Full-Time MBA Tuition & Aid

A one-time academic records fee of $150 will be charged to all students during the first semester of the program. This fee is not included in the approximate total annual cost above.

A non-refundable $1,500 tuition deposit is required to confirm your intention to enroll in the MBA program and is applied toward the first academic term. This deposit is paid in two installments, $1,000 at the time of admission and $500 as a reconfirmation deposit due by June 20.  

Please note this is not a fee, but rather a demonstration of the sincere commitment of a candidate to attend. It is required to deposit in a timely fashion in order to save your place in the cohort and if applicable, your scholarship offer.

All students embark on an international experience to develop essential business skills required for success in a global economy. Customize your experience by choosing the destination, format, and duration that fits you. Global Experience fees can vary. Costs can be found in the Program Finder feature when you select a trip.

• MBA Student Club Fee (Optional but strongly encouraged, covers 2 full years of MBA club and event participation): $450
• MBA Student Partner Fee (Optional but strongly encouraged, covers 2 full years of partner participation in MBA events): $150

The costs listed above do not include personal living expenses. You can use the following as a guideline to plan:

• Room and board in the Twin Cities for one year is approximately $19,108.00
• Transportation for one year is approximately $2,350.00
• Personal/Misc for one year is approximately $4,000.00
• Loan Fees for one year is approximately $740.00

These estimates assume modest, shared housing, simple meals at home, and use of public transportation. Your preferences may result in higher expenses in these areas.

Please see the One Stop Student Services page for the latest estimates of the cost of attendance.

Most students pursuing an advanced degree will likely utilize loans for part (if not all) of the financing for his/her degree program. The majority of loan types available for graduate students are offered by the federal government. Admitted students who have submitted the FAFSA will be awarded the best possible combination of federal and University loans at the maximum amounts. Students are NOT required to accept the entire amount awarded. Students are encouraged to review their personal budgets and only accept the amount of loans that are absolutely necessary. International students need a U.S. co-signer for student loans. If you have questions about loan programs, visit Financial Aid — One Stop, or contact the Carlson MBA financial aid representative Jim Parker (612-626-0750).

Direct Loan Program

The largest federal student loan program offered by the U.S. Department of Education, there are two types of Direct Loans graduate students may be eligible for:

• Direct Unsubsidized Loans – Eligible students may borrow up to $20,500 per school year. No credit check is necessary for eligibility.
• Direct PLUS Loans – Eligible graduate students who need to borrow more than the maximum unsubsidized loan amounts to meet their education costs may apply for a PLUS loan. Essentially, it covers the difference between the Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the estimated cost of attendance, if there is a gap. A credit check will be performed during the application process.¹

¹ Adverse credit is when at least one of the following is on the Grad PLUS Loan applicant’s credit report: Currently 90 days or more delinquent on repayment of any debt; debt has been discharged in bankruptcy during the past 5 years; Evidence of a default, foreclosure, tax lien, repossession, wage garnishment, or write-off of a Title IV debt during the past 5-years.

Private Loans

Some students, especially those who are not eligible for federal loans, may utilize private loans as a way to supplement their financial support. The most notable differences between federal and private loan options are in the costs/fees, interest rates, and repayment options. We encourage students to explore loan offerings from different sources to determine the best options. Please note: Students who seek out private loan options for educational expenses may not take out more than the maximum estimated COA as determined by their program.

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 MBA specific information online.
• MPower Student Loan You can find details about The MPower loan program at:https://mpowerfinancing.com/borrow

Please note, the University of Minnesota does not solely endorse any one specific loan program.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program is designed to help students meet educational costs through part-time employment with a work-study eligible employer with the University. There are two primary benefits to students: 1) up to 70% of their work-study salary is subsidized, an incentive for employers to hire work-study applicants, and; 2) work-study earnings are not included as income in the following year’s financial aid need calculation, protecting the student’s future grant eligibility. Please note: Graduate students are only considered and awarded work-study upon request if they have need-based eligibility and will be enrolled at least half time.

View GA/TA Opportunities

• Apply for financial aid – Every student, regardless of the family’s financial status, should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online after January 1 each year. Please use University of Minnesota FAFSA code: 003969. Students are encouraged to submit their FAFSA as early as possible, but must be formally admitted to their degree program to complete steps 2-6.
• Complete additional requirements – If your record is missing information, or if you are selected for detailed file review (called “verification”), all requested documents must be submitted before your financial aid will be awarded.
• Financial aid under review – Your FAFSA results will remain at step 3 until tuition and fees are approved and cost of attendance for the new year is finalized in mid-July. Once the review process is completed, you will be offered financial aid awards that are as favorable as possible for your eligibility.
• Complete the electronic Financial Aid Award Notice (FAAN) – Review, accept, reduce, or decline the awards offered via Financial Aid Status website.
• Complete loan documents – Complete any necessary promissory notes, any required entrance counseling, or truth-in-lending documents in a timely manner.
• Disbursement of funds – This is the process by which financial aid funds are transferred into your account after all required documents have been processed, necessary action taken, and you have registered for classes.