Funding & Cost
Master of International Affairs
Overview | Tip | Funding | Tuition & Fees | Cost of Living | Return on Investment
Funding Overview
Financial assistance comes in many forms. The centerpiece of our funding are competitive Bush School Scholarships, which provide some support for our students. The Bush School is dedicated to making graduate education affordable. We know the majority of our students are seeking purpose-driven lives and cannot take on an enormous amount of debt. By providing some financial assistance, The Bush School supports students choosing jobs that matter to them. Alumni are free to pursue their passions, not their pocketbook, as they enter the workforce.
For that reason, all admitted students full-time in the Master of International Affairs will receive funding assistance from The Bush School. That’s right, you will receive funding help! No separate funding application is required for our scholarship awards.
How much Bush School funding you are awarded is based on merit and determined by evaluating every aspect of your application, including your academic performance, experiences (professional, educational, and international), statement, interview, recommendations, and more. Non-residents (including international students) who receive a competitive Bush School Scholarship are also granted non-resident tuition waivers allowing them to pay in-state tuition rates. Most of The Bush School funding awards are renewed in the student’s second year as long as the student maintains a minimum of 3.25 GPA.
Additionally, The Bush School works with other organizations to grant competitive, nomination-based fellowships and offers funding for internships to those who qualify. About a dozen graduate assistantships (GAs) are awarded to second-year MIA students based on merit and other qualifications. We may also have additional funds available to those who face a socioeconomic disadvantage or hardship; this unique funding opportunity will require applicants to submit a short essay via their application to be considered.
We recommend applicants submit and complete their application by the priority deadline to ensure it is considered for the best Bush School funding options. Applicants who complete their application after the priority application deadline, but on or before the final deadline, will still receive a Bush School Scholarship, but may miss the opportunity to be nominated for other funding awards.
While The Bush School funding we offer can help with some of the cost, students have to take out loans, work, or receive funding elsewhere to cover the rest. We strongly encourage applicants to apply for any outside funding opportunities they may qualify for. Refer to the “Supplemental Aid” section below.
Tips for Funding your Graduate School Education
Graduate aid is packaged differently from undergraduate aid, so familiarize yourself on the various funding options. For starters, grad school applicants are considered independent, so you are already tagged for higher need. This means that you may qualify for aid in the form of loans, especially those with competitive interest rates.
But before you start borrowing, be sure to look for money you don’t have to pay back.
Order of Financing
- Free Money
- Scholarships / Fellowships – earned through merit, eligibility criteria, or need
- Grants – usually given based on financial need; often state based
- Waivers – avoiding certain fees based on designations or qualifications; can include waiving non-resident tuition, application fees, and more
- Earned Money
- Work – seek on-campus or off-campus options
- Graduate Assistantships – work for faculty or staff in research, teaching, or support roles; most require 20 hours per week and may include some tuition remission and insurance benefits
- Military Benefits – utilize GI Bill, Hazelwood, and other earned support
- Borrowed Money
- Loans (fill out FASFA) – borrowed money that has to be repaid, with interest, usually after you graduate/leave the university
- Subsidized – government pays the interest until you graduate
- Unsubsidized – you pay interest throughout, including while in school and in deferment periods
- Private – also pay interest throughout; check those interest rates!
- Loans (fill out FASFA) – borrowed money that has to be repaid, with interest, usually after you graduate/leave the university
Financial Resources
Check out some helpful financial resources from some sites below to help you learn more about financing your graduate education, navigating student loan options, and what to consider when taking on more debt. These are just a few of the hundreds of sites out there.
- Idealist.org
- Federal Student Aid
- Check out Perkins, Stafford, and Graduate PLUS loans
- AskHeatherJarvis.com
- Student Loan Borrower Assistance
MIA Highlighted Funding
- Competitive Bush School Competitive Scholarships – Based on merit, these are competitively granted (see above), and range from $1,000 to $15,000 per year. They do not require a work commitment and are awarded to the majority of our students, including AmeriCorps service members and Coverdell Fellows. An average Bush School Competitive is $5,000 per year.
