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Tuition and Financial Aid FAQs

Tuition & Fees

How much does the Master of Global Business Administration program cost?

You are billed per term, based on the number of credits for which you are registered. Most courses are 3 credits. For the 2022–2023 academic year, the cost per credit is $2,320.

What is the total cost of the program?

The total cost of the program is approximately $83,520. We calculated this figure based on the 36 credits needed to complete the program and the $2,320 cost per credit. However, tuition typically increases each year and this figure does not take into consideration the increase. Tuition is set by the Board of Trustees each summer.

Are there additional fees assessed in addition to the tuition?

In addition to tuition costs, you will be charged an immersion fee of approximately $500 for on-campus immersions and up to $1,500 for international immersions. This includes programming and some meals. You are responsible for covering transportation to and from immersion locations, in addition to lodging, meals, and local transportation while in attendance. You are also responsible for the costs of your own textbooks and other course materials.

How much is the enrollment deposit?

A $500 deposit is required to confirm your enrollment at Tufts; this payment is non-refundable and will be applied to your first semester charges.

Can I use financial aid to cover the deposit?

Because funds will not be disbursed until after the semester begins, federal financial aid cannot be used to pay the deposit.

The FAFSA and the Financial Aid Application Process

How do I apply for financial aid?

To apply for federal student aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be accepted into the program. Please include Tufts school code (002219) to ensure that we will receive your application.

Are there any school specific supplemental financial aid forms I need to complete?

There are no additional forms required. However, if you wish to accept the loan(s) that were offered to you, you will need to complete Entrance Counseling and the Loan Agreement Master Promissory Note (MPN) for both the Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan.

When should I complete the FAFSA?

If you are planning to use federal student aid, you should complete the FAFSA while applying for admission. The FAFSA is available every October for the upcoming academic year. You must complete the FAFSA each academic year in order to be eligible for federal student aid. Please do not submit federal or state income tax returns to Tufts; they are not required and will be shredded upon receipt.

Please reference the chart below to determine which FAFSA to complete based on your desired start date:

Start Term FAFSA Year
Sept 2022
Fall
2022-2023
January 2023
Spring
2022-2023
May 2023
Summer
2022-2023
Sept 2023
Fall
2023-2024
January 2024
Spring
2023-2024
May 2024
Summer
2023-2024
Sept 2024
Fall
2024-2025
January 2025
Spring
2024-2025
May 2025
Summer
2024-2025

What information do I need to complete the FAFSA?

To complete the FAFSA, you will need the following:

  • Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
  • Federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned in the previous year
  • Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
  • Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
  • A FSA ID to sign electronically

Note: since you are applying for graduate school, you are considered an independent student and do not need your parents’ information to complete the FAFSA.

What criteria is used to determine eligibility for federal student aid?

In order to apply for federal student aid, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
  • Have a valid SSN or Alien Registration Number
  • Be registered with Selective Service, if you are male (must register between the age of 18–25)
  • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at least half-time in an eligible degree program
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress
  • Not currently be in default on previous student loans borrowed through FSA
  • Not have exceeded the maximum aggregate loan limit

Note: The Federal Unsubsidized Loan is not based on income or financial need.

Are there citizenship requirements I must meet to receive federal financial aid?

You must be a US citizen or eligible noncitizen to receive federal financial aid. If you receive a notification from the government on Student Aid Report (SAR) that they were unable to confirm your citizenship, you must submit proof of citizenship (such as a copy of a U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, or copy of Naturalization) to Student Financial Services.

What is the minimum number of credits required to receive federal student aid?

You must be officially registered at least half-time to receive federal financial aid.

Enrollment Status Minimum Semester Hour Units per term Aid eligible?
Full time
9
Yes
Half time
4.5
Yes
Part time
1.5
No

Are there academic requirements I must meet to receive financial aid?

Students must be maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to continue receiving financial aid. Guidelines for graduate students are determined by the individual graduate schools and are published in their bulletins.

Will I be able to view my award before submitting the deposit?

Yes, to receive a financial aid award, you must be accepted into the program and have a completed a Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) with the Tufts school code (002219). All financial aid award notices are sent electronically to your e-mail address on file at Tufts.

When will I receive my financial aid award?

