Value
There are many factors that make a high-quality Maxwell education affordable. Consider:
Time to completion. Our professional graduate programs are designed to be efficient to save both time and cost.
Accelerated midcareer options. Part- and full-time 30-credit executive master’s programs offer even more flexibility for the busy professional both online and on campus.
Cost of living and convenience. Syracuse, New York, is both affordable and close to major hubs, such as Albany, Boston, New York City, Toronto, and Washington, D.C. Our campus in Washington, D.C., provides even greater access to professional and academic resources.
Proven job placement. Our graduates consistently obtain positions in their desired fields within six months of graduation. The Palmer Career Center provides more employment data for recent graduates as well as expert career guidance for all Maxwell students and graduates.
Tuition
Syracuse University graduate tuition is charged by the credit hour. The actual costs to complete each program will depend on the number of credits required, time to completion and annual tuition increases. Visit Syracuse University's Graduate Student Cost of Attendance page for the most up-to-date information.
Financial Aid
Syracuse University offers financial aid in two distinct ways: merit-based aid and need-based aid.
Merit-Based Aid
At the graduate level, merit-based aid is offered directly from the Public Administration and International Affairs Department. Students interested in merit-based aid should indicate this on the application for admission and apply by the priority deadline.
Professional Master’s Programs
Department awards are categorized in three ways:
Scholarships: Awarded based on academic merit. Awards continue to be made until all resources have been committed or we have reached our enrollment capacity.
Graduate Assistantships: A graduate assistantship offers funding applied directly to tuition as well as a modest living stipend in exchange for work on campus. Students are placed in available positions upon enrollment.
Fellowships and matching programs: Maxwell has partnerships with many external organizations that will support students through financial aid. Some of these fellowships require additional application materials or requirements. See your program of interest for more information.
International students receive the same consideration for merit-based financial aid as domestic U.S. students.
Admission Timeline
For the M.P.A. and M.A. in international relations programs, the general timeline for the financial award process is as follows:
February 1: Priority application deadline
February and March: Admitted students are reviewed for financial aid awards
Mid- to late- March: Admitted students begin to be notified by email about the status of financial aid awards
April 15: Deadline for admitted students to accept or withdraw their offer of admission and financial aid awards
Ph.D. in Public Administration
All Ph.D. students receive department funding at the time of admission and are required to serve as graduate assistants with both research and teaching duties.
Executive Master’s Programs
Midcareer professionals interested in executive master’s degree programs can offset their tuition costs through employer contributions in addition to scholarships, loans and grants. Applications are reviewed year round, though students interested in being considered for funding are strongly encouraged to apply before the priority deadline.
Need-Based Aid
Need-based aid includes federal student loans, grants and more. Syracuse University’s Office of Financial Aid offers guidance on how to apply for loans and other types of aid. All U.S. citizens and permanent residents should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form.
Other Costs
In addition to the direct cost of attendance, graduate students should anticipate indirect costs throughout the duration of their programs. These costs include books and supplies, housing, transportation, and others; they are not billed by Syracuse University.
Please see the Syracuse University Graduate Student Cost of Attendance page for other expenses such as mandatory health insurance and student fees.
Many affordable options for off-campus housing are available in the city of Syracuse. For students completing their professional internship, costs of living will vary greatly during the affected summer and fall terms, depending on which U.S.-based or global program the student selects. Students may apply for competitive awards to assist with financing abroad internships.
