Executive MBA | Financial Aid and Tuition

Financial Aid and Tuition We reward accomplishments. 60% of EMBA students receive scholarships. Find out if you qualify. Schedule a Consultation

Federal and Private Loans

U.S. citizens and permanent residents may apply for federal need-based financial aid in the form of student loans to cover all educational expenses including tuition, fees, room, board, books, travel and miscellaneous expenses up to the cost of attendance. In order to be considered for federal financial aid as a graduate student, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and request that your information be sent to the University of California, Irvine, school code 001314Once you have received your Financial Aid Award Notification, you need to go to the UCI financial aid website and select 'SIGN IN' in the top right-hand corner to complete the process.

There are a number of lenders who provide private loans. UCI has developed a system-wide private loan lender list that is based solely on factors related to the borrower’s best interest. To begin your search, enter "University of California, Irvine" in the School field and select "Graduate Business" from the drop down menu. 

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International Students

There are several private loan options available for our international graduate students. International students interested in applying for a private loan may view the UCI private loan lender list that is based solely on factors related to the borrower’s best interest. To begin your search, enter "University of California, Irvine" in the School field and select "International" from the drop down menu.  

Military and Veterans

The Paul Merage School of Business values the service of our men and women in uniform and the experiences they bring to our programs. We warmly welcome military applicants. Our personalized, experientially-based learning offers broad exposure to all key areas of business to build your strategic business acumen and prepare you for leadership roles in the public and private sectors.

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Scholarships and Tuition

The total tuition for the EMBA program beginning Fall 2024 is $165,935. Tuition is $23,705 for each of the seven quarters. Tuition does not increase in your second year of study. Scholarships are only offered during the admissions process when merit can be measured by the admissions staff. Fees include registration, textbooks, course materials and software, parking, lodging during all residentials, meals during class weekends and membership to the UCI Athletic Center. Fees are paid on a quarterly basis, prior to the start of each quarter.

Click here to view the breakdown of 2024-2025 fee assessments.

Figures for tuition and fees represent currently approved or proposed amounts and may not be final. Actual tuition and fees are subject to change by the University of California as determined to be necessary or appropriate. Final approved tuition and fee levels may differ from the amounts presented.

See a full list of Merage School Scholarships here.

 

Competitive Scholarships

The Merage School is well-known for its focus on developing leaders for a digitally driven world as well as its renowned strength for developing an inclusive, community-oriented culture. The following two scholarship categories are designed for students to highlight their contributions in one of these areas.

Leadership for a Digitally Driven World Scholarship

Leading in a digitally driven world takes agility. The ever-changing business environment will require leaders who are prepared to face the challenges brought on by disruption. From remote work environments to AI implementation, businesses have either thrived in or struggled through digital challenges. How do you anticipate utilizing your MBA to impact your industry through digital transformation and the evolving workforce? Give us a glimpse into the future of your industry and what type of leader will be successful in the digitally-driven world of 2030.

Inclusive Excellence Scholarship

As an institution of higher learning and a cornerstone of the Orange County business community, the Merage School believes that a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion uplifts us all. Share a specific management or societal challenge that you feel needs to be prioritized in your industry of choice and how you would mobilize your team/senior leadership to create an inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. Alternatively, you may use an example from your personal or academic life on how an inclusive culture has made a positive impact on you.

 

Additional Scholarships

All candidates are considered for scholarships based on the qualitative and quantitative components of your application. In addition, candidates that hold progressive experience or accomplishments within certain industries (Real Estate, etc.) may be considered for specialized scholarships offered through our Centers of Excellence.

The Executive MBA admissions team has also gathered a number of public, private and agency scholarships for your convenience. We have no connection to or commitment from any of these agencies, but depending on your personal situation and interest, these may be useful to you in financing your MBA. Check with your admissions advisor to request this list.

Q.

Must I be accepted for admission before I apply for financial aid?

A.

No. You may apply for financial aid as early as December 2024 for the next school year.

Q.

Is my enrollment deposit applied toward my fees?

A.

Yes, your enrollment deposit will appear as a credit toward your first quarter registration fees.

Q.

How do I pay my registration fees?

A.

UC Irvine’s official billing statement, the ZOT Bill, will be emailed to you prior to the beginning of each quarter. Your ZOT bill will indicate the quarterly tuition, the due date and any financial aid credit(s) which may be applied to your account. Tuition will be paid automatically for students who receive financial aid that covers the full cost of tuition and are enrolled in a minimum of 6 units.

The university also offers a variety of payment options, from easy and secure online payments
to a plan that allows you to pay in installments

Q.

Do I have to apply for financial aid each year?

A.

Yes. You must submit a new FAFSA and/or private loan application each new academic year.

Q.

How will I know if my financial aid application file is complete?

A. Please go to UCI financial aid website and select 'SIGN IN' in the top right-hand corner to complete the process
Q.

When will I receive my financial aid award?

A.

If you have been awarded a scholarship, you will be notified in your Letter of Admission. We begin emailing all other financial aid award notifications in June. When you receive your financial aid award email depends on your admission date and when you completed your financial aid file.

Q.

What if I borrow more than my tuition? 

A.

You may use funds in excess of your tuition to pay for indirect educational costs such as living expenses, books, supplies, etc. After your aid has been applied toward your tuition fees, any remaining financial aid will be disbursed to you on the first day of the quarter. Federal regulations do not allow UCI to disburse the funds prior to the beginning of each quarter. You can request the funds be electronically deposited by providing your bank account information at Electronic Refunds (DEFT) on your ZOT account.

To connect with the Merage School Financial Aid office, please contact: meragefinaid@uci.edu. The Merage School Financial Aid office supports students entering and within the business school.

State of California Disclosure: Federal student loans are available to most students regardless of income and provide a range of repayment options including income-based repayment plans and loan forgiveness benefits, which other education loans are not required to provide.

Students considering student loans need to be aware of the differences between federal student loans and private student loans:

  • Federal student loans are required by law to provide a range of flexible repayment options including, but not limited to, income-based and income-contingent repayment plans, as well as loan forgiveness benefits that private lenders are not required to provide.
  • Federal direct loans are available to most students regardless of income. Other qualification criteria do apply. For more information, visit https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility.
  • Private student loan lenders can offer variable interest rates that can increase or decrease over time depending on market conditions.
  • The interest rate on a private loan may depend on the borrower's and/or co-signer's credit rating.
  • Private student loans have a range of interest rates and fees and students should determine the interest rate of, and any fees associated with, the private student loan included in their financial aid award package before accepting the loan. Students should contact the lender of the private student loan or their financial aid office if they have any questions about a private student loan.