Online MPA tuition and financial aid | Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy

Online MPA tuition and financial aid

Your education is more than a degree—it’s a pathway to leadership and meaningful change. At the Ford School, we’re committed to providing accessible and transparent information on tuition, fees, and funding to help you make informed choices and invest confidently in your future.

Program tuition

The Online MPA program is designed for part-time enrollment, allowing students to remain eligible for financial aid. Enrolling in six credit hours per term is recommended to complete the program within the 2.5-year timeline.

Category

Michigan resident

Non-Michigan resident

Total estimated tuition*

$46,000

$56,000

First credit hour

$1,685

$2,010

Each additional credit hour

$1,500

$1,825

*Tuition rates and mandatory fees are approved annually by the Board of Regents and may increase during your enrollment. These estimates reflect modest projected increases and are subject to change. For the most up-to-date and complete information, visit the Office of the Registrar.

Additional program costs

Travel and residency expenses: Our two required residential experiences are an important part of the curriculum. Students are responsible for travel to and from Ann Arbor, as well as accommodations for 2–3 nights per visit. To learn more, visit our In-Person residencies page.

Technology: Students need a reliable computer, a working web camera, and preferably a headset with a microphone to ensure high-quality, effective participation in weekly synchronous class meetings and video conferencing. High-speed internet access is required; a wired connection is strongly recommended for the best experience. Some courses may also require specific software.

Books and materials: Course texts and materials are not included in tuition and should be budgeted for each term. As a University of Michigan student, you will have free access to resources such as Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace for Education. Learn more.

Funding resources

We understand that financing your education is a significant consideration. At the Ford School, a variety of funding options are available to help you make your educational goals a reality. Whether you’re seeking scholarships, applying for financial aid, utilizing military benefits, securing employer sponsorship, or exploring tuition support as a U-M employee, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way. Explore the resources below to find the best options for your circumstances.
  • All applicants to the Online MPA program who live or work in the Metro Detroit area are automatically considered for the Nancy and Arn Tellem Fellowship. The fellowship provides a $10,000 award applied toward tuition during your first two semesters. No separate application is required; eligibility is determined during the admissions process.

    Applicants to the Online MPA program who live or work in the Metro Detroit area may be eligible for support through a partnership with the Skillman Foundation. This initiative provides tuition fellowships for Detroit-area leaders pursuing the Online MPA. Eligibility is determined during the admissions process; no separate application is required

    The University of Michigan Office of Financial Aid administers all loans, grants, work-study, and special awards, and provides resources to help you understand and apply for financial aid. All applications are handled directly through their office, not the Ford School.

    You may contact the office by phone at 734-763-6600 or by email at [email protected].

    Have questions about how to pay your tuition bill or want to learn more about the U-M Tuition Payment Plan? Start here.

    The University of Michigan is committed to supporting veterans and military-affiliated students every step of the way, offering a range of resources to help veterans, dependents of military veterans, and active duty military members achieve their educational and career goals.

    GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon, and Military-Friendly Benefits

    Veterans, active duty service members, and eligible dependents can use GI Bill benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, at U-M. The university also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program to help cover additional tuition and fees. For assistance, contact the Office of Financial Aid or click here

    U-M Veterans Benefits Office

    The U-M Veterans and Military Services Program provides dedicated support for benefit processing, campus navigation, and transition challenges unique to military-connected students. Their experienced staff can guide you through eligibility, application, and maximization of military education benefits. Learn more and connect.

    Many graduate students use employer tuition reimbursement programs to help finance their education. The Ford School can provide an official letter of enrollment verifying your academic progress, which is often required by employers. 

    Graduates employed full-time by government agencies or eligible nonprofit organizations may qualify for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), which forgives remaining federal student loan debt after meeting program criteria. 

    Eligible U-M staff and faculty can receive tuition support for professional development or degree programs, helping to offset the cost of undergraduate, graduate, and some professional courses. Click here to learn more.

Four individuals are seated around a table, each working on a laptop. There are books and a digital tablet also visible on the table. This appears to be a collaborative work setting.

The Skillman Foundation commits $400,000 to support Ford School’s Online MPA program for Detroiters

The Ford School's new Online Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program is opening more doors for Detroit-area professionals, made possible by a generous $400,000 commitment from The Skillman Foundation. This funding ensures that Detroiters and those with ties to Metro Detroit will have access to expanded financial support as they pursue their public policy education.
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