Tuition/tuˈɪʃn/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Expense Term Refers to continuous payments, often per semester or year. Tuition is due at the beginning of each semester. Pro Tip 2/3Financial Aid Scholarships or loans can help cover tuition costs. She received a scholarship that covers full tuition. Pro Tip 3/3Varies Widely Tuition can differ greatly between institutions and countries. Tuition at private universities is generally higher.