Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

To better assist you in preparing for your education, we have provided answers to some of the most common questions prospective students have about the program, its admissions policies, and the financial aid process. If you cannot find the answer to your query below, please contact us at Phone Number: 866-376-3167 or via e-mail.

General Program FAQ

This section will answer FAQs about the program, online modality, and credit requirements.

What is ExecutiveMPA@Syracuse?
ExecutiveMPA@Syracuse is the online Executive Master of Public Administration degree from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, a #1-ranked school for graduate education in public affairs.1

Will I still have access to the same resources as the on-campus program?
Yes, as a student you will have access to the same digital resources that are available to students of the on-campus program, such as online libraries and databases, and the alumni community.

How is the online program similar to the on campus program?
Online classes are designed and led by Maxwell School faculty who also teach on campus; and, like the on-campus Executive MPA program, the online curriculum is designed to help you develop the same core leadership, management, and analytical skills applicable to the public sector and to an array of domestic and international mission-based organizations serving the public good.

How many credits are required?
30 credits are required to graduate.

Is the program full time or part time?
The ExecutiveMPA@Syracuse program is a part-time program.

How long does it take to complete the program?
The program can be completed in as few as 15 months.

Is the program delivered completely online?
Yes, all classes are delivered completely online. Courses include interactive asynchronous content that you can view anywhere at any time, as well as live, weekly sessions.

Admissions and Application Process FAQ

This section will answer FAQs about the application and its requirements, the process of applying, application fees and other requirements for testing or international students.

What are the requirements for admission?
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution as well as at least five years of post-baccalaureate professional work experience in managerial positions with progressively greater levels of responsibility. Common areas of experience include leading teams, budgeting, and strategic planning. There is no minimum GPA or GRE required, but students with current scores are encouraged to submit them.

What is required in the application?
In addition to completing the online application, you must also submit the application fee, a personal essay, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a resume or CV.

When is the application deadline?

Application deadlines can be found on our admissions page.

Are transfer credits accepted?
Students may petition to have up to six credit hours transferred into the program. For more information on the criteria and process for a petition, please consult with your admissions counselor.

Are GRE scores required?
Like the on-campus executive education program, GRE scores are not required to apply. However, applicants with current GRE scores are encouraged to include them with their application.

How many years of work experience are required?
Applicants must have at least five years of full-time professional experience in managerial positions with progressively greater levels of responsibility.

I’m not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, can I apply?
Yes, you can still apply.

I’m a U.S. citizen living abroad. Am I eligible for the program?
Yes, you are eligible for the program.

What is the application fee?
The application fee is $75, and it is nonrefundable. If you apply by the early priority deadline, the application fee will be waived. If you apply by the priority deadline, the application fee is $45.

Can the application fee be waived?
Application fee waivers are available for active-duty service members, veterans, McNair Scholars, current Syracuse University undergraduate and graduate students, Syracuse University alumni, and Syracuse University employees. Students who submit their application by the early priority deadline are also eligible for an application fee waiver. Speak with an admissions counselor to learn more.

Are there any prerequisite course requirements?
There are no prerequisite course requirements for admission to the Executive MPA online program. However, given the importance of mathematics in the curriculum, students must demonstrate proficiency in key algebraic and geometric principles prior to enrolling in PAI 897: Policy. For more information, please consult with your admissions counselor.

Are there special requirements for international students?
There are no additional requirements for international applicants. However, if your bachelor’s degree is not from an institution in which English is the language of instruction, you will need to submit TOEFL scores.

Do I have to take the TOEFL?
If you are an international student whose bachelor's degree was not earned from an institution in which English is the language of instruction, you must submit proof of competency in English. Competency in English can be demonstrated by taking the TOEFL.

Tuition and Financial Aid FAQ

This section will answer FAQs about tuition, financial aid, military benefits, and other options for securing funding for your degree.

