Funding information is provided at the time of admission or shortly thereafter. 

There are a variety of ways to help fund your graduate program. The UNC Graduate School offers a list of funding resources.

The UNC-CH MPA program scholarships and assistantships will likely not fully cover tuition. Students might consider government loans if they can’t cover the cost themselves. Students can apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Applicants planning to utilize federal loans for graduate school must complete the FAFSA during the application process, ensuring they enroll in the minimum number of graduate credits to stay eligible for government loans. 

The UNC-CH MPA program charges tuition based on a student’s primary residency, whether they plan to pursue the on-campus or online format. Please visit The North Carolina Residency Determination Service for more information on North Carolina residency eligibility. 

Total cost is determined by how many semesters it takes to complete the program and how many credits you take each semester.  The whole program requires 45 credits to graduate.  For the 2024–25 academic year, North Carolina residents‘ estimated tuition and fees are $682.27 per credit, with a semester maximum of $6,140.43. Non-residents‘ estimated tuition and fees are $1,718.77 per credit, with a semester maximum of $15,468.93.  

UNC-CH MPA applicants are automatically considered for funding opportunities when they apply for admission. Funding can take the form of scholarships, assistantships, or a combination of both. Funding amounts and types vary and are based on candidacy and other factors. For best consideration, applicants should complete their applications by the priority deadline.