Funding & Cost
Master of Public Service & Administration
Overview | Tips | Funding | Tuition & Fees | Cost of Living | Return on Investment
Funding Overview
Financial assistance comes in many forms. The centerpiece of our funding is 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 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 funding you are awarded is based on merit and determined by your academic strengths, experiences, personal statement, recommendations, interview, 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 students maintains a minimum 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 MPSA students based on merit and other qualifications. We may also have additional funds available to those who face a socio-economic disadvantages 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 Competitive 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 either 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
MPSA Highlighted Funding
- 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).
- 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.
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 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
Master of Public Service and Administration Costs
Estimated 2022-23 MPSA Tuition & Required Fees per Year
Considering the typical load of 4 courses/12 credit hours per semester, an estimated breakdown of MPSA tuition and fees cost for one year would look similar to this:
| COST PER SEMESTER @ BUSH SCHOOL (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 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
Community
The Bryan-College Station community has a bustling population of about 273,000 residents and is located in the southeastern portion of the state, centrally located within easy driving distance of major metropolitan areas (Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Waco, and Dallas/Fort Worth). 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’s 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 & International | |
| 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. It’s important for you to 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 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 MPSA 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 Waiver | x | -$25,400 | -$25,400 | x | x | x |
| After 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 – Bush School Scholarship) |
=$58,082 | =$61,500 | =$68,288 | =$141,696 | =$152,696 | =$157,696 |
As you can see, the cost of attending a comparable 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 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 General Schedule (GS) pay scale to determine salaries. 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 master’s 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
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 with it take you to pay off grad 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, considering your anticipated salary.
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.
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?
- For those seeking careers in the state or local government, ask employers or colleagues in those fields to see if the name or prestige of a college had any impact on an employee’s ability to get a job in that field.
- For those looking at government careers in the Washington, DC area, not necessarily. Regardless of where you earn your 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 are thinking studying in Washington, DC would guarantee you a job in the area upon graduation, think again. We have a fully-staffed Career Services team who have established connections and networks in the Washington, DC area who are dedicated to helping our students nail the job they want upon graduation. Not only does our Career Services team work with you on perfecting your resume, LinkedIn profiles, and more, they also help you with the application process for various jobs and even bring employers (from the CIA, FBI, and more) to the Bush School for interviews and more.
We are going to leave it to you to dive deeper into the cost-benefit analysis. After all, you know the colleges you’re considering and can get a more definitive cost of attendance at those colleges to do a direct comparison with The Bush School. Happy data crunching!
