Financing an MS in Finance or Real Estate

The MS Program

The following estimated graduate student budget is designed to give you a projection of your tuition and living expenses, based on two semesters (fall and spring). The living expenses budget is prepared by the CU Boulder Office of Financial Aid for use by all graduate students.

These are estimates only. Figures are based on the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 tuition rate sheets for the Graduate Professional business program.

 Tuition and Required Student Fees 
Colorado Resident Tuition *$33,2272 semesters, 30 credits
Fees$1,612 
Total$34,839 
   
Non-Resident Tuition *$47,4022 semesters, 30 credits
*Fees$1,612 
Total$49,014 
   
International student Tuition **$47,4022 semesters, 30 credits
Fees **$1,797 
Total$49,199 

* Colorado Resident and Non-Resident tuition includes a one-time entrance fee of $62.
** International student tuition includes a one-time entrance fee of $185 for an Immigration Compliance Fee and a one-time entrance fee

These estimates are based on the tuition for 2023-2024 graduate professional business program rates and are subject to change based on new tuition rates for the 2024-2025 academic year. All prices are shown in U.S. Dollars (USD).

Estimated 12-month Living Expenses  
Room & Board (assumed off-campus)$18,494Rent, utilities, food
Books & Supplies1,200 
Transportation (CO residents)1,376 
Transportation (US resident, outside of Colorado)2,078 
Medical3,150 
Personal1,746Miscellaneous
   
TotalColorado resident - $25,966
US Non-resident - $26,668
 

 

Colorado Residency

Tuition classification determines student residency for tuition purposes. Your initial tuition classification is determined from information you supply on your application for admission to the MBA Program. US citizens and Permanent Residents who are not initially Colorado residents can establish residency during the first year of the program. In doing so, you would qualify in-state tuition during the second year of the program. That is an advantage not offered by many public institutions, and will significantly increase the return on the investment for non-Colorado residents. Click here to learn more about Tuition Classification. If you have additional questions, you can email tuitclass@colorado.edu or call 303-492-6970.

Colorado Residency

Tuition classification determines student residency for tuition purposes. Your initial tuition classification is determined from information you supply on your application for admission to the MS Program. Tuition Classification

Scholarships

The Leeds School of Business offers merit scholarship awards to selected admitted master’s program candidates.  Applicants who apply by the April 1 priority deadline will automatically be considered for Leeds School of Business scholarship awards.

Financial Aid

MS students who are US citizens or eligible non-citizens may apply for financial aid in the form of graduate student loans. To apply, you must submit the online for the appropriate academic year as soon as possible.

Financial Need-Based Eligibility and the Appeal Process
(US Citizens and Eligible Non-US Citizens Only)

Information from the FAFSA is used to determine how much money you should be able to contribute toward your education - your Expected Family Contribution or EFC. The financial aid office determines your total cost of attendance including tuition and fees and estimates for living expenses (reflected on page 1).

Your financial need is based on the following formula:     

         Total Cost of Attendance
       - Expected Family Contribution
       = Financial Need

The estimate of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is based on your previous year’s income. If you had a full time job and you no longer work, the expected contribution may not reflect your current situation. You may file a Petition for Professional Judgment to document your changed financial circumstances and the Office of Financial Aid can then calculate your expected family contribution to reflect your current circumstances. Contact the financial aid office for further information.

Federal Loan Programs

Direct Loans

Federal Direct Loans (Stafford Loans) are fixed-rate student loans for graduate students attending a college or university at least half time. Graduate students are eligible for unsubsidized Direct Loans with a loan limit of $20,500 per academic year and a fixed interest rate of 6% after 7/1/17.

Graduate Plus Loans

Graduate PLUS student loans are non-need based. Eligibility for Grad PLUS Loans is based on your credit history. The yearly limit on a Graduate PLUS Loan is equal to your cost of attendance minus any other financial aid you receive. For example, if your cost of attendance is $20,000 and you receive $5,000 in scholarships and a $5,000 Direct Loan, you could borrow up to but no more than $10,000.  Graduate PLUS loans have a fixed interest rate of 7% after 7/1/17.

Additional Loan Sources

If scholarships and federal loan funding do not cover your annual budget including living expenses, private student loans may help you fill the gap.   serves as a central source for comparing private loan options. In addition, you may contact the CU-Boulder Office of Financial Aid for further private loan information.  

 

Contact Information

   303-492-5091     www.colorado.edu/finaid

              303-492-5381   

                     303-492-0907    www.colorado.edu/registrar/students/state-residency