You should receive your financial aid award approximately two weeks after you are accepted into the program and have completed your FAFSA. Financial aid awards are emailed to your preferred email address on file at Tufts.

Do I need to reapply for financial aid each year?

Yes, if you are interested in receiving federal financial aid, you will need to complete the FAFSA for each academic year in which you plan to apply for federal student aid.

Types of Financial Aid

What are the types of financial aid available for graduate students?

Below are the sources of funding that may be available to you. Please refer to the specific section for more information.

1 Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply.

Why am I not eligible for the Pell Grant or Federal Subsidized Loan?

The Department of Education awards Federal Pell Grants and Subsidized loan only to eligible undergraduate students who have not yet completed their bachelor degrees and who demonstrate financial need. Graduate students are not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant nor the Direct Subsidized Loan.

Institutional Scholarships

Are there any school-specific supplemental financial aid forms I need to complete?

There are no additional forms required to be considered for scholarship assistance.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

What is the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is a federal loan offered to students to help with the cost of education. The Federal Unsubsidized Loan is not based on income or financial need.

How do I apply for the Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

To apply for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

How much am I eligible for in the Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

Most graduate level students are eligible to borrow up to $20,500 per academic year in the Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Learn more about graduate annual loan limits.

How do I accept the Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan?

To accept the loan, you must complete the Entrance Counseling and the Loan Agreement Master Promissory Note (MPN). We will not be able to disburse your loan funds until both requirements have been completed.

Am I required to accept the full amount that I am offered on my award letter?

No, you can choose to either decline or reduce your Stafford Loan. Please email your request to studentservices@tufts.edu.

What if I am currently in default or have defaulted on a prior federal student loan?

Visit the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and contact your lender for details on how to clear the default. Students in default are not eligible for additional federal loans until the default is cleared.

What is the aggregate loan limit?

The aggregate loan limit is the total amount that you may borrow for undergraduate and graduate study. In addition to borrowing limitations based on the cost of attendance for the program, students are also limited in terms of lifetime borrowing. The aggregate loan limit for all federal loans, including undergraduate and graduate study, is $138,500. You can learn more about aggregate loan amounts on the Federal Student Aid website.

How do I find out if I am near my aggregate loan limit?

You may visit the National Student Loan Data System website to view your federal student loan borrowing history. Please note that private education loans are not listed on this site, nor are they included in the calculation.

What is the difference between a Direct Unsubsidized Loan and a Direct Subsidized Loan?

Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on subsidized loans while students are enrolled in their undergraduate program. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students; there is no requirement to demonstrate financial need. The Unsubsidized loan begins accruing interest as soon as funds are disbursed. Learn more about the difference between unsubsidized and subsidized loans.

What is the current Direct Unsubsidized Loan interest rate?

The Direct Unsubsidized Loan interest rate is determined at the beginning of each academic year and is available on the StudentAid.gov website.

Other than interest, are there any additional loan fees for the Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

Yes, the federal government charges an origination fee, which is a percentage of the loan amount and is proportionately deducted from each loan disbursement. Information on loan origination fees can be found on the Interest Rates and Fees page of the Federal Student Aid website.

When will my loan disburse to my student account?

Your loans will appear as a pending credit on your student account until the funds are disbursed to your account. We will begin disbursing your federal loans after the add/drop period (third week of the semester). To request loan funds, you must have completed your Entrance Counseling and the Loan Agreement Master Promissory Note (MPN).

Federal Direct PLUS Loan

What is the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

The Direct Graduate PLUS loan is a federal loan that graduate or professional degree students can use to help pay education expenses in addition to the Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Learn about Direct PLUS Loans.

How do I apply for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

Once you have completed the FAFSA, apply for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan by completing the credit application on the federal student aid website. To accept the loan you will also need to complete the Graduate PLUS Loan Agreement Master Promissory Note (MPN). Please note: in order to use the Grad PLUS loan to pay your Tufts bill, the loan application should be completed at least three weeks in advance of the billing due date. Once the application process is complete and the loan approved, funds (minus fees) will automatically credit to the student account.

