For MPA@UNC students enrolled in the program in the 2022–2023 academic year, tuition will be $1,209 per credit hour.

Students who start the online MPA program in the 2022–2023 academic year can expect to pay at least $54,405 for the entire program. Students can also expect two $200 administrative fees for the two 1.5-credit courses.

Tuition excludes fees, books, and other required course materials. Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis, and charges can vary from term to term depending on a student’s course enrollment.

Admitted applicants are required to submit a nonrefundable $250 enrollment deposit to reserve a space in the class to which they are admitted. If the admitted applicant enrolls in the program, the nonrefundable enrollment deposit is credited to the first term’s tuition.

Click here to view an example breakdown of the cost of attendance.

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Funding options available to MPA@UNC students include loans, scholarships, and education benefits for military veterans.

Scholarships are available for applications that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to public service and other academic and professional successes. Eligible applicants to MPA@UNC are automatically considered as part of the application process; however, only a limited number of these partial-tuition scholarships are awarded to admitted students. Approximately 85% of students are awarded some level of assistance through the MPA@UNC scholarship, or partner organization scholarships. Find more information on MPA@UNC scholarships.

If you choose to apply for financial aid, please select the non-resident option. All students in the online program—even those who reside in North Carolina—are considered non-residents because the online program charges one tuition rate regardless of residency status.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans provide up to $20,500 per academic year to eligible U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans cover costs exceeding Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan limits, up to the cost-of-attendance budget determined by the school. This is a credit-based loan for eligible U.S. citizens or permanent residents who do not have an adverse credit history.

Private Education Loans may be available to students who meet their chosen lending institution’s credit-based eligibility requirements. (NOTE: MPA@UNC does not maintain a preferred lenders list.)

Military Education Benefits may be applied to MPA@UNC as an approved educational program for active duty personnel and veterans. Find more information about these benefits.

For more detailed information or for further questions, please visit the Office of Scholarships & Student Aid website or contact them directly by email at aidinfo@unc.edu or by phone at 919-962-8396.

Additionally, you can learn more about your financial aid options by watching this brief video:

Learn more about our financial aid FAQs.