Tuition and Billing

What is the cost of attendance?
The per-credit tuition cost for ExecutiveMPA@Syracuse from July 2019 to June 2020 is $1,964, making the total program cost approximately $58,920. Please note that this amount does not include expenses such as travel to residencies, textbooks, computers, etc. Tuition rates are subject to reassessment and may change each academic year (July–June). More information on cost of attendance is available here.

How does billing work?
For information regarding billing, including payment options, please visit the Syracuse University Bursar's Office website.

Are payment plans available?
Yes. Payment plans are available on a session-by-session basis. Requests for payment plans for a current session must be received by the Bursar’s Office prior to the financial drop deadline of that session to ensure a timely review. For more information, please contact the bursar at bursarsuonline@syr.edu.

What if my employer is sponsoring my degree?
Syracuse University has an Employer Tuition Reimbursement Plan available for eligible students. To learn more about how to request this plan, speak with your admissions counselor or e-mail the bursar’s office.

Syracuse University Financial Aid

How do I apply for financial aid at Syracuse University?
If you intend to apply for financial aid, you should begin the process concurrent with your admission application.

First, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Syracuse's school code is 002882.

Second, complete your application for admission to the program. We encourage you to apply for financial aid at the same time you complete your program application. Once you have submitted your application, you can view “My To Do List,” found in the financial aid section of Syracuse University’s self-service portal, MySlice.

Your to-do list will include a link to complete your Syracuse University online Federal Direct Loan application, which is required in addition to your FAFSA.

If you are interested in applying for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan in addition to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, we recommend you wait to apply until you have been admitted into your program of study and have received your award letter with the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

More information on how to apply for financial aid is available on the Financial Aid Checklist (PDF, 46KB).

Which FAFSA should I complete for each session?

Which FAFSA should I complete for each session?
FAFSA Year Terms
2019-2020 Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020, and Summer 2020
2020-2021 Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, and Summer 2021

Please note: In addition to the FAFSA, you must also complete a Syracuse University Online Graduate Financial Aid Application , along with the Syracuse University Summer Graduate Financial Aid Application for July sessions.

Please remember that a new FAFSA, along with the applicable Syracuse University supplemental forms, must be completed for each school year you would like to receive federal financial aid.

Are there any supplemental financial aid forms I need to complete?
Yes. You must complete the Syracuse University Online Graduate Financial Aid Application in addition to completing your FAFSA. If you are applying for financial aid for a July session, you must also complete the Syracuse University Summer Graduate Financial Aid Application.

Both of these applications can be found by clicking on “My To Do List,” under the financial aid section of Syracuse University’s self-service portal, MySlice. Just like the FAFSA, these supplemental aid forms must be completed for each school year you would like to receive federal financial aid.

Are there a minimum number of credits I need to take in a session in order to receive federal student aid?
Yes. To be eligible for federal student aid, you must be enrolled half time in an eligible program for each session you are requesting aid. Half time equals a minimum of six (6) credits in a given session.

Do I need to pay my enrollment deposit before I can receive my award package?
No. Students do not need to deposit in order to be packaged for financial aid.

Can I use loans to cover any additional expenses (housing, books, etc.)?
If you meet the eligibility requirements to receive federal student aid and have eligibility for additional resources, you are able to use them to cover additional education expenses such as costs related to for-credit residencies/immersions, housing, and books. Please see the eligibility requirements under the Direct Unsubsidized Loans and the Direct PLUS Loans sections in this FAQ.

Once I am an active student, is it easy to request my enrollment verification for federal loan deferments and/or private lenders?
Syracuse University reports student enrollment information to the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) monthly during the traditional academic year, September – May. Loan Servicing organizations retrieve information about their borrowers from the NSC. If needed, you are able to request enrollment verification directly through Syracuse University’s self-service portal, MySlice. Instructions on completing the request are available on the Syracuse University Registrar’s website.

Federal Student Aid Overview

What federal student aid is available to graduate students?
The federal student aid graduate students are eligible to apply for include the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. Learn more about the types of federal student aid.