- Grad Merit Fellowship – With the support of Texas A&M’s Office of Graduate and Professional Studies, The Bush School awards one Grad Merit Fellowship per class in most years. Using a candidate’s application and supporting materials, the Admissions Committee nominates those who have a strong academic record and research/professional credentials. The award is worth approximately $30,000 per year.
- The Dr. Dionel Avilés ’53 and Dr. James Johnson ’67 Fellowship Program – Sponsored by The Bush School in conjunction with the Texas A&M’s Office of Graduate and Professional Studies, the award aims to increase diversity in the graduate population at Texas A&M and support the development of high achieving scholars who show promise of distinguished careers for the benefit of all students. Using a candidates application and supporting materials, the Admissions Committee nominates MIA applicants who are from underserved groups, give back to their communities, and have a strong academic background. A campus-wide committee then selects fellows based on faculty support letters and the nominee’s application. Each award is worth approximately $30,000 a year.
- Robertson Fellowships – The Robertson Foundation for Government teams up with the Bush School to offer several fellowship awards to MIA students committed to a federal government career in foreign policy, national security, and/or international affairs. Faculty select nominees for this award based on experiences, personal statement, intended career fields, academic factors, and more. The award is worth approximately $30,000 a year.
- Fellows must be U.S. citizens, must have proficiency in a foreign language by graduation, and are required to work for the federal government for three of their initial seven years after graduation.
- Fellowship support includes a mix of tuition/fee and living aid, special meetings with Robertson Foundation staff, networking events with Robertson alumni, and subsidized health insurance and internship support. In their first year, fellows are on full scholarship support. In their second year, fellows receive scholarship and graduate assistantship support.
- Fellows must be U.S. citizens, must have proficiency in a foreign language by graduation, and are required to work for the federal government for three of their initial seven years after graduation.
- Coverdell Fellowships – Returning Peace Corps Volunteers are automatically eligible for this award and can choose to accept the designation if interested; no additional application is needed. If interested, Coverdell Fellows commit to intern at a local organization that supports a high-need American community and is be advised and mentored by Dr. Raymond Robertson.
- Non-resident Tuition Waivers – These waivers are automatically granted to admitted non-resident and international students who receive a competitive Bush School Scholarship, which allows them to pay in-state tuition rates. The waiver is currently worth approximately $12,700 per year.
- Internship Scholarships – Students who do not secure paid internships, or opt to complete a language immersion for the MIA, can apply for a scholarship to help offset their summer living costs. Scholarships for internships are provided by the Career Services Office and awarded to those who attend a number of career workshops.
- Graduate Assistantships (GA) –
- Through The Bush School: Available to second-year MIA students and include both research (GAR) and non-teaching (GANT) opportunities. They are awarded based primarily on a Bush School student’s first-year grades and qualifications. Graduate Assistants with faculty or staff for 20 hours per week, earning a stipend, 9 hours tuition, and insurance help. Some GA positions are tied to our fellowships, but others are open to successful MIA students heading into their second year.
- NOTE: Students are unable to double dip their Bush School funding, so students who take a Bush School GA position are replacing their original funding award. So if a student is admitted with a $5,000 per year competitive Bush School Scholarship, but then takes a Bush School GA position, that student will no longer receive their $5,000/year Bush School Scholarship. They instead receive a GA work stipend per month
- NOTE: Students are unable to double dip their Bush School funding, so students who take a Bush School GA position are replacing their original funding award. So if a student is admitted with a $5,000 per year competitive Bush School Scholarship, but then takes a Bush School GA position, that student will no longer receive their $5,000/year Bush School Scholarship. They instead receive a GA work stipend per month
- Through another department at Texas A&M University: Open to students across campus who apply through Jobs for Aggies and/or through networking. Graduate Assistants in other departments work with faculty or staff for 20 hours per week and earn additional perks.
- Students who receive a GA position through a department outside of The Bush School receive both their Bush School Scholarship and their GA funding (they are not double dipping).
- Through The Bush School: Available to second-year MIA students and include both research (GAR) and non-teaching (GANT) opportunities. They are awarded based primarily on a Bush School student’s first-year grades and qualifications. Graduate Assistants with faculty or staff for 20 hours per week, earning a stipend, 9 hours tuition, and insurance help. Some GA positions are tied to our fellowships, but others are open to successful MIA students heading into their second year.
