an alternative fee program and choose to enroll in a class that charges alternative fees, you may experience the following impacts:
- Higher total semester cost of attendance. The per-credit rate for alternative fee classes is in addition to the standard tuition & fees charged for other credits, and no tuition plateau exists for enrollment beyond 11 credits.
For example, Student A enrolls in 15 credits at the standard resident tuition and fee rate for spring 2024, totaling $4,391, while Student B enrolls in 12 credits at the standard resident tuition and fee rate and 3 credits at an alternative per-credit fee, totaling $5,516 ($4,391 + $1,125). - Potential loss of scholarship eligibility. Most scholarships for on-campus students require enrollment in 12 credits of standard tuition and fee courses each semester. Scholarship criteria are detailed in the scholarship award message listed in your Student Center within myBoiseState. You should contact scholarships@boisestate.edu with detailed questions regarding your scholarship situation.
- Loss of access to student-funded services and benefits. Enrolling in alternative fee courses may limit access to services funded by student fees. This may include the Student Recreation Center, student tickets for athletic events, ASBSU elections and student legal services. Learn more about service restrictions.
- Ineligibility for the employee tuition waiver. There are a limited number of alternative fee programs eligible for the employee tuition waiver. This includes classes in the programs that charge alternative fees. See the list of eligible programs.
Questions?
Contact a student success coach at online@boisestate.edu.