Why am I not eligible for the Pell Grant or Direct Subsidized Loan?
The Department of Education awards the Federal Pell Grant and Direct Subsidized Loan to students pursuing degrees at the undergraduate level only.

What is the FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the Department of Education’s application for determining a student’s eligibility for federal student aid.

Where can I find the FAFSA?
You can complete the FAFSA online on the FAFSA website. The FAFSA is a free application. If you are asked to pay a fee to complete the FAFSA, you are on the wrong website!

Do I need my parents’ tax information to complete the FAFSA if I live on my own?
If you are applying to graduate school, you do not need your parents’ financial information to complete the FAFSA.

When should I complete the FAFSA?
The FAFSA is available each October for the upcoming school year. For example, the FAFSA for the 2019-2020 school year, which will cover Syracuse University’s Fall 2019 through Summer 2020 sessions, is available as of October 2018. If you are planning to use federal student aid, you should complete your FAFSA while applying for admission. You must complete the FAFSA for each school year you would like to receive federal financial aid.

Will I need to fill out the FAFSA each year?
Yes. The FAFSA, along with the Syracuse University supplemental forms, must be completed for each school year. Federal student aid eligibility does not carry over from one school year to the next.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans

How do I apply for the Direct Unsubsidized Loan?
To apply for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you must first complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your university will use the information from your FAFSA to determine how much student aid you are eligible to receive.

What is the difference between a Direct Unsubsidized Loan and a Direct Subsidized Loan?
Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on subsidized loans while students are enrolled in their undergraduate program. The Direct Unsubsidized Loan is available to undergraduate and graduate students and does not require demonstration of financial need. The Unsubsidized Loan begins accruing interest as soon as funds are disbursed. Learn more about the difference between unsubsidized and subsidized loans.

What is the aggregate loan limit?
The aggregate loan limit is the total amount that you may borrow in federal student loans for undergraduate and graduate study. In addition to borrowing limitations based on the cost of attendance for the program, students are also limited in terms of lifetime borrowing. The maximum aggregate loan limit for federal loans is $138,500. This amount does not include PLUS loans, nor private loans.

If the total loan amount you receive over the course of your education reaches the aggregate loan limit, you are not eligible to receive additional loans. However, if you repay some of your loans to bring your outstanding loan debt below the aggregate loan limit, you could then borrow again, up to the amount of your remaining eligibility under the aggregate loan limit. You can learn more about graduate annual loan limits on the Federal Student Aid website.

How do I find out if I am near my aggregate loan limit?
Log in on the StudentAid.gov homepage to view your federal student loan borrowing history and loan servicer details. Please note that private education loans are not listed on this site. Students in default are not eligible for additional federal loans. Contact your lender for default resolution options.

What is the current Direct Unsubsidized Loan interest rate?
The interest rate for the Direct Unsubsidized Loan is determined at the beginning of each academic year. It is available on the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website Federal Interest Rates and Fees page.

What criteria is used to determine eligibility for federal student aid?
The Direct Unsubsidized Loan is not based on income. In order to apply for federal student aid, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
  • Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Be registered with Selective Service, if you are male (must register between the ages of 18 and 25)
  • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible degree program
  • Be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP)
  • Not currently be in default on previous federal student loans
  • Not have exceeded the maximum aggregate loan limit

Learn more about federal student aid eligibility criteria on the Federal Student Aid website.


Direct Unsubsidized Loans are not based on income. Learn more about student eligibility criteria here.

Are there a minimum number of credits I need to take in a session in order to receive a Direct Unsubsidized Loan?
Yes. To be eligible for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you must be enrolled half time in an eligible program for each session you are requesting aid. Half time equals a minimum of six (6) credits in given a session.

Are there any additional loan fees?
Yes. There is a loan origination fee that is a percentage of the total loan amount. The loan origination fee is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement you receive. Learn more about federal student aid fees here.

What if I am in default or have defaulted on a prior federal student loan?
Review your loan history at here and contact your lender for details on how to clear the default. Students in default are not eligible for additional federal loans until the default is cleared.

