Financing Your Merage MBA

Pursuing your MBA is an important investment in your future – that is why the Merage School has dedicated professionals working on your behalf in our MBA Financial Aid office. When you meet with our staff, they will share information with you regarding loan programs, grants and merit-based fellowships. There are also teaching assistantships available to help fund your education.

Once you are admitted, the MBA Financial Aid office can help you make a financial plan that will meet your needs now and in the future. As you reference your tuition costs, please keep in mind that costs can vary widely, depending on your choice of living arrangements.

Fellowships and Grants

All international and U.S. applicants are automatically considered for merit-based fellowships and are informed of any award upon admission.  Criteria for fellowships include academic record (GPA), GMAT, work experience and leadership.

U.S. students enrolled in the Full-Time MBA Program are eligible to apply for grant funding.  Grants are awarded solely on the basis of financial need and do not have to be repaid.  Because funding is limited, you must complete your FAFSA by March 2, 2009, and submit any additional documentation, e.g. 1040, by May 1, 2009.  The grant award for the 2008-09 academic year was over $3,000.

2009-2010 MBA Program Expenses (Estimates)†

Mandatory Student Fees

California Residents   $29,528.50
Non-California Residents  $40,584.50

Other Educational Expenses

Books and Supplies   $3,006
Laptop Computer*   $1,800

Living Expenses**

Room and Board   $11,886
Transportation    $2,437
Personal    $2,321

†Fees are subject to change without notice. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may establish California residency after 12 months.

*Laptop: Every student is required to have a laptop. Standard models are specified by the school. Admitted applicants will be notified of hardware and software requirements, usually by June. MBA students are provided a tuition waiver of $500 if they purchase the recommended laptop.

**Living Expenses: These estimates are for students living on campus in shared housing and are the official student budget amounts used to calculate financial aid eligibility for U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. Additional costs may include support of dependents and personal automobile expenses.

Tuition Fee Deadlines

Fall Quarter - September 15, 2009
Winter Quarter - December 15, 2009
Spring Quarter - March 15, 2010

Building your MBA Financial Plan

For more information on building your Merage MBA financial plan, contact the MBA Financial Aid office at the Merage School at financialaid@merage.uci.edu.  For complete information on financial aid please visit the Financial Aid Website.