What are the eligibility criteria to apply for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

The Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is based on credit history. In order to be eligible to apply, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
  • Have a valid SSN or Alien Registration Number
  • Be registered with Selective Service, if you are male (must register between the age of 18–25)
  • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at least half-time in an eligible degree program
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress
  • Not currently be in default on previous student loans borrowed through FSA
  • Not have exceeded the maximum aggregate loan limit
  • Not have an adverse credit history

What are the credit criteria to receive the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

One of the eligibility requirements to receive a Graduate PLUS Loan is that you must not have an adverse credit history. A credit check is performed to determine whether a Graduate PLUS Loan applicant meets this requirement. A list of what constitutes “adverse credit history” can be found on the Federal Student Aid website.

Does the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan affect my aggregate loan limit?

No. Only Direct Subsidized/Direct Unsubsidized Loans, (formerly referred to as Stafford loans) and Federal loans made through the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program count towards your aggregate loan limit.

How much can I borrow from the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

If approved for the Grad PLUS Loan, you can borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received. The cost of attendance includes tuition and fees plus allowances for indirect expenses like books, supplies, and living expenses.

When can I apply for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

We recommend you apply for the Graduate PLUS Loan when you receive your eBill, about a month before the bill's due date.

What are my options if I am denied the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

If you are denied the Graduate PLUS loan, you may reapply with an endorser or follow instructions on the Department of Education's website to appeal the denial.

What is the Direct Graduate PLUS loan current interest rate?

The Direct Graduate PLUS Loan interest rate is determined at the beginning of each academic year and is available on the Federal Student Aid website.

Other than interest, are there any additional loan fees for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

Yes, the federal government charges an origination fee, which is a percentage of the loan amount and is proportionately deducted from each loan disbursement. Information on loan origination fees can be found on the Interest Rates and Fees page of the Federal Student Aid website.

When will my loan disburse to my student account?

Your loans will appear as a pending credit on your student account until the funds are disbursed to your account. We will begin disbursing your federal loans after the add/drop period (third week of the semester). To request your loan funds, you must have completed your Entrance Counseling and the Loan Agreement Master Promissory Note (MPN).

Private Education Loans

What are private loans?

Private education loans, also known as alternative loans, are offered by private lenders to help students bridge the gap between the cost of education and the amount the government allows you to borrow in federal loans.

Are there any private loans that Tufts recommends?

Yes, Tufts has a formal process to review the loan offerings of most of the major lenders. We look at interest rates, borrower benefits, and customer service when recommending private loan lenders to our students. To see the lenders on our preferred list, please visit ELMOne.

Lenders offer private loan programs with different rates, fees, repayment terms, and approval requirements. We suggest that you carefully review each program to compare the terms and conditions before deciding which loan may be appropriate for your needs. Additionally, you are under no obligation to borrow from one of these lenders. If you would like to borrow from a lender who is not on this list, you can simply select the lender of your choice and apply directly with that lender. The lender will be responsible for getting your loan information to us.

Employer Benefits

How does my employer go about paying the school?

Tufts does not apply employer tuition benefits as a pending credit on your account because the receipt is not controlled by the University. Please provide Student Services with the following:

  • An award letter
  • Official notice as to how and when the funds will be received

If "third party billing" is required by the sponsoring organization, please also provide instructions on how to bill.

If you require a bill to be sent to a third-party or outside agency (such as government agencies) for payment to your student account, please submit written documentation from the funding source to thirdpartybilling@tufts.edu or the Dowling Hall address below:

Student Financial Services
Attention: Third Party Billing
Dowling Hall
419 Boston Ave.
Medford, MA 02155

Unfortunately, employee benefits, which are paid directly to the student from employers or organizations outside of Tufts University, cannot be considered as grounds for deferred payment.

Military Education Benefits

How do I apply for military education benefits?

To begin the process of applying for eligible military education benefits, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. For more information specific to Fletcher on military benefits, please refer to our Veteran's Benefits information.

Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018: In compliance with S2248 PL 115-407 Section 103, veterans and eligible dependents who have notified Tufts that they are using VA educational benefits such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill will not be imposed a late fee, be denied access to facilities, or receive another penalty due to a late payment of tuition and/or fees from the VA directly to Tufts. This applies if payments have not been received within 90 days of the beginning of the term and applies only to the amount of the expected VA payment.

What documents are required to process military education benefits?