Supplemental Aid/ Loans/ Jobs
We are committed to keeping the program affordable so our students can choose the careers that matter to them without worrying about graduating from grad school with a significant amount of student debt. However, students often need additional aid to supplement the funding The Bush School awards them. Students are encouraged to apply to other funding opportunities either through the following links and/or through independent organizations that offer graduate funding.
- Texas A&M University Scholarships & Financial Aid:
- Federal Financial Aid – Domestic students are strongly encouraged to submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to see how much they are qualified to earn in loans. The FAFSA can be submitted at any point during the application process.
- International Students are encouraged to submit one of the following applications to see what aid they may qualify for:
- Texas Aggie Graduate Grant – A need-based award available for Texas residents attending the College Station campus who receive less than $10,000 in scholarships per year. Students must apply by submitting a TAGG application located on the forms page of the website above. Additional details about the grant can be found through the link above.
- Part-time or Full-time Work – In an optimal situation, The Bush School discourages students from trying to manage outside work obligations with rigorous class requirements, particularly during the first semester and/or year. With a typical course load of 12 credit hours and an abundance of activities to pursue, students who do juggle both must exercise careful time management. Having said that, we realize students have bills to pay and are often looking for work experience to add to their resume.
- Students looking for a job can find a complete listing of jobs available on-campus (and some off-campus) through the Jobs for Aggies website, maintained by Texas A&M. You will need your NetID and password to sign into the portal.
- Students looking for a job can find a complete listing of jobs available on-campus (and some off-campus) through the Jobs for Aggies website, maintained by Texas A&M. You will need your NetID and password to sign into the portal.
- Federal Financial Aid – Domestic students are strongly encouraged to submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to see how much they are qualified to earn in loans. The FAFSA can be submitted at any point during the application process.
- Military Benefits – Veterans, Active Duty Military Personnel, and their Spouses or Dependents are encouraged to check out the Veteran’s Services website to see if there are any military educational benefits they qualify for. Texas A&M University has a long-standing tradition of military support. Post 9/11, Hazelwood, Montgomery GI Bill, Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program, Yellow Ribbon Program, State Tuition Reimbursement Assistance, and more are accepted.
- National Scholarship & Fellowship Opportunities – Aside from Texas A&M funding opportunities, a number of competitive national awards are available online. We encourage students to search for these opportunities independently and apply to those they might qualify for.
- Service Organization Stipend/Scholarship: Peace Corps, Americorps, Teach for America, City Year, Public Policy-International Affairs Program (PPIA)
- Charles B Rangel International Affairs Fellowship
- Thomas R Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship
- Donald M Payne Fellowship
- McNair Graduate Fellowship
- David L Boren Fellowship
- Harry S Truman Scholarship
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Scholarships & Fellowships
- Women in Defense Horizons Scholarship
- Twitter Public Policy Fellowship
- And many, many more found on the websites below
For additional opportunities, be sure to search through the following websites:
- APSIA (Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs): Contains a comprehensive list of over 110 scholarships, some of which are highlighted above. Look at least a year out so you have time to apply.
- Scholly: Platform used by students and family to find scholarship money.
International Students
We do not offer full-ride scholarships with teaching and graduate assistantships. Therefore, international students must have some funding of their own to afford tuition, cost of living, health insurance, and other additional fees. Seeking financial support from independent agencies like Fulbright or government sponsorships is strongly recommended. International students seeking additional financial support can refer to the following websites for helpful guidance and opportunities:
- Texas A&M University International Student Services – Contains a list of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students to apply for as well as an estimated cost of attendance
- Texas A&M Scholarships & Financial Aid– Offers helpful guidance and instructions to complete the ISFAA (International Student Financial Aid Application) or eTASFA(Texas Application for State Financial Aid).
