Tuition and Financial Aid
Each program at Northwestern's School of Professional Studies differs in tuition costs. Find information below on financial obligations and tuition costs for the MPPA / Graduate Studies Preparation program for full-time international students.
This program is not currently accepting any applications from international students while pending U.S. federal agency program approval. Tentative launch date is late 2020. Submit your contact information below to receive additional information about the program and to be notified when the application for admission is open.
2018-19 Academic Year Tuition
Master of Arts in Public Policy & Administration with Graduate Preparation Program
- Estimated tuition fee for graduate degree and graduate preparation program: $49,000
Notes/Exceptions
- Tuition levels are reviewed on a yearly basis and can be adjusted based on market dynamics. On average, when an adjustment has been made, it has been an approximate increase of 3.0%
- Tuition fee does not include living and personal expenses, health insurance, student activity fee, transportation, books, instructional materials, technology or proctoring fees.
Program Fees
Outside of tuition, the estimated program fees/expenses include:
- Housing = $21,600 (avg. for 12 months, one bedroom in the Chicago area)
- Meals = $6,000 (avg. total for 12 months)
- Annual Health and Hospitalization Fee = $5,000 (12-month student rate. Spouse/dependents additional $5,000)
- Books = $2,000 (avg. for program)
- Technology Fee = up to $500 for program. Student may elect to take one online course per quarter. Online courses charge a technology fee of $125/course. Depending on the course, a proctored event with an approximate fee of $25 to $35 each may be required. Students are responsible for the costs of all proctored exams taken.
- Public Transportation UPass = $600 (approx. for 12 months)
- Student Activity Fee = $350 (total for program)
Total estimated program fees/expenses= $36,050
Financial Obligation
Students will be required to pay tuition costs and any costs associated with any books and materials.
Students in master's degree programs may qualify for federal or private loans. As at most universities, Northwestern University aid, assistantships, and stipends are reserved for PhD and MFA candidates.
Graduate students should direct questions to the Chicago Office of Financial Aid or by calling 312-503-8722.
Tuition for 2016–17 Academic Year
Master of Arts in Public Policy & Administration
- Tuition per course: $3,317
- Estimated cost for entire program: $43,121
Notes/Exceptions
- Tuition levels are reviewed on a yearly basis and can be adjusted based on market dynamics. On average, when an adjustment has been made, it has been approximately +/- 3.5%.
- Estimated cost for entire program does not include books, other instructional materials, technology fee or proctoring fees*.
Program Fees
Online courses in this program are assigned a technology fee of $120 per course.
*In addition, three online courses will require a proctored event with an approximate fee of $25-$35 each. Students are responsible for the costs of all proctored exams taken.
Financial Obligation
Students will be required to pay tuition costs and any costs associated with any books and materials.Financial Aid Eligibility
Students in master's degree programs may qualify for federal or private loans. Federal loan eligibility is usually limited to students taking at least two units of credit in the quarter for which they receive aid. As at most universities, Northwestern University aid, assistantships, and stipends are reserved for Ph.D. and MFA candidates.
Graduate students should direct questions to the Chicago Office of Financial Aid or by calling (312) 503-8722.