Full-Time MBA | Financial Aid and Tuition
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 001314. Once 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.
Teaching Assistantships
Merage MBA students can seek Teaching Assistantships (TA) after their first quarter of study. Students apply in early Fall and must meet select university-wide requirements. A TA application and mandatory TA training must be completed prior to receiving any TA offer.
Native American Opportunity Plan
The University of California’s Native American Opportunity Plan ensures that in-state systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees for eligible graduate students are fully covered for California students who are also enrolled in federally recognized Native American, American Indian, and Alaska Native tribes.
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 appreciates the service of U.S. military and veterans.
Tuition and Resources
Supporting Your Career Success
Over 80% of students receive some type of scholarships.
The MBA Admissions Committee awards scholarships based on a holistic evaluation of your potential taking into consideration your overall application including academic achievement, quality of work experience, demonstrated leadership and extracurricular activities.
All completed applications are automatically considered for scholarship, no additional application is needed. If you are selected as a scholarship recipient you will be notified upon admission.
Click here to view the breakdown of 2024-2025 fee assessments.
JD/MBA and MD/MBA students pay MBA Business fees for the 4 quarters attended as an MBA student.
For detailed information about housing please refer to the on-campus housing site and the off-campus housing site.
NEW Full Ride Scholarships
New full ride scholarshipsfor outstanding full-time MBA candidates with great potential for future success. We encourage you to apply early to give yourself the best chance at securing this fantastic opportunity. These scholarships will be given to the most competitive applicants who meet our criteria.
Scholarship Criteria:
- Experience: We are seeking candidates with 3-8 years of valuable work experience. Whether you are an emerging leader or seasoned professional, we believe in supporting individuals at various stages of their career journey.
- Strong leadership skills: We are looking for individuals who exemplify their ability to lead and inspire others in the business world.
- Project management skills: We are interested in candidates who have showcased their project management abilities and have a track record of successfully executing complex initiatives.
- GMAT/GRE test score: To ensure academic excellence we require a GMAT/ GRE test score, but this is just one portion in considering you as a candidate holistically.
If you meet the criteria and are passionate about advancing your career and education, don’t miss out on this chance to secure your full ride scholarship.
Estimated Student Budget for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
The Financial Aid office estimates costs of attendance covering educational expenses at UCI as well as the costs of a modest but adequate standard of living. These costs are updated annually. Students have choices about where they live while attending UCI – at home with parents or relatives, on campus or off-campus. Each of these living arrangements has a different cost.
The amount one spends depends greatly upon her or his own personal situation and choices. To assist you in planning, the budgets below are the estimated expenses for 2023-2024.
|
9 mo. Budget (Fall- Spring) |
Living at Home |
On-Campus Apartments (Palo Verde) |
Off-Campus Apartments‡ |
|
Books/Supplies |
$2,009 |
$2,009 |
$2,009 |
|
Living Expenses |
|||
|
Room & Board |
$15,477 |
$16,591 |
$28,319 |
|
Personal |
$3,490 |
$3,490 |
$3,490 |
|
Transportation |
$3,664 |
$3,664 |
$3,664 |
‡ Vista del Campo, Vista Del Campo Norte, Camino del Sol, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Verde housing are considered off campus.
Federal Resources
UCI Resources
-
Statement of Legal Resident Form
This form must be completed by all incoming students. Failure to submit an SLR will result in a hold being placed on your tuition and registration. - Consumer Information
External Scholarship Resources
| 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. |
UCI’s official billing statement, the ZOT Bill, will be e-mailed 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 |
| 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.
