Funding & Cost
Master of Public Service & Administration 5-year (3+2) Degrees
Overview | Tips | Funding | Tuition & Fees | Cost of Living | Return on Investment
5-year (3+2) Funding Overview
Financial assistance comes in many forms for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University in one of the following undergraduate majors and a Master of Public Service & Administration in five years:
- Political Science
- Economics
- Sociology
- Agricultural Economics
- Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences (for those admitted to Texas A&M prior to or for fall 2022)
- Range, Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences (for those admitted to Texas A&M for fall 2023 or after)
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 enrolled full-time in the Master of Public Service & Administration 3+2 program 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. In the student’s first-year of enrollment at the Bush School (fourth year at TAMU), the student is still classified as a senior (U4),In the student’s first-year of enrollment at the Bush School (fourth year at TAMU), the student is still classified as a senior (U4), charged undergraduate tuition rates, and awarded a Bush School Scholarship of $1,000 for the year. We strongly encourage students to check with the Texas A&M Financial Aid Office to ensure they may still receive their undergraduate scholarships and aid during this time.
ATTENTION – Five-year Students Receiving Federal Financial Aid:
In your fourth year at Texas A&M (first year in the MPSA), you will still be classified as a U4 student and will enroll in 12 credit hours in the fall/spring semesters. However, only 18 credit hours of the 24 will double count toward your undergraduate and MPSA degrees, leaving you with 6 credit hours that only count toward the MIA.
For this reason, you will be considered enrolled “full-time” in one semester, but only “half-time” in the other semester. Half-time status can cause issues qualifying for federal funding. Students are strongly encouraged to work with the Texas A&M Financial Aid Office to see how this will impact their federal financial aid (such as PELL, federal loans, etc) before applying to the 3+2 program.
Shortly before the student’s second year of enrollment at the Bush School (fifth year at TAMU), the student is re-classified as graduate (G7) student and is charged Bush School graduate costs and fees. All 24 credit hours completed in the student’s second year will count toward the MPSA degree only.
In their second year, as long as they have a 3.25 GPA or better, students receive a higher, competitive-merit based Bush School Scholarship, which was determined by the Admissions Committee at the time of their admission into the 5-year program. That funding decision was
based on merit and determined by evaluating every aspect of the student’s application, including their academic performance, experiences (professional, educational, and international), statement, interview, recommendations, and more. Alternatively, students can compete for a Graduate Assistantship and work 20 hours per week for Bush School faculty or staff. However, students who are assigned a GA position will forfeit their second-year funding, as there is no double dipping from Bush School funds.
Additionally, The Bush School offers internship funding to those who qualify and may also have additional funds available to those who face a socio-economic disadvantage or hardship; the latter 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.
While Bush School funding can help with some of the cost, students usually 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 Education
Student’s in their fourth year at Texas A&M (first year in the MIA) are classified as U4 student and charged undergraduate tuition rates. However, students in their fifth year at Texas A&M (second year in the MIA) are now classified as a G7 graduate student. 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 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 FAFSA) –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 FAFSA) –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
MPSA 5-YEAR Highlighted Funding
- Competitive Bush School Scholarships – A $1,000 Bush School Scholarship is awarded in the student’s first year of the MPSA 5-year program (fourth year at TAMU) and a higher competitive award is posted in the student’s second year of the MPSA (fifth year at TAMU) if they have a 3.25 GPA or above. This competitive award ranges from $1,000 to $15,000 per year and does not require a work commitment.
- Non-resident Tuition Waivers – These waivers are automatically granted to second-year 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 at 24 credit hours.
- Internship Scholarships – Students who do not secure paid internships 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 MPSA 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 work 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 MPSA and 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 second-year funding award. If a student received $5,000 in second year funding, 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 also 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 MPSA 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 work 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 MPSA and MIA students heading into their second year.
Please check out our Funding Overview for more details about the funding described above and below. The overview lists funding options in order of preference, but applicants are encouraged to seek out outside funding opportunities as well.
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 graduate students classified as Texas residents attending the College Station campus who receive less than $10,000 in scholarships per year. 5-year students can apply for this award in their second 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.
- 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.
- Part-time or Full-time Work
- 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
- 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
- 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
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 Tuition & Required Fees for 5-year (3+2) MPSA Students
FIRST YEAR OF MPSA / FOURTH YEAR AT TAMU
Students are charged undergraduate tuition and fees for their fourth year (first year in the 3+2 program). For an estimate, students can check their past billing records to determine the tuition and fees charged in their first three years at Texas A&M. Or, students can use the Texas A&M Tuition Calculator. Be sure to take into consideration the $1,000 Bush School Scholarship and any other undergraduate scholarships you might have for an accurate overall cost. Students can expect to pay the following in their first year at the Bush School (fourth year at Texas A&M), according to the Texas A&M Tuition Calculator:
Liberal Arts Majors:
Political Science, Economics, Sociology
| Cost Estimate: 1st year in MIA/4th year at TAMU | TX Resident | Non-resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $11,290 | $39,170 |
| Cost of Living | + $19,014 | + $22,310 |
| Bush School Scholarship | – $1,000 | – $1,000 |
| TOTAL | $29,304 | $60,480 |
Agriculture & Life Sciences Majors:
Agricultural Economics, Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences, Rangeland, Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences
| Cost Estimate: 1st year in MIA/4th year at TAMU | TX Resident | Non-resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $12,325 | $40,210 |
| Cost of Living | + $19,014 | + $22,310 |
| Bush School Scholarship | – $1,000 | – $1,000 |
| TOTAL | $30,339 | $61,520 |
SECOND YEAR OF MPSA / FIFTH YEAR AT TAMU
During the summer between the first and second year of the 5 Year MPSA program (between the fourth and fifth year at Texas A&M), a student’s classification is updated from a U4 (undergraduate) to G7 (graduate). As a result, the student is charged graduate tuition/fees. Additionally, Bush School funding and a non-resident tuition waiver (if applicable) is applied.
