Understanding Your True Cost to Attend Siena UNIVERSITY

Choosing a university is a big decision, and cost is an important part of it. The good news? Siena students receive substantial scholarships, which significantly reduce the cost. They can borrow up to $5,500 in federal loans as a first-year student and many are also eligible for federal and state aid.

Typical cost after scholarships for resident students: $36,840 per year

(This includes room and board. Your cost may be even lower thanks to need-based grants, state and federal aid, or work-study!)

Now for the fun part: the payoff.

On average, Siena graduates earn nearly $1 million more over their careers than graduates of New York public colleges.¹
That’s like getting the first-class seat without paying the first-class price. Best. Value. Ever.

Summary Breakdown of a Typical Siena Student’s COST

Siena University Tuition for Full-Time Freshman	$48,300
Fees	$2,253
Room and Board	$17,895
Total Cost Before Aid	$68,448
Minus Average Institutional Scholarships and Grant	-$31,608
Typical Cost Before Loans	$36,840
Minus Federal Loans for Freshman Students	-$5,500
Typical Siena University Cost After Federal Loans _{Many families also qualify for additional federal and state grants, which can further reduce this cost.}	$31,340

Looking for a detailed breakdown? Want to see all the estimated expenses, including books, transportation, and personal costs? View the Detailed Cost of Attendance

Looking for graduate student information? View the Detailed Costs for Grad Students

How Most Siena Students Pay for College

Every student’s situation is unique, but most Siena families use a mix of these resources:

Siena Scholarships & Grants
Nearly all students receive them automatically—no separate application required.
Federal & State Grants
Many qualify for need-based programs like the Pell Grant or New York State TAP.
Federal Student Loans
First-year students can borrow up to $5,500 in their own name—with low interest and flexible repayment options.
Parent PLUS Loans
Available to help families cover remaining costs.
Work-Study Jobs
Part-time campus jobs help students earn money for expenses.
Monthly Payment Plan
Spread out tuition payments with an interest-free monthly plan.
Family Savings & Contributions
Many families combine savings and other income sources to close the gap.

NEXT STEPS

Quick Notes

Estimates above are based on full-time undergraduate students for the 2026–27 academic year.
Actual costs vary depending on financial aid, housing, meal plan, and other factors.

¹The career earnings stat is based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data. “Salary After Attending” (average salary 10 years after graduation) was projected with a 3% standard-of-living increase across 35 years (age 32–67). Siena graduates’ projected lifetime earnings were then compared to the average for graduates of SUNY University Centers and Comprehensive Colleges.

Detailed Breakdown of Cost of Attendance

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of all estimated expenses for a year at Siena, including tuition, housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal costs. Keep in mind: most Siena students pay far less than this amount thanks to scholarships, grants, and other financial aid.

2026-2027 ACADEMIC YEAR

ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE FOR NEW STUDENTS
Freshman Cost of Attendance	Resident	Commuter
Siena Direct Charges
Full Time Tuition (12-17 cred/sem*)	$ 48,300	$ 48,300
Student Activity Fee	$ 400	$ 400
Programming and Support Fee	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Laundry Fee	$ 150	$ -
First Year Seminar Fee	$ 308	$ 308
Housing - Standard Double Room	$ 10,300	$ -
Food (unlimited meal plan)	$ 7,445	$ -
Freshman Orientation Charge**	$ 545	$ 545
Major Lab Fees ***	$ -	$ -
*Subtotal of Siena Direct Charges*	$ 68,448	$ 50,553
Siena Indirect Charges
Commuter/Off-Campus Living Allowance	$ -	$ 3,268
Books and Supplies	$ 1,388	$ 1,388
Personal Expenses and Transportation	$ 2,750	$ 3,439
Average Stafford Loan Fees	$ 70	$ 70
Subtotal of Siena Indirect Charges	$ 4,208	$ 8,165
ESTIMATED TOTAL COSTS (before scholarships and grants)	$ 72,656	$ 58,718

Students enrolled for more than 17 credits/semester are assessed a $675/credit hour charge.
** Freshman Orientation Fee + Academic Advising Fee + Transcript Fee = $545
*** Average Science Lab Fees = $ 1,342
Average Business Lab Fees = $286
Students dually enrolled in the Maria College Nursing program have average fees at Maria of $2,200/semester

2025-2026 ACADEMIC YEAR

ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE FOR NEW STUDENTS
Freshman Cost of Attendance	Resident	Commuter
Siena Direct Charges
Full Time Tuition (12-17 cred/sem*)	$ 46,690	$ 46,690
Student Activity Fee	$ 300	$ 300
Programming and Support Fee	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Laundry Fee	$ 130	$ -
First Year Seminar Fee	$ 280	$ 280
Housing - Standard Double Room	$ 10,000	$ -
Food (unlimited meal plan)	$ 7,260	$ -
Freshman Orientation Charge**	$ 495	$ 495
Major Lab Fees ***	$ -	$ -
*Subtotal of Siena Direct Charges*	$ 66,155	$ 48,765
Siena Indirect Charges
Commuter/Off-Campus Living Allowance	$ -	$ 3,178
Books and Supplies	$ 1,345	$ 1,345
Personal Expenses and Transportation	$ 2,643	$ 3,305
Average Stafford Loan Fees	$ 70	$ 70
Subtotal of Siena Indirect Charges	$ 4,058	$ 7,898
ESTIMATED TOTAL COSTS (before scholarships and grants)	$ 70,213	$ 56,663

Students enrolled for more than 17 credits/semester are assessed a $675/credit hour charge.
** Freshman Orientation Fee = $280 + Academic Advising Fee $165 + Transcript Fee $50 = $495
*** Average Science Lab Fees = $ 1,220
Average Business Lab Fees = $260
Students dually enrolled in the Maria College Nursing program have average fees at Maria of $2,200/semester

Cost of Attendance