Visit the VA website to complete the Education Benefits Application, which generates a request for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Once approved for benefits, the VA will mail the COE to you within 6–8 weeks from submitting the application.

What is the difference between active and non-active duty?

A person who is active duty is in the military full time and is not currently eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP). Non-active duty is someone who is not currently serving or no longer serving in any capacity of military service of the United states and is eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program if their Certificate of Eligibility indicated they are eligible for 100% of the benefit.

What are the eligibility factors for the Post-9/11 GI bill?

You are potentially eligible for this VA-administered program if you have at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after September 10, 2001, and are still on active duty, or if you are an honorably discharged Veteran or were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. Learn more about the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

What are the current tuition and fee payment rate and the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)?

The tuition and fee payment rate and the MHA are determined at the beginning of each military academic year on August 1. The current rate table is located on the Education and Training page of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs site.

What is the Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP)?

The Yellow Ribbon program allows degree-granting private colleges and universities in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the annual maximum cap for the resident tuition and fees at public institutions. Veterans who are utilizing Post-9/11 GI Benefits and who are entitled to 100% of their benefit may be eligible. To participate in the Yellow Ribbon program, you must be using Post-9/11 GI benefits at 100% eligibility, not on active duty, and not a military spouse. Learn more about the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Does Tufts University participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP)?

Yes, Tufts will award up to $5000 in Yellow Ribbon benefits per year, which will be matched by the VA.

Will I receive credit for my military benefits on my tuition bill?

After receiving the certifying information, the VA will transfer the educational benefit directly to your Tufts account. It will be listed as "VA BENEFIT" on your account. If you are eligible to receive the Yellow Ribbon award, it will be listed as a "Fletcher Scholarship."

Who can I contact at Tufts for questions about using Military Education Benefits?

Please contact your admissions counselor to be put in touch with Fletcher’s VA School Certifying Official.

Billing Policies & Payment Options

When will I receive a tuition bill and when is payment due?

You will receive an e-mail notice whenever a Tufts eBill is posted. The Summer eBill statement is released in early April with an early May due date, the Fall eBill statement is released in early July with an early May due date, and the Spring eBill statement is released in early November with an early December due date.

How do I view my bill?

To view your bill, please follow the steps below:

  1. Log in to your SIS account
  2. Click on the "Bills & Balances" tab
  3. Select "My eBill" or "Make Payment"

Note: your eBill is a snapshot at a point in time. You can see live account information through your SIS portal.

How do I pay my bill?

In addition to federal and private loans, you can pay your bill through the following methods:

  • Electronic payment (from a savings or checking account) through your eBill (preferred method)
  • A check mailed to Tufts University, Office of the Bursar, P.O. Box 3475, Boston, MA 02241-3475. Scholarship and third party checks should be mailed to Tufts University, Dowling Hall, Student Financial Services, 419 Boston Ave, Medford, MA 02155.
  • A monthly payment plan offered by Cashnet. There are 4 monthly payments per semester (Fall: July 15 – October 15, Spring: November 15 – February 15, Summer: March 15 – June 15).
  • Wire transfers through Flywire
  • Federal student loans (see section on Types of Financial Aid)
  • Private education loans (see section on Private Education Loans)

Note: Tufts does not accept credit card payments.

Does Tufts offer payment plan options for this online program?

As an alternative to or in addition to borrowing funds, you may choose to participate in the monthly payment plan administered by Cashnet. Under this plan, you may disperse all or a portion of your semester tuition over four monthly installments. Fall semester payments are made from July 15 – October 15 (deadline to enroll is 8/15). Spring semester payments are made from November 15 – February 15 (deadline to enroll is 12/15). Summer semester payments are made from March 15 – June 15 (deadline to enroll is 4/15). The monthly payment plan has a small enrollment fee, but no interest charges. To enroll, go to Cashnet.

What are the consequences if my bill is not paid by the bill due date?

To remain in good standing with Tufts, you must pay your balance by the bill due date. Payments not made by the due date will be subject to account holds (which may prevent you from adjusting your course registration and/or using the university's services) and monthly late fees.

Can I borrow additional funds for books and/or living expenses?

