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Cost and Financing

Financing Your MBA

 
There are numerous ways to financially support your next phase of development. You can take advantage of various financing opportunities through loans, fellowships, tax benefits, and company sponsorship.
 

Federal Loans &
Private Loans

Fellowships
 

Company
Sponsorship

Potential Tax Benefits

The Post 9/11 GI Bill®

Watch: How to Finance Your UCLA Executive MBA
 

Student Charges and Fees

 
Payment Amount
Non-Refundable Application Fee: $200
Non-Refundable Admission Enrollment Deposit:
(Counts towards the first installment in year 1)		 $2,500
EMBA Program Fees for Year One  $91,776*
EMBA Program Fees for Year Two  $91,776*

*NOTE: Annual program fees listed are for the current Class of 2025, with a total program cost of $183,552. The incoming Class of 2026 (starting Fall 2024) program fees are not confirmed until early Summer 2024, but may increase by approximately 5%. 

Student charges are paid over quarterly installments based on the following schedule.

Projected Installment Payment Plan

  • Year One Installments: August, December, March, and June (the annual program fee is evenly split across four quarters, the $2,500 enrollment deposit is applied as a credit to the August installment)  
  • Year Two Installments: September, December, and March (the annual program fee is evenly split across 3 quarters)

Items Covered by the Program Fees

Executive MBA students pay a set inclusive program fee, including tuition for courses, mandatory fees, and academic costs (books, technology, meals, lodging on/off-campus). The Executive MBA program academic fee is mandatory for each student, there may be limited items you can opt out of for a small credit (ex: some nights of lodging and books).  

All university and Executive MBA program policies and fees are subject to change each year (annual fee contracts are sent to students in early Summer).  Student charges and education fees are subject to change at any time.

Partners and family members may accompany students on the required International Business Residential and optional international electives at their own expense. 

Additional Expenses

Students are responsible for all fees and/or fines assessed by the University or the Executive MBA program (The following expenses that are not included in the Executive MBA program fee):

  1. Students are responsible for obtaining a laptop that meets Anderson’s required specifications.
  2. Students are responsible for purchasing UCLA campus parking permits (UCLA Anderson staff will facilitate the parking permit purchase). The EMBA program fees do not cover the cost of parking. Parking spaces are allocated for all EMBA students for the regular quarter. UCLA parking services will notify you when parking registration is available in the Summer before the program begins.
  3. The EMBA program offers optional programs or courses (e.g., international studies and exchange opportunities) that will require students to incur additional expenses. These fees are non-reimbursable.

  4. Executive MBA students are responsible for airfare and all travel costs incurred in conjunction with attending classes at UCLA Anderson (lodging is provided for the one-week Opening Residential and during the school year during class weekends - the number of nights covered varies based on the student's selected schedule). Students will need to cover airfare only for the required International Business Residential (lodging and most meals provided).

  5. Students are provided a fixed research budget for the Capstone Thesis (SMR or BCP) project, there may be some travel or additional costs incurred outside of this budget.

  6. If students choose to enroll in a non-EMBA class they are responsible for the cost of all course materials.

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UCLA Anderson makes every effort to disclose Executive MBA program financial information for prospective students fully. Because the program offers new educational opportunities on a quarterly and annual basis, we cannot provide a complete list of costs/expenses not covered by the annual fees. Explore our loan options to cover expenses beyond academic fees. 

Federal and Private Loans
 
The most common form of financial assistance students utilize is federal and private loans. In fact, approximately 40% of your classmates will use loans to fund their Executive MBA. 

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

  • Must Be a US citizen or Permanent Resident
  • 7.05% fixed interest rate for 2023-24; 1.057% origination fee
  • The annual loan limit $20,500
  • Repayment begins six months after the student graduates or drops below half-time enrollment (4 units) 
  • The standard repayment term is 10 years
  • Flexible repayment options such as income-based repayment
  • Loan forgiveness program
  • Credit check is not required
  • No prepayment penalty 

Learn More

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

  • Must be a US citizen or Permanent Resident
  • 8.05% fixed interest rate for 2023-24; 4.228% origination fee
  • Requires a credit check
  • Students can borrow up to the cost of education minus other financial aid
  • Repayment begins six months after the student graduates or drops below half-time enrollment (4 units) 
  • The standard repayment term is 10 years.
  • Flexible repayment options such as income-based repayment 
  • Loan forgiveness program
  • Credit check required
  • No prepayment penalty 