Direct PLUS Loans

What is the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?
The Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is a federal loan that graduate or professional degree students can use to help pay education expenses in addition to the Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Learn about Direct PLUS Loans.

What criteria are used to determine eligibility?
In order to be eligible for federal student aid, and apply for a Direct PLUS Loan, you must:

  • be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen,
  • have a valid Social Security number,
  • be registered with the Selective Service System if you're male (must register between 18 and 25),
  • be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree program,
  • be enrolled at least half time in an eligible program in the session during which aid will be applied (half time equals a minimum of six [6] credits in a given session),
  • maintain satisfactory academic performance in your college or career school,
  • not currently be in default on previous student loans borrowed through Federal Student Aid (FSA),
  • not have exceeded the maximum aggregate loan limit, and
  • not have an adverse credit history.

*Direct PLUS Loans are credit-based and require a credit check and are NOT based on income

Are there a minimum number of credits I need to take in a session in order to receive a Direct PLUS Loan?
Yes. To be eligible for a Direct PLUS Loan, you must be enrolled half time in an eligible program for each session you are requesting aid. Half time equals a minimum of six (6) credits in a given session.

What are the credit criteria for the Direct PLUS Loan?
One of the eligibility requirements to receive a Direct PLUS Loan is that you must not have an adverse credit history. A credit check is performed to determine whether a Direct PLUS Loan applicant meets this requirement. A list of what constitutes adverse credit history can be found on the Federal Student Aid website PLUS Loan page.

How do I apply for a Direct PLUS Loan?
In order to apply for a Direct PLUS Loan, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you have completed the FAFSA, you can apply for the Direct PLUS Loan by completing the Direct Plus Loan Application on the Federal Student Aid website.

When do I apply for the Direct PLUS Loan?
Students can apply for the Direct PLUS Loan up to 180 days prior to the start of their program or at any time they are enrolled. 

While you can apply for the Direct PLUS Loan within six months of the start of your program, Syracuse University recommends you wait to apply until you have been admitted and have received your award letter for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

What are my options if I am denied the Direct PLUS Loan?
If you are denied the Direct PLUS Loan, you may reapply with an endorser or follow instructions on the Department of Education's website to appeal the denial. Please contact the Syracuse University financial aid office for more information on how to complete this process.

What is the current interest rate for a Direct PLUS Loan?
The interest rate for a Direct PLUS Loan is determined at the beginning of each academic year and is available on the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website.

Does the Direct PLUS Loan affect my aggregate loan limit?
No. Only Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans are used to calculate your aggregate loan amount.

How much can I borrow with the Direct PLUS Loan?
If approved for a Direct PLUS Loan, you can borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other aid being received, as determined by the Syracuse University financial aid office.

When do I have to repay my Direct PLUS Loan?
After you graduate, leave school or drop below half-time enrollment, you will have a six-month grace period before you are required to begin repayment. During this period, you'll receive repayment information from your loan servicer, and you will be notified of your first payment due date. Payments are usually due monthly. You are not required to pay while in school, however if you choose to, there is no penalty to prepay. Learn more about repayment timelines.

Loan Repayment

Do I have to pay my loans while I’m in school?
You are not required to pay on your student loans while you are in school and enrolled at least half time. Your unsubsidized loan will go into repayment six (6) months after you graduate, take a leave of absence, or fall below half-time status. 

When do I have to repay my loan?
After you graduate, leave school or drop below half-time enrollment, you will have a six-month grace period before you are required to begin repayment. During this period, you'll receive repayment information from your loan servicer, and you will be notified of your first payment due date. Payments are usually due monthly. You are not required to pay while in school, however if you choose to, there is no penalty to prepay. Learn more about repayment timelines.

Can I consolidate my graduate loans and my undergraduate loans?
A Direct Consolidation Loan allows you to consolidate (combine) multiple federal education loans into one loan, including graduate and undergraduate loans. The result is a single monthly payment instead of multiple payments. Learn more about loan consolidation here.

