Need-Based Aid
Administered by Syracuse University’s Office of Financial Aid. Please visit their website for guidance on loan assistance and external funding opportunities.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
External Funding Opportunities
Merit-Based Awards
Priority Application Deadline: January 15
Students who apply by the deadline and indicate an interest in scholarship support will receive priority consideration for funding. Applications submitted after the priority deadline will be considered on a resource-available basis.
Most students admitted to the Maxwell M.P.A. program are eligible for partial tuition scholarships, which can cover a significant portion of tuition costs. These percentage-based scholarships are awarded based on the strength of the application, provided the applicant has indicated “yes” to the scholarship consideration question. No additional materials are required for general merit scholarship consideration.
If you are a member of a partner program (see list below), be sure to clearly indicate your participation in your application and resume. While some named fellowships and scholarships (listed below) require a separate essay, most student aid is awarded based solely on the application and supplemental materials.
Award offers will be communicated at the time of admission, except for the competitive, named fellowships and scholarships that require a separate essay and review process.
Named Fellowships and Scholarships
Additional application materials may be required. Please see below for instructions.
John Ben Snow and Vernon Snow Fellowships in Nonprofit Management
The Snow Foundation provides a stipend of $20,000 to two (2) selected fellows, disbursed in equal monthly installments over the duration of the M.P.A. program. Syracuse University additionally awards the selected fellows with a 40-credit hour, full tuition scholarship. Additionally, Snow Fellows serve up to 16 hours per week at the CNY Community Foundation during the academic year.
How to Apply
- Indicate your interest through the M.P.A. program application when prompted.
- As part of the application process, submit a 250- to 500-word statement summarizing your background and interests in nonprofit management and stating your commitment to enter this field upon graduation.
- Finalists for this award may be asked to participate in an interview with the CNY Community Foundation.
Eligibility Requirements
- Recipients will have exceptional academic preparation
- Must begin the M.P.A. program in the summer semester
John L. and Stephanie G. Palmer Fellowships in Social Policy
Through a generous gift from former Dean John Palmer and his wife Stephanie, the Maxwell School will award one Palmer Fellowship per year who will receive a $15,000 cash award split equally across the summer, fall, and spring semesters.
How to Apply
- Indicate your interest through the M.P.A. program application when prompted.
- As part of the application process, submit a 250- to 500-word statement describing your demonstrated interest in federal social welfare policy and/or fiscal and budgetary policy.
Eligibility Requirements
- Recipients will have strong academic preparation
- Must begin the M.P.A. program in the summer semester
Dean David M. Van Slyke Endowed Scholarship
Thanks to a generous gift from Howard and Louise Phanstiel, the Maxwell School will name three to four Van Slyke Scholars each year. This prestigious award includes a $15,000 cash grant, distributed equally across the summer, fall and spring semesters.
Van Slyke Scholars are motivated students ready to build the knowledge, skills and confidence to make a real impact in public service.
How to Apply
- Indicate your interest through the M.P.A. program application when prompted.
- As part of the application process, submit a 250- to 500-word statement describing your demonstrated commitment to public service—particularly within government, non-governmental organizations and/or charitable organizations.
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 (or equivalent) is required
- Must begin the M.P.A. program in the summer semester
Partner Program Scholarships
Additional application materials may be required. Please follow the links for complete instructions.
Harry S. Truman Scholarship Program
Eligibility: M.P.A., M.A. in international relations, M.P.A./M.A. in international relations dual degree, and M.A. in public diplomacy and global communications applicants who were selected as Truman Scholars
Award: minimum 50% tuition scholarship to admitted students
Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship Program
Eligibility: M.P.A., M.A. in international relations, M.P.A./M.A. in international relations dual degree, and M.A. in public diplomacy and global communications applicants who have successfully completed a PPIA Junior Summer Institute program
Award: minimum 50% tuition scholarship to admitted students
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV)
Eligibility: M.P.A., M.A. in international relations, M.P.A./M.A. in international relations dual degree, and M.A. in public diplomacy and global communications applicants who are returned Peace Corps volunteers
Award: minimum 50% tuition scholarship to admitted students
U.S. Fulbright Scholars
Eligibility: M.P.A., M.A. in international relations, M.P.A./M.A. in international relations dual degree, and M.A. in public diplomacy and global communications applicants who are current/former U.S. Fulbright Scholar grant recipients
Award: minimum 50% tuition scholarship to admitted students
Charles B. Rangel and Thomas R. Pickering International Affairs Programs
Eligibility:
- Rangel and Pickering Fellows must enroll in the 2-year M.P.A./M.A. in international relations dual degree program
- Finalists can choose the M.P.A., M.A. in international relations, M.P.A./M.A. in international relations dual degree, or M.A. in public diplomacy and global communications
Award: minimum 60% tuition scholarship to admitted students
Teach For America / Teach for All Partnerships (TFA/TFAll)
Eligibility: M.P.A., M.A. in international relations, M.P.A./M.A. in international relations dual degree, and M.A. in public diplomacy and global communications applicants who are Teach for America / Teach For All program alumni or accepted program participants
Award: minimum 30% tuition scholarship to admitted students; two-year deferral for any admitted TFA/TFAll program participant so that they can complete the program before attending Maxwell
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF)
Eligibility: Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.), M.A. in international relations, M.P.A./M.A. in international relations dual degree, and M.A. in public diplomacy and global communications students who have completed internships/fellowships via CBCF
Award: minimum 30% tuition scholarship to admitted students
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI)
Eligibility: Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.), M.A. in international relations, M.P.A./M.A. in international relations dual degree, and M.A. in public diplomacy and global communications students who have completed internships/fellowships via CHCI
Award: minimum 30% tuition scholarship to admitted students
Japan Exchange Teaching Programme Alumni Association (JETTA)
Eligibility: M.P.A., M.A. in international relations, M.P.A./M.A. in international relations dual degree, and M.A. in public diplomacy and global communications applicants who are JETTA alumni
Award: minimum 30% tuition scholarship to admitted students
U.S. Military and Veteran Education Benefits
Syracuse University’s longstanding commitment to veteran and military-connected students is fully supported by the Maxwell School. Please visit Syracuse University's Veteran and Military Affairs website for information on utilizing your GI Bill benefits, the Yellow Ribbon program, ROTC, and more. Veterans and active military with less than full education benefits are eligible for tuition scholarships from the Maxwell School.