Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition
Students enrolled in the School of Social Work at Falk College online MSW program are charged tuition on a per-credit-hour basis. The current rate of tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year is $1,196 per credit hour. The MSW program is 60 credits, making the total degree cost $71,760 based on the expected tuition rate for the 2025-2026 academic year. The Advanced Standing program is 36 credits, making the total degree cost $43,056 based on the expected tuition rate for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Tuition costs are reevaluated annually and are subject to adjustment in future academic years. Students are responsible for their own textbooks, software, and housing costs. Payment arrangements are required at the time of registration each term, and payment plans are available. You can learn more about tuition and/or financial aid below or by visiting the FAQ page.
Degree Financing Options
There are several financial resources available to students, including veterans benefits (if applicable), federal student loan programs and private loans.
Students may be eligible to apply for the following to assist in paying for their tuition:
- Veterans Benefits: Students can explore the use of VA education benefits to fund their graduate program. For more information, contact the VA or the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs on campus.
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Students are potentially eligible to receive up to $20,500 in Direct Unsubsidized Loans per academic year, regardless of personal or spousal income. Learn more about Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans on the Federal Student Aid website.
- Federal Direct PLUS Loans: 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 students 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.
Outside Agency Remitted Tuition Benefit (RTB) cannot be used for online programs.
Applying for Federal Student Aid
Students who intend to apply for federal student aid loans should begin the process as soon as possible.
To apply, complete the steps outlined in the Syracuse University Financial Aid Checklist (PDF, 134KB).
Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid as they complete their program application.
Graduate Financial Aid Is Changing in 2026: What You Need to Know
Starting July 1, 2026, Grad PLUS Loans will no longer be offered for new borrowers and borrowing limits will be introduced for new loans, meaning federal loans may no longer cover the full cost of attendance for many graduate students. If you’re planning to begin a graduate degree program in fall 2026 or later, start planning now (ideally before you apply) to find alternative funding options. This change will affect people seeking federal financial aid for Syracuse University’s School of Education; primarily, those who enroll on or after July 1, 2026.
Most graduate students will be limited to borrowing up to $20,500 per year for graduate degrees, including this program. The incoming changes will also limit aggregate loans for graduate degrees to $100,000. If you do not plan to study full time, your loan limit may be lower. Learn more details here.
Early planning is the most important thing you can do. The financial aid office can help you build a plan:
Speak with a financial aid advisor, Lisa daCunha → [315-443-1513 or gradfinaid@syr.edu]
Already enrolled? If your federal loans were disbursed before July 1, 2026, you may be able to continue borrowing under prior rules, including Grad PLUS, with limitations. Taking a leave of absence, withdrawing, transferring, or changing programs/institutions after June 30, 2026 could affect your eligibility. Contact the financial aid office before making any enrollment changes.