What are the repayment plan options, and how do I select one?
Lenders offer a range of repayment options. Your lender will contact you during your six-month grace period to select a repayment option. You should select your repayment option before your first payment is due.

Is there a repayment calculator or estimator that I can use?
Yes. There is a repayment calculator on the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website.

Are there any loan forgiveness options available?
Please review the Department of Education Federal Student Aid website Student Loan Forgiveness page for more information.

Veteran and Military benefits

What types of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits are available?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs administers a variety of education benefit programs, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, currently the most-used education benefit program.

Am I eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits?
You may be eligible for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits if you have at least 90 days of aggregate active-duty service after September 10, 2001, and are still on active duty, or are an honorably discharged veteran, were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days, or are a dependent who has post-9/11 educational benefits transferred from an eligible service member. Learn more about education benefit eligibility here.

How do I apply for Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits?
To begin the process of applying for VA education benefits, students should visit the VA website and complete the Education Benefits Application Process.

What else is needed in addition to the education benefits application?
You will need to provide Syracuse University with an updated Certificate of Eligibility, which will be mailed to you within six to eight weeks of successfully completing your education benefits application. You also need to complete the Syracuse University Request for Benefit Certification (RFC), which is available in Syracuse University’s self-service portal, MySlice. The RFC must be submitted for each session you wish to use your veterans benefits.

What is the Yellow Ribbon Program?
The Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP) is an enhancement to the basic Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit. Higher education institutions may enter into an agreement with the VA to cover tuition and mandatory fee costs not covered by the basic education benefit. Syracuse University has a memorandum of understanding with the VA to share the uncovered costs 50-50. Only veterans and dependents to whom post-9/11 benefits have been transferred qualify. Learn more about the YRP here.

What is the national maximum per academic year for private schools?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website provides the most up-to-date information on the national maximum per academic year.

What is the current monthly housing allowance (MHA)?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website provides the most up-to-date information on the current MHA.

Who can I contact at Syracuse University for assistance regarding veterans benefits?
For more information or assistance, please contact the Syracuse University Veterans Resource Center.

How can I use military benefits if I am an active-duty, National Guard, or Reserve component service member?
Military benefits may be available to active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve component service members. “Tuition assistance” (TA) is offered through the service member’s branch of service, and the application process varies by branch. For more information, visit your local installation education center.

TA will fund up to $250 per credit hour, not to exceed $4,500 per fiscal year, October 1 through September 30. The service branch pays TA funds to the University upon receipt of the approval voucher. Syracuse University administers TA as “third-party billing” through the Bursar’s Office.

What is the difference between TA and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ education benefits?
TA is offered by the service branches, while the VA administers a variety of education benefit programs.

Some VA education benefit programs, such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, can work well with the TA program, as they can supplement fees not covered by TA. In addition, Post-9/11 GI Bill funds are available for up to 15 years after you leave the military. The TA program benefit is available only while you are in the service. For more information, visit your local installation education center.

[H3] Tax Benefits for Education

How do I qualify for a tuition tax credit?
For details on tax benefits for education, see IRS Publication 970 (PDF, 2.2 MB), Tax Benefits for Higher Education, which provides detailed information. Syracuse University is unable to provide tax advice. We urge you to contact your tax advisor or the IRS at Phone Number: 800-829-1040 or through the IRS website if you have any questions regarding the HOPE or Lifetime Learning Tax Credits.

What is the 1098-T Form?
It is an informational form filed with the Internal Revenue Service to report the amounts billed to you for qualified tuition, related expenses, and other related information. The primary purpose of the IRS Form 1098‐T is to inform you that we have provided this required information to the IRS.

What information is included in the 1098-T Form?
Form 1098-T reports amounts paid for qualified tuition, scholarship and grants processed in 2018 to students enrolled in courses at Syracuse University for which they receive academic credit. The information reported on the 1098-T form helps students evaluate whether he or she is eligible for an educational tax credit.

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1U.S. News & World Report, 2021 Best Public Affairs Schools (Accessed June 2020) Return to footnote reference