Estimated 2022-23 MIA Tuition & Required Fees per Year
Considering the typical load of 4 courses/12 credit hours per semester, an estimated breakdown of MIA tuition and fees cost would look similar to this:
| COST PER YEAR (24 credit hours on campus) |
TX Resident | Non-Resident | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $6,885 | $19,594 | $19,594 |
| University Required Fees | +$3,304 | +$3,304 | +$3,304 |
| Bush School Master’s Program Fee | +$3,242 | +$3,242 | +$3,242 |
| Int’l Student Required Fees Approx (Intl Student Svcs Fee + Health Insurance + Withholding Tax) |
– | – | +$3,394 |
| Non-resident Tuition Waiver | – | -$12,700 | -$12,700 |
| TOTAL TUITION AND REQUIRED FEES | ~$13,431 | ~$13,440 | ~$16,834 |
| Average Bush Scholarship (amount used just as a reference) |
-$5,000 | -$5,000 | -$5,000 |
| TOTAL TUITION & REQUIRED FEES AFTER BUSH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP | $8,431 | $8,440 | $11,834 |
| ONE-TIME FEES (charged in first semester) | |
|---|---|
| New Grad Student Fee | $50.00 |
| General Deposit | $100.00 |
| International New Student Orientation Fee | $70.00 |
| OPTIONAL FEES | |
| Distance Education Fee for Bush School Online Courses (section 700s) | $1,509 |
| Parking Permit (for 1 Year) | $349 (billed in fall) |
| Sports Pass (for all sports) | $325 (billed in fall) |
| Int’l Student Admin Fee for 3rd Party Sponsored Students | Between $200-$500 per semester |
| Student Health Insurance for Domestic Students Health Insurance for Int’l Students is already included in fees above. |
Fall: $1,010 (Early Fall: $1,262) Spring/Summer: $2,013 |
Estimated 2022-23 Cost of Living
Community
The Bryan-College Station community has a bustling population of around 273,000 residents and is located in the southeastern portion of the state, centrally located within easy driving distance of major metropolitan areas (Houston, Austin, Waco, Dallas/Fort Worth, and San Antonio). Texas A&M could be described as an urban campus with a small-town feel. College Station offers a lively college environment and is a great place for families, with well-maintained parks, recreation centers, walking trails, and bike paths, as well as numerous entertainment activities here and in the region.
Its affordable cost of living, economic opportunity, and spirited country-vibe help it rank on multiple sites as a great place to live. Compare our caliber and our affordability to competitor schools, and you’ll see why Texas A&M University is ranked #1 in “Best Value” and “Best Public College” in Texas, according to Money Magazine 2022.
Estimated Cost of Living Breakdown
Though living expenses for each Bush School student will vary greatly depending upon personal preferences and needs, the Texas A&M University Scholarships & Financial Aid office has calculated the 2022-23 fall and spring cost of living for College Station Graduate Students as follows:
| Resident | Non-resident | |
| Loan Fees | $160 | $160 |
| Housing & Meals | $12,850 | $12,850 |
| Books & Supplies | $800 | $800 |
| Travel | $2,300 | $4,000 |
| Personal Expenses | $4,500 | $4,500 |
| Total: Living Expenses | $20,610 | $22,310 |
Return on Investment: Is it worth it?
Whether you are already working or about to finish your undergraduate degree, we know you are asking yourself “Is a master’s degree really worth it?” As with any decision, you have to look at the whole picture. Ensure you not only consider the cost of tuition and fees, but also the cost of living for your grad school location. When comparing these rates to other top-quality programs in the nation, you’ll see why The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University is a best buy from a top international affairs institution—with programs and faculty competitive with the finest in the country.
Let’s take a look…
The table below provides a snapshot of the total cost for one year and both years of the MIA degree, so you can get a better idea of the overall cost you are looking to pay. Please note the $5,000 Bush School Scholarship we included below is just an example. The cost could be significantly less with a larger scholarship.
| COST AT BUSH SCHOOL *excludes optional fees |
1 Year | 2 Years | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident/Non-resident | International | Resident/Non-resident | International | |
| Tuition & Required Fees | $13,450 | $16,834 | $26,900 | $33,668 |
| – Average Bush School Scholarship | -$5,000 | $5,000 | -$10,000 | -$10,000 |
| After Bush School Scholarship (using the average Bush Scholarship of $5,000/year as an example) |
$8,450 | $11,834 | $16,900 | $23,668 |
| Cost of Living | $20,610 | $22,310 | $41,220 | $44,620 |
| TOTAL COST (Tuition & Req Fees + Cost of Living – Bush School Scholarship) |
$29,060 | $34,144 | $58,120 | $68,288 |
Now, let’s take a look at a cost/benefit analysis for a comparable college in Washington, DC.