A cost estimate for the student’s fifth year (second year in the 3+2 program) is below.
| TUITION & REQUIRED FEES (5th 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 Svs Fee + Health Insurance + Witholding Tax) |
– | – | + $3,394 |
| Non-resident Tuition Waiver | – | – $12,700 | – $12,700 |
| TOTAL TUITION & 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) | |
|---|---|
| General Deposit | $100.00 |
| OPTIONAL FEES | |
| Distance Education Fee for Bush School Online Courses (section 700s) | $1,509 per course |
| 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 Expenses
Though living expenses for each Bush School student will vary according to personal needs, the Texas A&M University’s Scholarships & Financial Aid Office has calculated the 2022-23 fall and spring cost of living for College Station students as follows:
| Undergraduate Student Cost of Living Estimate | Resident | Non-resident & International |
| Loan Fees | $64 | $64 |
| Housing & Meals | $11,550 | $11,550 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Travel | $2,600 | $4,000 |
| Personal Expenses | $3,800 | $3,800 |
| Total: Living Expenses | $19,014 | $20,414 |
| Graduate Student Cost of Living Estimate | Resident | Non-resident & International |
| Loan Fees | $160 | $160 |
| Housing & Meals | $12,850 | $12,850 |
| Books & Supplies | $800 | $800 |
| Travel | $2,300 | $4,000 |
| Personal Expenses | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Total: Living Expenses | $20,610 | $22,310 |
Return on Investment: Is it worth it?
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.
Obviously, the biggest benefit of the 5-year/3+2 program is the ability for students to double count 15-18 credit hours of Bush School courses toward their bachelor’s and MPSA, allowing them to earn both degrees in only five years. As a result, the student pays tuition and fees for five years, instead of six (4-year bachelors + 2-year MPSA).
Not only does the 5-year MPSA save students time and money, but also allows them to build specialized skills and expand their career network to match their desired interest in the job market. The Bush School has a dedicated Career & Student Services team committed to helping students in their career development, as demonstrated by our employment statistics. Of course, how quickly you get a job and how closely it matches your interests depend on many factors, including how diligently you search and how prepared you are for your search, the economy, your qualifications, your desired location, your salary expectations, etc. By taking advantage of Bush School resources in the Office of Student Services, and by continually developing your network of contacts, you will increase your chances of securing a job upon graduation.
Other factors to consider when determining the value of the MPSA:
- What are your long-term career goals?
Most students who pursue the 5-year MPSA degree are young and lack professional experience. Therefore, some struggle to know with certainty if the Public Service career field is right for them. We encourage students applying to the 3+2 program to attend lectures, speak to people in their field of interest, complete an internship, or work part-time somewhere prior to applying so they have some idea if an international affairs career is what they want. The more committed a student is to the degree, and can show that growth, the more successful they can be.
- What salary are you looking at earning upon graduation?
Most students who earn a master’s degree in public affairs related fields enter careers in the state or local government, whose starting salaries vary greatly depending on the specific sector and location of the job. Research careers you’re interested in, then research salaries in the locations you are considering. Ask colleagues in those fields what you would likely make upon graduation. Inquire through employers to see if they could provide starting salary ranges.
For students entering a career in the federal government, your salary will be determined using a General Schedule (GS) pay scale. An employee’s base pay depends on their GS Paygrade of their job and the Paygrade Step they have achieved. Most students who graduate with a masters are looking at entering a federal government career at 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
- 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.
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. Now, 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 school debt?
Using any of the online debt payoff calculators, you can calculate your expected payoff date using the monthly payment you feel you would be comfortable making upon graduation. Keep in mind the salary you will be earning as you decide on the monthly payment you are comfortable making.
For example:
The average interest rate for a student loan is 5.28%. Let’s say you make monthly payments of $600 to pay off your student loans in the amount of $77,369 ($29,314 for fourth year + $8,431 in tuition/fees the fifth year + $20,610 for cost of living in the fifth year). With an interest rate of 5.28%, your estimated payoff date for the loan would be July 2038.
We leave it to you to dive deeper into the cost-benefit analysis. After all, you have a better idea/definitive cost of attendance in your undergraduate college (for your fourth year) and how much debt you are willing to take on. You can reach out to us if we can address your concerns or questions. Staff, faculty, and current students are ready to help!
