MS in Finance Admissions
How to Apply to the MS in Finance Program
The information included on this page:
Application Requirements & Instructions
Who Should Apply to the MS in Finance Program?
The MS in Finance is a rigorous full-time program that aims to build on practical quantitative and computational skills used in the finance industry, in addition to theoretical knowledge. Recent college graduates and early-career professionals with quantitative skills and experience or interest in a career in finance should apply.
- Completion of university-level course in statistics is required.
- Completion of courses in calculus and linear algebra is preferred, but not required.
- Professional work experience, including internships, is preferred, but not required.
- Applied experience with quantitative methods (e.g., through work, internships, and/or academic projects) is preferred.
Program Snapshot
Start date
Early July (Summer Semester)
Duration
10 or 16 months, full-time; 39 credits
Format
On-campus; classes held during the day
Application Deadlines
Apply early and give yourself the best chance to join the Carlson School's MS in Finance program.
Application Deadlines
- November 1
Decision notification: December 31 - January 3
Decision notification: March 15 - February 1
Decision notification: April 15 - March 15
Decision notification: April 30 - April 15
Decision notification: May 30
IMPORTANT: MS in Finance Program Orientation is required for all incoming students. Orientation for Summer 2023 will be held in early July (exact dates are not yet determined).
Application Requirements & Instructions
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition is calculated on a per-credit basis. The MSF program consists of 39 credits. Tuition for the 2022-2023 academic year:
| Minnesota Resident Cost* | Non-Resident Cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Credit | Total Tuition | Cost Per Credit | Total Tuition |
| $1,055 | $41,145 | $1,500 | $58,500 |
*Reciprocity rates are available to residents of North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Manitoba.
Required fees per semester, for the 2022-2023 academic year
| Fee | Fall and Spring | Summer** |
|---|---|---|
| Student Services Fee | $481.48 | $481.48 |
| Capital Enhancement Fee | $75 | $75 |
| Academic Records Fee | $150 | $150 |
| Stadium Fee | $6 | $6 |
| Student Health Benefit Plan (unless student provides proof of his/her own insurance, this plan is required for international students) | $1,734 | $884 |
| Transportation Fee | $71 | $71 |
| Professional Student Government Fee | $17.07 | $17.07 |
| Carlson School Collegiate Fee | $580 | $290 |
| International Student Administrative Fee | $200 | $110 |
| International Student Engagement Fee | $14 | $14 |
**As the MS in Finance program has a summer start, some summer fees will be a prorated version of the full semester fees.
***Other education-related costs such as books and cost of living are not included in the table above.
The total program tuition will remain the same for the three consecutive semesters a student is in the program.
For full details of tuition costs, please visit One Stop.
A non-refundable $1,000 tuition deposit is required to confirm your intention to enroll in the MS in Finance Program and is applied toward the first academic term.
All fees are subject to change.
The University of Minnesota offers many loan programs, administered through the Office of Student Finance. To be considered, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). International students need a U.S. co-signer for student loans. If you have questions about loan programs, visit Financial Aid — One Stop. The University has reciprocity agreements with the states of Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the province of Manitoba, Canada.
International Student Loans
The University of Minnesota does not specifically offer non-US co-signed loans. Some of the options available to you include:
- Prodigy Finance You can find Carlson program-specific information at: https://prodigyfinance.com/eligibility-schools/028cd8d7-875a-4352-a082-9f032f5e4ab8.
- MPower Student Loan You can find details about The MPower loan program at:https://mpowerfinancing.com/borrow
Quick Links
Merit Scholarships
Earn up to a $18,000 Scholarship for Graduate School
- Domestic Students: The Carlson School's MS in Finance Program is designed for early career professionals who would like to transition into or accelerate their careers in corporate finance, security analysis and portfolio management, investment and commercial banking, risk management, and more. Ten $18,000 scholarships will be awarded to domestic students admitted to start the program in July 2023.
- International Students: The Carlson School and the University of Minnesota award a limited number of academic merit-based scholarships to international students. Scholarship consideration is highly competitive, and is based on strength of all pieces of the application. Visit the most recent MSF Student Profile at the bottom of this page for an idea of what is competitive. Our highest scholarship recipients tend to exceed our class averages in all areas.
The MS in Finance admissions committee will automatically consider all program applicants for merit scholarships; no special application or steps are required. Scholarship awards are announced at the same time as final admissions decision letters are released.
Finance Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship: A Funds Enterprise Scholarship
Apply for a Full-Tuition Scholarship for Graduate School
The David S. Kidwell Funds Enterprise (CFE) at the Carlson School of Management is proud to offer a full-tuition scholarship opportunity for one MSF admitted student who who will commit to our 16-month curriculum track and join the CFE for two semesters.* The purpose of this scholarship is to recruit and provide comprehensive support for diverse talent who will go on to make an impact in non-entry level positions, ultimately increasing representation throughout organizational hierarchies and the finance field.
We want to bring new faces and new voices into the investment business. We are hoping that students from all different backgrounds will join the CFE, to learn from our world class Finance Faculty, and to explore careers in Finance and Asset Management. We strongly encourage prospective domestic students from backgrounds underrepresented in business and finance to apply!
The recipient of this scholarship will receive:
- Full tuition for the entirety of the MSF program
- Mentorship from the CFE's extensive network for academic, personal, and career success
- Meaningful connection and networking opportunities with the CFE's clients and advisory board members
How to Apply
All interested candidates should upload into their MSF application a one-page statement expressing their interest in the 16-month MSF program option, Funds Enterprise participation, and this scholarship scholarship by answering the following question:
“Why are you interested in the Finance Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship, and how would participation in the David S. Kidwell Funds Enterprise help you reach your career goals?"
*Participation in the CFE fulfills the required experiential learning component of our MSF program.
