Admission and Application, continued
There are no prerequisite course requirements for admission to the executive M.P.A. online program. However, given the importance of mathematics in the curriculum, students must demonstrate proficiency in key algebraic and geometric principles prior to enrolling in PAI 897: Fundamentals of Policy Analysis.
For more information, contact Gina Didio, Academic Support Coordinator (Public Administration and International Affairs Department) at gtdidio@syr.edu or 315.443.5628.
The application fee is automatically waived for U.S. active-duty military personnel and veterans, McNair Scholars, current Syracuse University undergraduate and graduate students, and Syracuse University alumni.
Application fee waivers are available for Syracuse University employees and U.S. Federal public service employees by filling out the Maxwell School’s application fee waiver request form.
Additionally, individuals who submit their application by the early action deadline are also eligible for an application fee waiver (see preceding question).
If you are an international student whose first language is not English or whose bachelor’s degree was not earned from an institution in which English is the language of instruction, you must submit proof of competency in English.
Competency in English can be demonstrated by submitting official scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or Cambridge English Assessment.
While we do not require credential evaluations for all applicants, it may be requested in certain scenarios. All transcripts must be in English, however; transcripts issued in another language must be translated using an official translation service.
Applicants must have at least five years of full-time professional experience in managerial positions with progressively greater levels of responsibility.
Yes, you are eligible for the program regardless of your location.
Yes, you can apply!
The application fee is $75 and it is nonrefundable; you will pay the fee online after you formally submit the application.
Tuition and Billing, continued
Yes, for information on how the payment plan works, visit the Payment Plan page or contact the Bursar’s Office by phone at 315.443.2444 or via email at bursar@syr.edu.
Students whose employer offers a tuition benefit program may qualify to participate in the Employer Tuition Reimbursement Plan (ETP). To confirm if your program qualifies for employer tuition reimbursement and to submit the ETP application, please reach out to the Bursar’s office directly.
Details on the refund process are listed on the Refund page.
Payment methods include electronic funds transfer, credit and debit cards, cash, and checks.
If bills are not paid by the due date, students will have a bursar hold placed on their account, preventing them from registering for additional classes in the following term.
All charges must be paid in full on the billing due date established by the University for each bill. Failure to make payments by the due date could result in late payment fees or the cancellation of classes.
For instructions on how to view your billing statement and access the billing schedule, visit the Accounts and Billing page.
For information regarding billing, including payment options or billing schedule, please visit the Syracuse University Bursar’s website.
Financial Aid at Syracuse University and the Maxwell School
No, you do not have to accept the full amount offered. Students are encouraged to borrow only what is needed. You can choose to accept all, part or none of your financial aid award.
Yes. International students are eligible for the same scholarship consideration as U.S. students, unless otherwise noted. It is important that international students apply by the priority deadlines.
For additional information on alternative (private) loans please visit the Educational Loans page.
Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to continue receiving financial aid. Please visit the SAP Financial Aid Policies page.
The total cost of attendance (COA) for graduate students for the academic year includes tuition, books and supplies, fees, and living expenses. If you are eligible for additional loan funds based on your COA, you may use those funds to cover expenses such as books, supplies and other miscellaneous expenses.
Federal changes to graduate students loans went into effect on July 1, 2026, that limit the amount of federal loans a student can take out for a graduate program. As such, federal loans are unlikely to cover the entire cost of your program, and students may need to explore alternative (private) loans to make up the difference.
Please refer to Syracuse University's Private Loan Borrowing Guide to help make informed decisions about your loan options.
You can access your financial aid award on MySlice, which will also include further instructions for accepting and receiving your award.
Federal student loans typically disburse 3-5 business days before the start of classes.
Syracuse University reports the student enrollment information to the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) monthly during the traditional academic year, September – May. Loan Servicing organizations retrieve information about their borrowers from the NSC. If needed, you are able to request enrollment verification directly through Syracuse University’s self-service portal, MySlice. Instructions on completing the request are available on the Syracuse University Registrar’s website.
Private education loans, also known as alternative loans, are offered by private lenders to help students bridge the gap between the cost of education and the amount the government allows you to borrow in federal loans. Lenders offer private educational loans with different rates, fees, repayment terms and approval requirements.
Students must register at least half-time, which is technically 4.5 credit hours per semester, to receive federal aid. Students in the online E.M.P.A. program typically take a minimum of 6 credits per term to receive financial aid.
Awards are typically packaged within 10 business days of students completing all required information on their Financial Aid “To Do List” in MySlice.
If you have questions about financial aid or regarding any items on your “To Do List,” or are concerned about whether an item was fully completed and received by the Financial Aid Office, you may contact them by submitting the email form or call 315.443.1513.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, continued
There is a loan origination fee that is a percentage of the total loan amount. The loan origination fee is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement you receive. Information on federal unsubsidized loan origination fees can be found on the Interest Rates and Fees page of the Federal Student Aid website.
To apply for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Syracuse University Graduate Financial Aid Application (via your MySlice account).
Most graduate level students are potentially eligible to receive up to $20,500 per academic year from the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Learn more about graduate annual loan limits on the Federal Student Aid website.
The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan interest rate is determined on an annual basis. Learn more about interest rates on the Federal Student Aid website.
Veteran and Military, continued
If eligible, you can use your VA education benefits while still serving on Active duty, National Guard and Reserve components. To determine if you are eligible for benefits while still serving the military, you will need to apply for the benefits with the VA. If you have any questions on how to use both your tuition assistance and VA education benefits together, please contact the Office of Veteran Success at veterans@syr.edu or 315.443.0358.
Additionally, the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA) program may be available to Active duty, National Guard and Reserve components through the service member’s branch of service. The application process varies by branch. Before you register for a class at Syracuse University, you must see your installation education services officer and gain approval by your commanding officer.
The most up to date information on the MHA can be found through the GI Bill® Comparison Tool.
Syracuse University is a Yellow Ribbon partner with the VA which allows students to maximize their Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits.
Through this partnership, tuition and mandatory fees not covered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill® cap are split 50/50 between Syracuse University and the VA.
Syracuse University has no limit on how many students can use the Yellow Ribbon program. Each school and college at the University has a maximum Yellow Ribbon contribution limit per student; however, the Maxwell School has no cap and supports unlimited contributions for graduate students.
Please contact the Syracuse University Office of Veteran Success. You can reach them at veterans@syr.edu or 315.443.0358. The Office of Veteran Success is located in Suite 012 in the National Veterans Resource Center, 101 Waverly Ave., Syracuse, N.Y. 13244.