Learn More

Private Lenders

View a list of private lenders previously used by Anderson students

Private Lenders

Private Loan Guide

Obtain more information about private loans

Private Loan Guide

View a list of lenders that are set up in our database

Preferred Private Lender List

uc code of CONDUCT FOR Preferred Lender ARRANGEMENT

  • Federal direct loans are available to most student regardless of income. Other qualification criteria do apply; for additional information, please visit http://studentaid.gov/eligibility.  Federal loans offer flexible repayment options and loan forgiveness options.
  • Private student loan lenders can offer variable interest rates that can increase or decrease over time, depending on market conditions.
  • The interest rate on a private loan may depend on the borrower’s and/or co-signer's credit rating.
  • Private student loans have a range of interest rates and fees and students should determine the interest rate and any fees associated with the private student loan before accepting the loan. Students should contact the lender of the private loan or the Financial Aid Office if they have questions about a private student loan.

Note: If you are considering a loan to finance your MBA, please keep in mind the Cost of Attendance. The program fees for 2023-2024 (fall/winter/spring/summer) are $91,776. Items covered by the program fees include registration, student charges, books, software supplies, meals, and housing for on/off-campus residential. The 2023-2024 student budget includes the following expenses with the corresponding maximum loan credit: Food/Housing: $31,753, Transportation: $4,217, Personal: $3,552, and Loan Fees: $2,490. The total cost of attendance is $133,788.

Have Loan Questions? Contact Eunice!

 
Advancing your career begins with financing your MBA. A dedicated financial aid office works exclusively to meet your financing needs and provide you with multiple loan options. For questions related to fellowships, fee contracts, or tuition payments, please contact the EMBA admissions office directly.

"Congratulations on your admission to the UCLA Anderson Executive MBA program! Now that you are admitted, please read the comprehensive financial aid guide below and email me to set up a time to connect. I am happy to help answer any specific financial aid questions based on your financial needs and offer guidance in funding your MBA."

- Eunice Cho
Associate Director of Financial Aid

Connect with Eunice Cho
Financial Aid Guide for Loans

Fellowships

 
All UCLA Anderson Executive MBA program applicants are automatically considered and evaluated for a fellowship; there is no separate application required. We conduct a holistic review of all applicants and notify fellowship recipients at the time of admission. We offer limited fellowships to approximately 10% of our incoming students.

The UCLA Anderson EMBA Dean’s Fellowship is awarded to new admits on their admission application's strength. All UCLA Anderson Executive MBA program applicants are automatically considered and evaluated for a fellowship; no separate application is required. We conduct a holistic review of all applicants and notify fellowship recipients at the time of admission. We offer limited fellowships to approximately 10% of our incoming students. Applying before Round 3 increases your fellowship opportunity, but all applicants are considered for a fellowship regardless of when the application is submitted. Fellowship recipients will be notified of their award at the same time admission offers are released. Fellowship availability, eligibility, and awards are subject to change without notice.

If you have NEW information regarding your candidacy (not included in your application) and you want to be reconsidered for a fellowship you can submit a Fellowship Appeal Form and your appeal will be  evaluated by the UCLA Admission and Faculty Committees.  Your fellowship appeal must be received before your decision date published on your admission offer. We'll reach out to you with a decision and update your appeal status within 3-4 weeks of submitting the form. 

UCLA staff and faculty who enroll in the Executive MBA program may be eligible for the UCLA Staff Fellowship. The total fellowship award amount is $20,000. Please contact EMBA Admissions for further eligibility requirements and more information. Fellowship recipients will be notified of their award at the same time admission offers are released. Fellowship availability, eligibility, and awards are subject to change without notice.  

As a fellowship recipient, you can also take advantage of the opportunity to be named a Forté Fellow. Please note: this is a naming recognition, not an additional fellowship. The purpose of this opportunity is to recognize those who are committed to the advancement of women in business careers. UCLA Anderson has partnered with the Forté organization to help pave the way to success and inclusion for future generations of women worldwide. If awarded a UCLA Anderson Executive MBA Dean's Fellowship, you will have the opportunity to please submit a brief statement detailing your past efforts that relate to the mission and vision of either (or both) organizations and how you will make your impact here at UCLA Anderson while a member of our community. 

