How Much Does the MPA Program cost?
Tuition costs for the MPA Program are established by the University and College of Social Sciences and Humanities. Tuition costs for both online and on-campus courses are the same and are determined based on a per-credit rate for the College of Social Sciences and Humanities. For current tuition rates, please contact the Student Billing Office and navigate to link for the current year.
Tuition and fees for the MPA Program are $1,175 per credit hour for the 2012-2013 academic year. This is $3,525 per 3-credit course. For full-time students (9 credits hours), this is $10,575 per semester, or $24,675 per year. The total tuition costs for 42 credits is $49,350 based on the 2012-2013 academic year. Please note that the tuition costs and fees do not include the cost of books and supplies.
Many of our part-time and full-time students also receive grants and scholarships from the University or federal financial aid to help defer the cost of education
Office of Financial Aid
Northeastern University’s Office of Financial Aid is located in 356 Richards Hall. The Office provides general information to students regarding various types of funding opportunities.
In addition, the Office also assists U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens in the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and determine federal aid eligibility based on this application. Eligible students may receive federal loans or work-study opportunities through the FAFSA. Please note that your exact eligibility will also be based on your enrollment status and other aid you might be receive.
You can contact the Office of Financial Aid via e-mail at sfs@neu.edu or by calling (617) 373-5899.
MPA Program Awards
The MPA Program’s financial support consists of a variety of awards, and they are awarded on a competitive basis. Award decisions are made by a committee of the Program and are based upon merit. Final award determination is made by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
The Program does not require a separate application for any awards. Students with financial awards must maintain satisfactory academic progress and successfully complete all courses in which they are registered. Additionally, students should refer to the specific terms of their award sent at the time the award is offered.
Please note that teaching assistantship funding opportunities are very rare for students in the professional masters programs, including the MPA Program. Assistantships are generally reserved for students in the University’s doctoral programs.
Graduate Student Scholarships
Graduate Student Scholarship’s (GSSs) provide a tuition waiver (a scholarship) of a predetermined dollar amount. There is no work requirement. GSSs can only be awarded to full-time students.
Dean’s Scholarships
Dean’s Scholarships are awarded to the incoming professional masters students based upon academic achievement. To be eligible for consideration, a student must be in the top one-third of the Program’s incoming class. No separate application is required beyond the admissions application materials. Students selected for the Dean’s Scholarship will be notified by the Program and the Dean’s Office. Students who receive these awards may have reduced eligibility for need-based aid.
Double Husky Scholarships
All NU graduates are eligible to receive a 25% Tuition Scholarship to attend a masters program on a full-time basis. Visit the for additional information on this program.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Graduate Fellowship
The MLK Jr. Graduate Fellowships are administered through the African-American Institute. These awards are offered annually to African-American students in full-time graduate programs as long as the student demonstrates satisfactory academic progress and financial need as determined by Student Financial Services. Applicants must complete the financial aid process, as well as an application available from the African-American Institute.
Veterans Programs
In addition to standard VA benefits, veterans may be eligible for additional financial aid through Northeastern. Veterans who have 100% eligibility under the Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) are eligible for additional aid through the Yellow Ribbon Program, which makes up the difference between the NU tuition and the Chapter 33 benefit. Northeastern has invested $2 million in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which is also matched by the VA. For more information visit the Yellow Ribbon Program and Veteran enrollment page.
For more information on other types of financial aid, visit Northeastern’s Cost and Financial Aid for Graduate Studies.
