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KU’s affordable online MBA tuition

According to U.S. News & World Report, the top 10 online MBA programs in the nation typically charge around $1,605 per credit and can cost upwards of $150,000 to complete.2 In contrast, KU's No. 7 ranked1 online MBA program costs just $895 per credit and less than $40,000 in total, offering nearly half the price without compromising on excellence.

Online MBA tuition guide

Tuition is calculated on a per credit hour basis with estimated total program costs outlined below:

2024-2025 Academic Year

Graduate Tuition Per Credit HourEstimated Total Program Cost
$895$37,590

Tuition and costs effective as of April 21, 2025. Tuition rates are not inclusive of textbooks and fees. Tuition and costs are subject to change and should be confirmed on the University’s official tuition listing at registrar.ku.edu/online-tuition-fees.

Schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor for more information on tuition and fees.

University of Kansas online MBA financial aid information

Everyone's financial situation is unique. Whether through scholarships, employer assistance, or government support, aspiring students have numerous paths to affordably plan for their futures.

The following options are available to you as a KU School of Business student:

Close-up of smiling female student.

Financial aid options

At the University of Kansas School of Business, there are several types of financial aid available to students: grants, scholarships, and loans. To be eligible for any form of financial aid, prospective and current students must fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

It is recommended that applicants file the FAFSA as early as possible for the upcoming school year (the priority date is usually December 1) so they are eligible for the highest award possible.

Get details on each type of MBA financial aid below.

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Grants

Grants are available from federal, state, and university sources. They are typically awarded based on financial need and do not need to be repaid.
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Scholarship

There are dozens of private, state, and federal scholarships available to online MBA students. Scholarship eligibility requirements can vary according to background, accomplishments, and abilities. International students may wish to pursue scholarships offered in their home countries as well.
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Loans

Online MBA students may also apply for loans to cover their education costs. Many education loans offer competitive interest rates and flexible repayment plans, making them easier to manage.
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Financial aid for veterans

Military veterans may use funding from the GI Bill to pay for the online MBA program, either alone or in combination with other forms of financial aid. There are also a number of veteran-specific scholarships, grants, and fellowships available from other sources.
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Employer support

Many companies cover education costs for relevant courses. These benefits are especially accessible for online MBA students as they can keep working as they study. As taxpayers, working students can alleviate the cost of higher education using government tax credits, deductions, and savings plans.3
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Work-study programs

Work-study programs offer graduate students part-time, need-based employment to help cover educational expenses. These positions, available on-campus and off-campus, often relate to the student’s field of study and offer relevant experience.
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Apply to KU’s Affordable Online MBA

Tuition and financial aid FAQs

To finance your online MBA, consider leveraging a combination of the following options:

  • Scholarships: Explore merit-based and need-based scholarships offered by universities, private organizations, and foundations
  • Loans: Investigate federal and private loan options tailored for graduate students to cover tuition and living expenses
  • Personal savings: Utilize personal savings or investments to offset tuition costs and reduce reliance on loans
  • Employer sponsorships: Check if your employer offers financial support or tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing higher education

Employer education assistance programs: Many companies realize the value of advanced education and provide assistance through partnerships with educational institutions to allow employees to pursue advanced degrees with reduced financial burden

These avenues can help you effectively manage the costs associated with pursuing an online MBA while aligning with your financial goals, resources, and career.

How do I finance my MBA?
To finance your online MBA, consider leveraging a combination of the following options:

  • Scholarships: Explore merit-based and need-based scholarships offered by universities, private organizations, and foundations
  • Loans: Investigate federal and private loan options tailored for graduate students to cover tuition and living expenses
  • Personal savings: Utilize personal savings or investments to offset tuition costs and reduce reliance on loans
  • Employer sponsorships: Check if your employer offers financial support or tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing higher education
  • Employer education assistance programs: Many companies realize the value of advanced education and provide assistance through partnerships with educational institutions to allow employees to pursue advanced degrees with reduced financial burden

These avenues can help you effectively manage the costs associated with pursuing an online MBA while aligning with your financial goals, resources, and career.

What is involved in understanding MBA tuition and financial aid?
MBA tuition varies based on the program, but financial aid options are available to help manage these costs.

Financial aid can come in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. It's important to explore all options and speak with a financial aid advisor to understand what you qualify for and how to apply.

Talk with a KU Admissions Outreach Advisor

What’s included in a comprehensive guide to MBA tuition and financial aid?
A comprehensive guide to MBA tuition and financial aid includes detailed information on the cost of the program, types of financial aid available, and application processes. This guide can help you plan your finances by explaining different funding sources such as scholarships, federal and private loans, grants, and employer assistance programs. It also provides tips on budgeting and managing expenses during your studies.

Does KU offer financial aid webinars for MBA students?
Yes, there are financial aid webinars for MBA students. These online sessions can help provide valuable information on how to fund your MBA. Webinar topics typically include scholarship opportunities, loan options, the application process for financial aid, and tips for managing your finances. Attending these webinars can help you make informed decisions about financing your education.

To attend an upcoming webinar, contact a KU MBA outreach admissions advisor.

What scholarships and loans are available for MBA programs?
Scholarships and loans are two primary ways to fund an MBA program.

Scholarships are merit-based or need-based awards that do not need to be repaid, while loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest.

It's advisable to explore all scholarship opportunities first, as they can greatly reduce your financial burden. Loans can cover remaining costs and can be obtained from federal or private sources.

Explore KU’s Scholarship Options

Explore Student Loan Options

What are effective strategies for managing MBA costs?
Managing MBA costs involves careful planning and budgeting.

In addition to applying for scholarships and grants, and utilizing employer tuition assistance programs, you can also choose a flexible payment plan, and minimize living expenses.

Additionally, consider working part-time or seeking internships that offer financial support.

Planning ahead and staying organized can make the financial aspect of earning an online MBA more manageable.

Contact KU for graduate program financial aid advice

Whether you want to stop by in person, give us a call, or send us an email, the following offices are more than happy to answer any of your questions regarding financial aid for the online MBA.

KU financial aid & scholarships

1502 Iowa St.
Lawrence, KS 66045
785-864-4700 (phone)
785-864-5469 (fax)
financialaid@ku.edu

Office hours
8 AM-5 PM CT, Monday-Friday
Closed on all state holidays.

Office of the University Registrar

1450 Jayhawk Blvd, Rm 121/123 Strong Hall
Lawrence, KS 66045
785-864-4423 (phone)
785-864-5230 (fax)
registrar@ku.edu

Office hours
8 AM-5 PM CT, Monday-Friday
Closed on all state holidays.

Make your ascent with the online MBA community


The University of Kansas has mastered the art of building meaningful connections in the digital space. Through interactive learning tools, collaborative projects, and virtual networking events, you'll forge lasting relationships with your online MBA cohort of ambitious professionals, expert faculty, and more than 25,000 KU School of Business alumni, some of whom work at Fortune 500 companies and serve as global industry leaders.* Plus, they're ready to help fellow Jayhawks succeed. Through the KU School of Business network, you'll gain access to:

  • ✓ Virtual networking events
  • ✓ Mentorship opportunities
  • ✓ Career development resources
  • ✓ Industry insights and connections

*Based on a limited sample of self-reported data from alumni of the University of Kansas School of Business online MBA program from 2019-2022 graduating cohorts

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Sources
  1. Retrieved on March 21, 2025, from usnews.com/education/online-education/mba/rankings
  2. Retrieved on January 25, 2025, from usnews.com/education/online-education/mba/rankings