Thanks for the reply onesolo. Just so it's clear, I'm refering to amount I must send in to SMU in order to start the 1st/2nd semester. I'm not refering to quotes. (where computer and food cost go into account.) I'll be using a private loan which will go directly to my banking account so I called SMU to get an exact figure to write the check for. Additionally, I want to know the amount so that I can do my own calculations as to how much I need to take out the loan for.

Is it possible the 17k (for the 1st semester) people on the forum refer to is not the amount sent directly to the school but the amount you will need for tuition, fees, dorm, food, computer, etc...?

Perhap those who paid for the 1st/2nd semester this past Sept. 05 can give exact figures...?