Executive MBA Scholarships

Minnesota Carlson offers several paths to make your Executive MBA investment more manageable, from merit-based scholarships and military/corporate partner discounts to employer assistance programs and external funding opportunities. We encourage candidates to explore all available options and apply early for scholarship consideration.

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Guaranteed 25% Tuition Discount for Fall 2026

Deadline to apply: March 31, 2026

All applications received by March 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST for the Fall 2026 CEMBA program will qualify for a guaranteed 25% discount applied toward tuition (fees not included). Admitted students who meet this deadline will automatically receive the discount.

Additionally, a very limited number of 50% merit-based scholarships may be available. You must complete a separate essay as part of the application to be considered for a merit scholarship. Important note: You cannot receive both a merit-based scholarship and the 25% tuition discount. If you receive a 50% merit-based scholarship, it will take the place of the 25% tuition discount. 

Discounts and scholarships are not transferable to other degree programs and may not be "stacked" with other Carlson School offers. All CEMBA discounts and scholarships are applied to tuition only and do not cover fees. 

UMN employees who are admitted to the Carlson Executive MBA program are eligible for the Regents Tuition Benefit Program, which would take the place of the 25% discount.

 

How to Apply

You will automatically receive the 25% tuition discount if you are admitted for fall 2026. There will be an additional essay as part of the application if you would like to be considered for the limited number of 50% merit scholarships.

View all application requirements

Scholarship Opportunities Effective January 1, 2026

Executive MBA applicants can be considered for a limited number of 15% and 25% merit-based scholarships. Additionally, a very limited number of 50% merit-based scholarships are available. These are applied to tuition-only and do not cover fees.

U.S. military members/veterans, and employees from our Corporate Partner Program members are automatically eligible for a 15% tuition discount or are welcome to apply for the limited 25% or 50% merit-based scholarships. These scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. We strongly recommend applying early in the cycle for consideration. 

UMN Employees who are admitted to the Carlson Executive MBA Program are eligible for the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.

Scholarships are not transferable to other degree programs and may not be "stacked" with other scholarships or discounts.

How to Apply
Candidates are invited to submit an essay to be considered for one of the 15%, 25%, or 50% merit-based scholarships. Scholarships will be awarded on a merit basis to a limited number of admitted candidates who demonstrate the potential to be exemplary contributors to the Minnesota Carlson community and possess outstanding academic and professional achievements. 

The scholarship essay is not required for admission to the program or for candidates who qualify for the military or corporate discount (if admitted).  However, if military or corporate discount candidates would like to be considered for one of the higher % merit scholarships, the scholarship essay is required to be submitted with the application. Please note that if a military or corporate discount partner candidate applies but does not receive the 25% or 50% merit scholarship, they will still receive the 15% tuition discount if admitted to the program.

Selected students will be notified of their award at the time of admission.

To learn more, contact us at [email protected].

Details can be found on the Admission Requirements page. 

 

Outside Funding & External Scholarship Resources

Students are typically employed during the program so we encourage students to use a few strategies to fund their study:

  • Take advantage of employer tuition benefits. Many companies are willing to contribute $5,250 annually. We encourage candidates to have a conversation with their supervisor or HR to understand their companies’ employer tuition benefit. We have additional information on asking for employer support here.
  • Use personal savings.

We encourage all MBA applicants to explore external scholarship opportunities to support their MBA experience. Below is a selection of sample external scholarships with links to information on their requirements and applications. This list is not all-inclusive and is not affiliated with the University of MN.

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Have an admissions question or need some guidance on whether the program is right for you? Sign up for a one-on-one consultation with an admissions team member.

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Carlson scholarships and discounts are not transferable to other degree programs and may not be "stacked" with other University of Minnesota/Carlson scholarships, discounts, or reduced tuition programs such as Regents Tuition Benefit Program or Senior Citizen Education Program (SCEP).

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Phone: 612-625-5555
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