Tuition and Financial AidTuition and Financial AidTuition and Financial Aid

Tuition

Tuition for the online Executive MPA program 2024-2025 academic year is $1,945 per credit, making the total cost for the 30-credit program $58,350. Note that tuition rates are subject to reassessment and may change each academic year.

Detailed information on cost of attendance is available from the Office of Financial Aid.

Scholarships

We are pleased to inform you that qualified applicants to the October 2025 cohort are eligible for scholarships. Once you begin the application process, your admissions counselors will provide you with further information.

Financing Your Degree

When evaluating how to pay for your master’s degree in public administration, there may be a number of resources available to you, including tuition assistance from your employer, scholarships and student loan programs. In addition, you may be eligible to apply for the following to assist in paying your tuition:

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans:

Students are potentially eligible to receive up to $20,500 in Direct Unsubsidized Loans External link  per academic year, regardless of personal or spousal income.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan:

All graduate students are potentially eligible to apply for Graduate PLUS loan funding each academic year. This credit-based loan can be used to cover tuition and fees, and provide you with funding for living expenses up to the cost of attendance.

Private Loans:

Students who require additional assistance may apply for education loans through private lenders.

Employer Sponsorship:

Check with your employer’s personnel or human resources division regarding tuition.

Veterans Benefits:

Students are eligible to explore the use of VA Education Benefits to fund their graduate program. For more information, contact the VA or the National Veterans Resource Center on campus.

Scholarships:

Explore available scholarships for our upcoming cohorts by contacting your admissions counselor.

For more information on financial aid at Syracuse, read our FAQ.

Applying for Financial Aid

If you intend to apply for financial aid, you should begin the process as soon as possible. To apply, complete these steps:

  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Syracuse’s school code is 002882.
  2. 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.

More information on how to apply for financial aid can be found on the Financial Aid Checklist (PDF, 134KB).

Request information to learn more about the online Executive MPA program or contact admissions at 866-376-3167.

Cost of Attendance for the Online Executive MPA Program

The following chart outlines the estimated cost of attendance and a sample financial aid package based on full financial aid eligibility (i.e., the student has met all federal student aid eligibility criteria, is not currently in default on any federal student loans previously borrowed and has not already used the maximum loan aggregate for federal funding).

Note that this is just a sample. For detailed cost and financial assistance information, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at Syracuse University.

Term Cost Estimate

The following is the estimated cost of attendance for one 12-week term with registration based on 6-credit and 3-credit courseloads, respectively. Note that there are 30 credits required to earn the EMPA degree, and that it typically takes five terms of full-time study (15 months) to complete the program.

(6 credits per term)

Direct (Billable) Costs:

Tuition: $11,232 1 ($1,872/credit)
Fees: None

Other Indirect Expenses (Average):

Housing: $3,876
Meals: $1,468
Books & Supplies: $306
Personal: $780
Transportation: $120
Loan Fee2: $143

TOTAL COST: $17,9253

Financial Aid Package (Sample):

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: $6,833/term (maximum assuming aggregate $138,500 not reached)

Federal Direct PLUS Loan: $11,200/term (Cost of Attendance – Unsub. Loan = Balance)

Note that private loans, employer sponsorship and veterans benefits may also be applied, which would adjust the aid package.

TOTAL AID: $18,477

(3 credits per term)

Direct (Billable) Costs:

Tuition: $5,616 1 ($1,872/credit)
Fees: None

Other Indirect Expenses (Average):

Housing: $3,876
Meals: $1,468
Books & Supplies: $153
Personal: $780
Transportation: $120
 

TOTAL COST: $12,0133

Financial Aid Package (Sample):

Federal student aid is not available for those students who pursue less than the minimum required number of credits (6) per term. Private loans, employer sponsorship and veterans benefits may still be available.

TOTAL AID: N/A

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1 The tuition figure for the online Executive MPA program is $1,872/credit, which varies from the standard graduate rate. Note that the current rate of tuition can be found in the Tuition, Fees and Related Policies Bulletin posted on the Syracuse University bursar website. A moderate tuition increase can be expected for each academic year. arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
2 This loan fee is charged by the Department of Education. It is a percentage of the loan amount, and is proportionately deducted from each loan disbursement.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
3 Note that students may elect to adjust their aid package down to not include other indirect expenses that may be eligible expenses, if this support is not needed, in order to reduce their loan burden. The Cost of Attendance includes expenses for the graduate student alone and cannot be increased to cover living expenses of other family members. The total of all student financial assistance cannot exceed the Cost of Attendance.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference