For the second year in a row tuition and fees will not be increased. Tuition and fees for the 2013-2014 academic year will remain at the 2012-2013 levels of $27,375 and $4,075 respectively. Tuition and fees are set annually by the trustees of the school and will not be raised during the academic year.

Tuition and fees: This payment covers costs incurred for operation of the school including adjunct faculty, visiting lecturers, use of school computer stations, some computer software, printing and drafting supplies, graphic reproduction costs, printed materials, some reading materials, transportation costs for field trips, and lodging for the fall orientation trip. Conway does not offer dormitory housing or meal plans. The participation fee covers the multi-day orientation field trip, information technology, and field trips.

Each participant agrees to pay tuition and fees according to the following payment schedule:

• Application fee: $50 application fee upon submission of application
• Deposit: $750 non-refundable deposit upon signing acceptance agreement (the deposit is applied toward tuition)
• First payment: $13,313 tuition plus $2,660 participation fee, total $15,973 due on or before September 3, 2013
• Second payment: $13,312 tuition plus $1,415 participation fee, total $14,727 due on or before February 1, 2014

Equipment and supplies: A list of equipment and supplies that will need to be purchased is given to students after they have been accepted into the program. The school has two computers available for shared student use in the studio; however, each student is required to have their own laptop computer and basic computer skills.

Living expenses: Living expenses vary from student to student and are derived from student surveys completed at the end of each academic year. In addition to housing and food expenses, students need to budget for other personal living expenses including transportation, health insurance (coverage is required in Massachusetts), books, telephone, drafting equipment, digital camera, and other supplies. Expenses beyond tuition for the 10-month program average $25,000 (ranging from $15,000 to $30,000).

Housing: Conway does not have dormitories. Most students rent rooms, apartments or houses in Conway or adjacent towns for the year. The school maintains a list of available rentals, many of which have housed Conway students for years. Students make their own arrangements, usually during the summer before school starts. Contact the school for more information.

Transportation: Students need the use of a car during their year since public transportation is not available in the hilltowns. Within a half-hour drive of Conway, you can find natural food stores, bookstores, pharmacies, hospitals and clinics, supplies and services, recreational facilities, theaters, and excellent restaurants.

Health Insurance: Massachusetts law requires that all full-time college students participate in a Student Health Plan (SHP) that meets the state’s mandatory health insurance requirements. Conway participates in a plan administered by the American College Student Association (ACSA). Students who do not enroll in the ACSA plan must provide proof of comparable coverage in an alternate health insurance plan. Catastrophic plans do not meet the state requirements. ACSA health insurance premiums are billed directly to the student and are not included in school fees. Contact Conway for more information.