Use tuition for the teaching charge itself, especially in North American English. It usually does not include housing, books, food, or other student costs unless a text says so.
Use tuition for the teaching charge itself, especially in North American English. It usually does not include housing, books, food, or other student costs unless a text says so.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| Tuitions are expensive at that college. | Tuition is expensive at that college. |
| I paid the tuition for my books. | I paid tuition for my classes. |
| The tuition are due next week. | The tuition is due next week. |
Use tuition for instruction, especially in British and international English. In American English, tutoring or instruction may be clearer when no fee is being discussed.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| I take tuition in math. | I have math tuition. |
| She gives me a tuition. | She gives me tuition. |
| The teacher offered private tuitions. | The teacher offered private tuition. |
Use tuition carefully because it can mean either education fees or teaching itself. In North America it most often means the fee, while in British and international English it can also mean instruction.
Tuition is usually uncountable: write tuition is expensive, not tuitions are expensive. Do not use it for every student expense unless you mean the teaching charge.
From Anglo-French and Latin roots related to tuēri, meaning to watch over, guard, or protect. The older idea of guardianship and care developed into teaching, guidance, and then the payment made for that teaching.
What does tuition mean?
It can mean the money paid for education, or the teaching and instruction given by a teacher or tutor.
Is tuition the same as fees?
Tuition is the teaching charge. Fees may include other costs, depending on the school.
Is tuition countable?
It is usually uncountable, so people say tuition is expensive rather than tuitions are expensive.
What does private tuition mean?
It means private teaching, usually from a tutor outside normal classes.
Is tuition American or British?
Both use it, but American English often uses it for fees, while British English often also uses it for instruction.
What is the difference between tuition and tutoring?
Tutoring is the act of helping a student learn. Tuition can mean that teaching, or the money paid for it.