The Bush School of Government & Public Service

Public Service is a noble calling.


Home / Funding & Cost / PSAA Funding & Cost Information / MPSA Funding

MPSA Funding

Master of Public Service & Administration

Funding & Cost - MPSA

Cost & Funding Overview | MPSA Cost | MPSA Funding | Graduate Assistantships | Supplemental Aid International Student Funding | FAQ

MPSA Highlighted Funding

All admitted students enrolled full-time in the Master of Public Service & Administration will receiving funding assistance from The Bush School. That’s right! You will receive funding help! No separate application is required to be considered for the following funding opportunities.

  • Competitive Bush School 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 Scholarship is $5,000 per year.
  • Grad Merit Fellowship – With the support of Texas A&M’s Office of Graduate & 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 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 candidate’s application and supporting materials, the Admissions Committee nominates MPSA 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.
  • Coverdell Fellowships – Returning Peace Corps Volunteers are automatically eligible for this award. No additional application is needed. Those awarded the fellowship commit to intern at a local organization that supports a high-need American community and to be advised and mentored by Dr. Raymond Robertson.
  • Non-resident Tuition Waivers – These waivers are automatically granted to admitted to non-residents 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 for 24 credit hours.
  • 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 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 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.

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 another department outside of The Bush School receive both their Bush School Scholarship and their GA funding (they are not double dipping).

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 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:
      • If you are not a U.S. Citizen, but are a Texas Resident, submit an eTASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid).
      • If you are not a U.S. Citizen or a Texas Resident, submit an ISFAA (International Student Financial Aid Application).

    • 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 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 the Jobs for Aggies website, maintained by Texas A&M. You will need you NetID and password to sign into the portal.

       
  • Military Benefits – Post 9/11, Hazelwood, and more are accepted. 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 website 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 Student Funding

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:

Commonly Asked Questions:

  • How much funding will I receive from the Bush School?

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.

  • Are graduate assistantships available?
    About a dozen graduate assistantships (GAs) are awarded to second-year MPSA 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.