Online Business Programs Tuition and Financial Aid

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Eligible graduate students can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal student aid. Students should submit a FAFSA for each academic year they plan to enroll.

Santa Clara University's FAFSA school code: 001326

Applicants may need tax and financial information to complete the FAFSA. The IRS Direct Data Exchange (or applicable IRS data-sharing tools) may help streamline the application process and improve data accuracy.

Important 2026-2027 federal loan update:

Beginning July 1, 2026, Graduate PLUS Loans are eliminated for new graduate and professional student borrowers. New graduate borrowers are limited to Direct Unsubsidized Loan limits of $20,500 per year and a $100,000 graduate aggregate cap, excluding undergraduate debt, with a $257,500 lifetime federal borrowing cap.

Federal and state aid is generally available only to U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. International students should review private loan and external scholarship options.

Questions? Contact SCU One Stop at +1 408-551-1000 or onestop@scu.edu.

Additional resources:

SCU Financial Aid
SCU Federal Loan Changes
SCU Graduate FAQ

Santa Clara University and the Leavey School of Business may offer scholarships, fellowships, or grants to help students fund their graduate education. Graduate school scholarships are determined by the graduate school rather than the Financial Aid Office.

Grants are awarded to students on the basis of financial need as determined by the FAFSA and other defined criteria.

The Leavey School of Business offers merit-based scholarships of up to $5,000 to exceptional Online MBA and MSBA applicants. Scholarship funds are awarded after acceptance; a separate scholarship application is not required.

The $100 online application fee is waived for SCU Alumni Pathway applicants and for veterans and active-duty military applicants. Eligible SCU alumni may also qualify for the Alumni Expedited Pathway.

Additional resources:
Graduate Aid Programs
SCU Scholarships and Financial Support

In addition to pursuing institutional and federal aid, students are encouraged to explore external scholarships and grants that can help support educational expenses.

SCU maintains a list of private and outside scholarships that any student may review and apply for. These awards are not reviewed, granted, or funded by Santa Clara University, so students should read each sponsor's eligibility rules, restrictions, deadlines, and funding details carefully.

Scholarship searches should be free. Students should be cautious with any outside agency that requests payment to search or apply for scholarships.

Students can look for opportunities through employers, unions, professional associations, affinity groups, civic organizations, chambers of commerce, community foundations, and special-interest organizations.

International students can also review resources such as the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund, the International Institute of Education, the Association of International Educators, and International Education Financial Aid.

Additional student support: The Student Resources page highlights CalFresh and the Office of Student Life Food Insecurity Program, which may help eligible students address grocery or basic-needs expenses.

Students who need to borrow should compare federal and private education loan options carefully and understand all borrowing and repayment responsibilities before making a decision.

SCU provides access to ELMSelect, a private-loan comparison tool showing lenders commonly used by Santa Clara graduate students.

International students may apply for private education loans with a credit-worthy U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen co-borrower. For more information regarding a lender that does not require a cosigner, visit MPower. Students should review lender terms and disclosures carefully.

Current SCU students may enroll in a term-based monthly payment plan. The plan has a $40 non-refundable enrollment fee per term/semester, requires automatic ACH payments, and does not automatically renew each term.

Students are not required to borrow from any specific lender and may choose any eligible lender. Approval, rates, and terms are determined by the lender. Any lender not listed in ELMSelect may still be eligible for certification by the institution.

Eligible military-affiliated students, veterans, active-duty service members, and dependents may qualify for education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other military assistance programs.

Santa Clara University is a Yellow Ribbon Program school for both undergraduate and graduate students and provides priority registration for veterans.

Visit Veterans Support Services for information about available benefits, eligibility requirements, and application procedures.

Many employers offer education benefits that can help offset the cost of tuition through direct payment, reimbursement, deferment, or tuition discount programs.

Students should consult with their employer to determine available benefits, eligibility requirements, and application procedures.

Program Option	How to Apply	Eligibility Requirements
Employer Pays Institution Directly	Ask HR/Benefits whether direct billing, voucher, or third-party sponsorship is available. Coordinate timing with SCU One Stop or the Bursar before tuition deadlines.	Employer-specific. Common requirements include active employee status, manager approval, degree relevance, and remaining in good standing at work and in the program.
Employer Reimbursement or Deferment Program	Confirm reimbursement steps before the term begins. Students may need to pay SCU first, use the SCU payment plan, then submit grades, receipts, and proof of completion to the employer.	Employer-specific. Common requirements include minimum grade, successful course completion, eligible courses/program, annual reimbursement cap, and possible work commitment after reimbursement.
Employer Tuition Discount	Ask HR whether the employer has a tuition discount, preferred education provider, or partnership benefit. Contact an admissions outreach advisor if a partnership must be verified.	Employer-specific. Usually requires proof of employment, admission to an eligible program, and continued enrollment/employee status.