*excludes optional fees |
Bush School (2 years) |
Comparable College in Washington, DC (2 years) |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident | Non-resident | Int’l | Resident | Non-resident | Int’l | |
| Tuition & Required Fees | $26,862 | $52,280 | $59,068 | $72,000 | $83,000 | $88,000 |
| – Average Bush School Scholarship | -$10,000 | -$10,000 | -$10,000 | x | x | x |
| – Non-resident Tuition Waver | x | -$25,400 | -$25,400 | x | x | x |
| Average Bush School Scholarship (using the average Bush Scholarship of $5,000/year as an example) |
$16,862 | $16,880 | $23,668 | x | x | x |
| Cost of Living | +$41,220 | +$44,620 | +$44,620 | +$69,696 | +$69,696 | +$69,696 |
| TOTAL COST (Tuition/Req Fees + Cost of Living – Scholarship) |
=$58,082 | =$61,500 | =$68,288 | =$141,696 | =$152,696 | =$157,696 |
As you can see, the cost of attending school in Washington, DC, can be almost three times as much as attending The Bush School.
Now, let’s dive into the salary ranges you could make after graduation to get a better idea of how much more you can make with your master’s and how long it will take you to pay off your master’s debt.
What salary are you looking to earn upon graduation?
Most students who earn a master’s degree in international affairs related fields enter careers in the federal government, which uses a General Schedule (GS) pay scale to determine salaries. An employee’s base pay depends on their location, the GS pay grade of their job, and the pay grade step they’ve achieved. Most students who graduate with a Master of International Affairs (or similar degree) enter a federal government career at a minimum of the GS-9 pay grade. Let’s compare two locations for 2022 with and without a master’s degree:
- Washington, DC – A starting salary for a bachelor’s degree typically starts at a GS-7 pay grade, which offers a minimum salary (step 1) of $50,643 in the nation’s capital. With your master’s degree completed, alumni move to the GS-9 level, which pays a minimum salary (step 1) of $61,947.
- Houston, TX – A starting salary for a bachelor’s level at a GS-7 pay grade in Houston offers a minimum salary (step 1) at $51,579. With your master’s degree completed, alumni qualify at the GS-9 level, which pays a minimum salary (step 1) of $63,091
This means that earning your master’s degree helps qualify you for an additional $11,000 per year for the rest of your federal working career. Knowing how much you can earn, just how much debt are you willing to take on?
How long will it take you to pay off graduate school debt?
The average interest rate for a graduate student loan is 5.28%. Let’s say you make monthly payments of $625 to pay off your grad student loan of $141,696 at a college in Washington, DC. Your payoff date for the loan would be August 2136.
Now, let’s say you make monthly payments of $625 to pay off your grad student loan of $58,082 at The Bush School. Using the same interest rate of 5.28%, your estimated payoff date for the loan would be August 2032.
Will a master’s degree from a college in Washington, DC, be more beneficial than earning a master’s degree from The Bush School at Texas A&M University?
Specifically for those looking at federal government careers after earning their master’s degree, not necessarily. Regardless of where you earn your graduate degree, your pay scale will be the same. The location of a college has no impact on the salary or pay scale earned in a federal government career.
If you believe studying in the nation’s capital offers additional opportunity that’s worth the cost, then that’s a personal decision. But know that schools outside the Beltway have well-developed career connections all over the nation, including within DC and their agencies and organizations. Do your homework to see how strong the employment record is with your intended school for the agencies or location you desire.
The Bush School Career Services team is dedicated to helping our students nail the job they want upon graduation. They work with students in perfecting their resume, LinkedIn profiles, and more, while also bringing in employers (from the CIA, FBI, and more) to campus for interviews and jobs talks and helping students prepare for the competitive career application process.
We leave it to you to dive deeper into the cost-benefit analysis. After all, you can get a more definitive cost of attendance at your interested colleges and can then do a direct comparison with The Bush School to see what works best for your lifestyle and goals. You can reach out to us if we can address your concerns or questions. Staff, faculty, and current students are ready to help!
