Financial Aid & Tuition
ABOUT EMBA
Introduction to Financial Aid & Tuition
The Executive MBA program offers strategic career acceleration and AI-driven leadership expertise for professionals in key positions within their organizations. A work-friendly schedule allows students to reach their goals without sacrificing commitments to their careers and families. Along with learning essential skills for business leadership in the digital era, students gain access to unparalleled networking opportunities.
Please contact meragefinaid@uci.edu if you have any questions.
FINANCIAL AID & TUITION
Funding Support
There are loan options that can help with your tuition, providing financial flexibility to cover educational costs. These loans are designed to make your academic journey more accessible, allowing you to focus on your studies without the immediate financial burden.
Federal & Private Loans
Students have access to both federal and private loans to finance their education. Our advisors are available to guide you through the application process and help you explore the loan options that best fit your needs.
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 001314. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Merage Financial Aid Office at meragefinaid@uci.edu.
International Students
International students are encouraged to explore private loan options or external scholarships. While federal loans may not be available, we are committed to helping you identify resources that can support your education.
Military & Veterans
Veterans and active military members are eligible for financial assistance through the UCI Veterans Services and other scholarship opportunities. Contact our office to learn more about the benefits available to you.
TUITION & FEES
What Does It Cost?
At UC Irvine we are committed to providing you with the financial resources to ensure your degree fits your long-term financial planning. Financial aid is available to qualified students. Contact us for help exploring your payment options.
Program Tuition
Grad PLUS Benefits
Lock In Current Grad PLUS Benefits Before They’re Gone
Major federal loan changes take effect July 1, 2026—including the elimination of Grad PLUS Loans for new graduate borrowers, and lifetime borrowing limits. Start your program in Spring 2026 (which is the current academic year), file a FAFSA and borrow a Grad PLUS loan, and you’ll be legacied into today’s Grad PLUS borrowing terms—allowing you to borrow up to your cost of attendance.
Contact Melanie Coburn, Senior Director of Admissions – mcoburn@uci.edu with any questions and to discuss additional financial aid options, including scholarships.
ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS
Scholarship Opportunities
Alleviate financial pressure to make your education more attainable and affordable.
The Merage School offers a range of scholarships to help students achieve their academic goals. These awards recognize academic excellence and financial need, providing valuable support to make your education more affordable. Explore the available opportunities and find the right fit for you.
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.
Explore External Scholarship Opportunities
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.
APPLY ON TIME
What It Takes
To help you plan, we provide projected expenses below to help you budget effectively for the entire duration of your program.
| Nine-Month Budget (Fall, Winter, Spring) | Living at Home | On-Campus Apartments (Palo Verde) | Off-Campus Apartments | column 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Books/supplies | $2,009 | $2,009 | $2,009 | No data |
| Room & Board | $12,831 | $17,222 | $29,479 | No data |
| Personal | $3,489 | $3,489 | $3,489 | No data |
| Transportation | $3,663 | $3,663 | $3,663 | No data |
USEFUL LINKS
Additional Resources
Explore additional resources such as financial aid counseling, budgeting tools, and guides on how to maximize your financial aid package.
CONNECT WITH US
Have a Question?
Need more details on financial aid or tuition? Our advisors are here to help you navigate your options. Contact us today and take the next step toward your MBA.
Want to hear more about scholarships, programs, and updates?
Connect With Us