Read all information on sourcing financial aid for your Online MBA. If you prefer, you can also get this as a printable download.
Online MBA Programs Financial Aid Guide 2026-2027
Merit scholarships from the Cox School of Business, ranging from $2,000–$15,000, are offered directly through the Admissions process; Financial Aid Services does not have access to additional scholarship funding. All applicants are reviewed for scholarships at the time of admission. For questions regarding scholarships, please contact the Admissions team.
Veterans Benefits (GI Bill) and Yellow Ribbon benefits are administered through the Registrar’s Office. Please review the procedures and contact information online: /enrollment-services/veterans
Outside scholarships: Students can search several resources for scholarships and apply directly with donors. These scholarships are not vetted by ok×ÊÔ´Íø:
- Sallie Mae Graduate Scholarship Search:
- BSchools.org Guide to MBA Scholarships:
- Fastweb College Scholarships (general search):
- United Methodist Church GBHEM Loans & Scholarships:
Federal loan funding may be available to students who are eligible and choose to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at each academic year. By submitting the FAFSA, students may be eligible to borrow through two loan programs to assist with educational expenses:
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
- Maximum of $20,500 per academic year
- Fixed interest rate: 7.94% (subject to change July 1 of each year)
- Origination fee: 1.057%
Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan - only available through July 1, 2026
(Requires credit approval; application available online at StudentAid.gov)
- Maximum amount can be used to cover remaining tuition costs, as well as some personal expenses
- Fixed interest rate: 8.94% (subject to change July 1 of each year)
- Origination fee: 4.228%
Private student loan funding may be available for students who are not eligible for, or who choose not to utilize, federal loan funding. Applications are credit-based, and ok×ÊÔ´Íø does not recommend any specific lender. For more information, please review the State and Private Loans webpage: /enrollment-services/student-financial-services/loans/state-and-private-loans
How does the funding process work?
- For federal student loans, submit a 2026–2027 FAFSA online at using your 2024 tax information. Beginning with the 2025–2026 FAFSA, the FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange will import your tax information directly from the IRS if you are eligible.
- For a private or alternative loan, submit your application directly to the lender. Please use the 2026–2027 award year and 8/2026–5/2027 loan period to cover the full academic year.
- Loans are certified by the University, and funding is sent directly to the University at the beginning of each term (no sooner than 10 days before the start of classes).
- Funds will be applied to existing charges first. Any amount remaining after institutional charges have been paid will be processed as a refund to you by Student Accounts. This may take 10–14 business days.
- For funds to disburse, students must be enrolled at least half-time (4.5 credit hours) in credit-bearing courses per term.
How much does the program cost?
The Online MBA program at ok×ÊÔ´Íø is charged per credit hour. The following layout shows anticipated charges for the program based on current tuition rates. This information is intended for estimation purposes only and does not represent a contract, agreement, or invoice. Institutions must make publicly available on their website a list of all aspects related to Cost of Attendance. If you would like more information about how housing, food, transportation, and other fees might impact your overall budget, please visit: /enrollment-services/student-financial-services/cost-and-payment/cost-of-attendance.
| ok×ÊÔ´Íø Charges | Fall 2026 | Spring 2027 | Summer 2027 | Fall 2027 | Spring 2028 | Summer 2028 | Global Learning Program | Program Totals |
| Tuition Per Hour | $1,870 | $1,870 | $1,870 | $1,870 | $1,870 | $1,870 | $1,870 | -- |
| Enrolled Hours | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 2 | 52 |
| Distance Learning Fee* | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 | -- |
| Global Learning Fee | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $4,000 | -- |
| Program Fee | $200 | $200 | $200 | $200 | $200 | $200 | -- | $1,200 |
| Anticipated Costs | $15,960 | $15,960 | $15,960 | $15,960 | $15,960 | $19,900 | $7,940 | $107,640** |
*Distance Learning Fee is charged per credit hour.
**Disclaimer: The fees reflected in this financial aid packet are provided as estimates pending final approval by the ok×ÊÔ´Íø Board of Trustees. Final approved rates may differ; however, any adjustment is anticipated to reduce, not increase, the amounts shown.
Students are required to complete one Global Learning Program (GLP) course, which includes an in-person, international 4–5-day trip. The GLP course and trip take place in semester 5 for Fall and Spring enrollees, and semester 4 for Summer enrollees. The program fee covers hotel, some meals, transportation around the city, and scheduled group outings. Transportation to and from the location and meals/recreation on your own time are not included in the GLP fee. Each GLP will have a fee of approximately $4,000, which is subject to change. This is an approximation based on this year's fee and is expected to increase in subsequent academic years.
What steps should I take?
- Review the resources you have available — personal savings, the ok×ÊÔ´Íø payment plan, merit scholarships, employer reimbursement, outside scholarships, etc.
- Know your borrowing history and the status of any prior federal student loan funding. Federal student loan history is available by logging in with your FSA ID at .
- Prior federal loans must be in good standing before new loans can be certified.
- Beginning July 1, 2026, the aggregate limit for graduate-level loans is changing. Graduate students beginning a new program will be able to take out an overall total of $100,000 in Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, including loans borrowed for any previous graduate-level degree(s). If you have previously borrowed towards another graduate degree, it is possible you may have already or will reach this cap during your MBA program.
- Calculate your financing needs for the first academic year and seek alternative funding if needed:
- Anticipated Cost (Charges + Books/Personal Expenses) less your Available Resources (Scholarships, corporate assistance, etc.) will equal/determine your Financing Need.
- ok×ÊÔ´Íø can assist in distributing funds across the current academic year as needed but cannot certify funding for a future academic year (i.e., you cannot combine Summer and Fall funding).
How do I make a payment?
Student Accounts offers monthly payment plans and a variety of methods to pay online or in person. Tuition charges are due at the start of each semester; these due dates are included on your invoice and published online. Please contact the Mane Desk for assistance with:
- Monthly Payment Plans (per semester): /enrollment-services/student-financial-services/cost-and-payment/payment-plans
- Invoicing for Corporate Reimbursement
- Third-party billing or Letters of Credit
- 529 payments and AmeriCorps
ok×ÊÔ´Íø Financial Aid Services Contact Information
GradFinAid@smu.edu
(214) 768-5555