Yes, you can borrow additional funds in excess of your charges at Tufts to cover books and/or other living expenses. If you have financial aid in excess of your charges, you can request a refund through your SIS account. We encourage you to sign up for BankMobile (through SIS), a company Tufts has partnered with that will transfer your refund into your bank account of choice. If you do not enroll for BankMobile, a check will be mailed to you (may take up to 21 days to be processed).

Refunds will not be available until after the add/drop period, so you may need to plan in advance for any out-of-pocket expenses such as books, living expenses and/or immersion fees.

How can I request a refund?

You can request a refund by:

  1. Logging into your SIS account
  2. Clicking on the "Bills & Balances" tab
  3. Choosing whether or not to give Title IV Authorization (recommended)
  4. Selecting "Request a Refund"

What is the Title IV Authorization?

Federal regulations require that we refund to you all federal aid in excess of allowable charges (tuition and mandatory fees). By completing the Title IV Authorization, we can apply your federal aid to all of your charges, such as medical insurance, parking fines and other miscellaneous charges. It will help prevent outstanding balances from remaining on your account after a refund is processed. We recommend students complete the Title IV Authorization by the bill due date of their first semester of enrollment; the authorization does not need to be completed every semester.

Loan Repayment

Do I have to repay my student loans while I am in school?

You can defer payment on your federal students loans if you are enrolled at least half-time. Your Unsubsidized Loan will go into repayment six months after you graduate, fall below half-time status, take a leave of absence or withdraw from the program. Most private loans also have deferred payment options while you are in school; however, you will want to check with your loan servicer.

You should be aware that although you can defer payments while you are in school, interest will still accrue on your loan(s).

When do I have to repay my loan?

After you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment, you will have a six-month grace period before you are required to begin repayment. During this period you will receive repayment information from your loan servicer and you will be notified of your first payment due date. Payments are usually due monthly. You are not required to pay while in school (although interest will accrue); however, if you choose to, there is no penalty to prepay. Learn more about repayment timelines.

What are the repayment plan options and how do I select one?

The Department of Education (DOE) offers multiple options for repayment. You may visit the DOE website for more information on loan repayment plans.

Is there a repayment calculator or estimator that I can use?

Yes, visit the DOE website for repayment calculators.

Can I consolidate my graduate loans and my undergraduate loans?

A Direct Consolidation Loan allows you to consolidate (combine) multiple federal education loans into one loan including both graduate and undergraduate loans. The result is a single monthly payment instead of multiple payments. Learn more about loan consolidation.

What loan repayment forgiveness or assistance programs are available?

In certain circumstances, all or a portion of a borrower’s federal student loans may be forgiven under the federal government’s loan forgiveness programs. Please review the Department of Education website for more information on federal loan forgiveness programs.

Tufts University and The Fletcher School are pleased to offer the Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) to Tufts alum. Each year the LRAP Program offers financial awards to Tufts graduates who have educational loans through Tufts and are employed full time by a public sector or nonprofit organization. The purpose of the LRAP Program is to encourage and enable Tufts graduates to pursue careers in public service by reducing the extent to which their educational debt is a barrier to working in comparatively low-salaried jobs in the nonprofit and public sectors. LRAP should not be confused with loan forgiveness, as award amounts are made to assist in the repayment of a portion of the award recipient’s annual loan payments.

Tax Benefits for Education

How do I qualify for a tuition tax credit?

For details on tax benefits for education, see IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Higher Education, which provides detailed information. Tufts University is unable to provide tax advice. We urge you to contact your tax advisor or the IRS at 800-829-1040 or on the IRS website if you have any questions regarding the HOPE or Lifetime Learning Tax Credits.

What is the 1098-T Form?

It is an informational form filed with the Internal Revenue Service to report the amounts billed to you for qualified tuition, related expenses, and other related information. The primary purpose of the IRS Form 1098‐T is to inform you that we have provided this required information to the IRS.

What information is included in the 1098-T Form?

Form 1098-T reports amounts paid for qualified tuition, scholarship and grants processed in 2018 to students enrolled in courses at Tufts for which they receive academic credit. The information reported on the 1098-T form helps students evaluate whether he or she is eligible for an educational tax credit.

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding the costs of the program, financial aid or your options to pay, our contact information is below:

Email: gradfinaid@tufts.edu
Telephone: +1-617-627-2000
Fax: 617-627-3987

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