Like any sound investment, a graduate degree will yield positive outcomes for years to come. That’s why the Daniels College of Business is committed to helping you invest in your future and finance your degree. We recently sat down with our graduate admissions team to learn more about the various financial aid options and resources available to students.
What financial aid options are available?
Most graduate students combine several sources: Daniels merit scholarships, employer support, loans and personal savings.
Merit-based scholarships and graduate assistantships are the main forms of aid from Daniels. Both domestic and international applicants are eligible. There is no separate scholarship application. Every admitted student is considered automatically, as long as you indicate your interest in aid on your application.
In some cases, departments are also able to provide supplemental scholarships to high achieving students. Once admitted, students should reach out to the department program director for further inquiry.
How have federal loans changed?
For students starting a new graduate program on or after July 1, 2026, the federal Grad PLUS loan is no longer available. The main federal option is now the Direct Unsubsidized Loan, capped at $20,500 per year and $100,000 in total for graduate study. Students who already borrowed for their current program before that date may fall under different rules.
Federal loans still require the FAFSA, and you must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or eligible non-citizen. Because the federal limit may not cover the full cost of a program, it is worth planning the rest of your funding early. MPower Financing offers loans to both domestic and international DU students, including options without a cosigner.
The Office of Financial Aid has current loan details and can help you work through your options.
How does tuition work at Daniels?
Tuition is based on a per-credit rate set by the University of Denver, and the rate is the same whether you live in Colorado or not. Graduate programs run on a quarter system, and a standard course is four credits.
The total cost depends mostly on program length. Most specialized master’s programs can be completed in three or four quarters (9-12 months), and the MBA programs run 18-21 months. Some programs have prerequisite courses that can be waived based on prior coursework.
Current base tuition for each program is listed on the Tuition and Aid page.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes, you will be automatically evaluated for merit-based awards during the review process.
Additionally, If your employer is sponsoring your degree, you may qualify for the Corporate Matching Scholarship, a one-time match of up to $10,000. It applies to for-credit programs, including graduate certificates, MS degrees, and all MBA programs. Timing matters: you need to indicate your employer sponsorship in the application portal before you are admitted.
If your employer reimburses tuition, DU also lets you defer payment each quarter until final grades are posted. The Bursar’s Office has the details.
For veterans, Daniels partners with the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer unlimited Yellow Ribbon funding. Students with 100% GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon eligibility can have full tuition covered. Learn more about funding for military students.
What is included in a Graduate Assistantship?
These awards are granted to students with outstanding academic performance and relevant work experience. Both domestic and international candidates are eligible for Graduate Assistantships. There is no separate application process to qualify for these opportunities, as each candidate is automatically considered during the admissions process. However, please indicate in the application you are interested in consideration for a GA position.
Graduate assistantships are provided a three-credit tuition waiver per quarter and a monthly stipend. These positions are assigned in the final month before the term begins. GAs are required to work 10 hours per week for three quarters (fall, winter, spring).
What are my chances of receiving a scholarship?
We can’t predict an award before reviewing a complete application. Scholarship decisions weigh your academic record, professional experience and the overall strength of your application.
Two things help. First, apply in an earlier round when your materials are ready, since earlier applicants receive the fullest consideration. Second, if your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, we strongly recommend submitting a GMAT or GRE score. A strong score can improve your chances of both admission and a scholarship.
When will I hear about my aid?
Merit scholarships and graduate assistantships are included in your admission decision, so you will see any Daniels award when you are admitted. We are on a rolling admissions process, so our goal is to extend a decision to you within 1-2 weeks after completing your admissions interview.
Federal loans come separately from DU’s Office of Financial Aid after you file the FAFSA. File it as early as you can so your full funding picture comes together in time to make your decision.
Questions about paying for your degree?
Our team is glad to talk through costs, scholarships and financing for your specific situation. Call graduate admissions at 303-871-3416 or reach us online.