Pay less, achieve more: KU’s affordable online MBA tuition
Costing less than $40K, KU’s top 10 online MBA stands out for its quality and affordability.1
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.1 In contrast, KU's online MBA program costs just $895 per credit and less than $40,000 in total, offering nearly half the price without compromising on excellence.
Earning a respected MBA, can have career benefits. According to U.S. News & World Report, the median base salary plus bonus paid for new MBA graduates from 124-ranked programs in 2023 was $128,997.2
In any situation, understanding the financial aspect of your MBA is crucial to ensure you earn your degree with confidence.
This tuition and financial aid information page provides essential details and resources to help you budget for your degree.
Read on to discover KU’s online MBA program tuition fees, graduate student financial aid information, scholarship options, and additional MBA funding options and tips that can help students like you earn your MBA tuition and fees.
*Cost for out-of-state tuition
KU 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 Hour | $895 |
| Estimated Total Program Cost | $37,590 |
Tuition and costs effective as of October 29, 2024. 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.
Please contact an admissions outreach advisor for more information on tuition and fees by calling 855-639-7799.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Tuition and financial aid FAQs
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?
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?
Does KU offer financial aid webinars for MBA students?
To attend a KU online MBA webinar, contact contact a KU MBA outreach admissions advisor.
What scholarships and loans are available for MBA programs?
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?
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.
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- Retrieved on June 20, 2024, from usnews.com/education/online-education/mba/rankings
- Retrieved on November 22, 2024, from usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/articles/mba-salary-jobs#:~:text=Among%20the%20124%20ranked%20full,to%202023%20graduates%20was%20%24128%2C997
- Retrieved on June 20, 2024, from irs.gov/newsroom/tax-benefits-for-education-information-center