Private agencies and organizations offer a variety of scholarships to MBA students. For external scholarships, please refer to the links below. UCLA Anderson has no direct affiliation with these resources, but we would like to make the latest information available to our students. Please confirm all information, especially dates and restrictions, with organizations directly.

Company Sponsorship

 
When considering how to finance your MBA, don’t overlook the possibility of your employer covering some, if not all, of the costs. Securing company sponsorship may feel intimidating, but with ample preparation and a well-thought-out plan, you may be pleasantly surprised by your company’s response. There are many reasons why a company might want to finance your MBA. You know your company best; it is up to you to convince them why financing your degree is worth their investment.

Step 1: Do Your Homework & Start Early

View Research Tips

Step 2: Craft Your Proposal

View Proposal Tips

Advice from UCLA Anderson EMBA Students

"I was asked to take on a new position, where the educational training was relevant. If a company is putting you on a career path where the degree is helpful, I think positioning this as a way for you to be more effective in the position they want you to fill is powerful because it makes it about their plans for you and not your own plans for yourself. I made a proactive case about how the education would save the company money. Before starting, I supported our external consultants in developing our company strategy, and we spent millions every year on consulting companies. Now we spend $0, and I have taken on some of their prior responsibilities, so it actually worked. Showing a return on investment is always helpful. Lastly, giving the company a say in what electives you will take shows good faith, makes them part of the process, and also would reduce any concern that the degree is a way to get some different job somewhere else."

EMBA Student

“Don’t assume your company will say no. I had no history of this being done at my company, but I still moved forward with the request. My direct boss was 100% supportive – this is critical. I had to write a business proposal, and I focused on specific projects that I could take on and how the MBA would enhance/supplement my skills. I talked about cascading some of the knowledge to the team and implementing the learnings from the MBA. This wasn’t much about the technical skills, but continuing to grow as a leader (soft skills) and ensuring that my team was growing along. The MBA benefit wasn’t just for me. I was going to make sure there was some benefit for the team, which there has been."

EMBA Student

“My company was going through an acquisition and change of leadership; the new leadership wanted me to stay with the company because I had over 10 years of experience working with the product. I was planning to get my MBA and leveraged this contract negotiation to ask my company to sponsor the degree financially. Since this wasn’t something the company had ever done before, I proactively paid a small fee to a CPA who helped me understand the best way to structure the deal and presented that information to senior leadership. The company decided to pay me a bonus that covered the cost of the program, plus the taxes. In return, I did sign a retention commitment with the company. In summary, if you know you bring unique value to your company, then definitely ask for sponsorship of your MBA and express your commitment to the company moving forward.”

EMBA Student

“I was part of a re-acquisition and company pivot. I was asked to lead a company that would be trying to shed its previous business model, and I (vaguely) understood how intense the process would be and that I needed more, new, and better skills to have a shot at success. I made attending UCLA’s Executive MBA program a requirement for accepting the role. I treated my education as a direct benefit to the company, and my advice to applicants negotiating a similar arrangement is to do the same. Two months from graduation, I can honestly say that the company has gotten more than its money’s worth already.”

EMBA Student

You may also reference our corporate brochure below: Grow and Retain Your Talent
GROW AND RETAIN YOUR TALENT BROCHURE

Potential Tax Benefits for Financing Your Executive MBA

 
Watch Associate Dean and Adjunct Professor of Accounting Gonzalo Freixes discuss how tax benefits can help pay for your MBA.

Gonzalo Freixes speaking at a podium

GI Bill

 

The Post 9/11GI Bill®, also known as the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, made changes to the GI Bill's previous version, which provided educational benefits to active duty military members and veterans. The first step toward using your GI Bill benefits is to apply for them through the VA online or in person at a regional VA office. Submit all paperwork directly to the UCLA Veteran's Office for processing. You must send all document submissions and inquiries to UCLA Certifying Official at vabenefit@saonet.ucla.edu.

Learn How To Apply For GI Bill