GRADUATE COST AND FINANCIAL AID

Financial aid for graduate school makes a Mercyhurst degree affordable. Our per-credit cost is competitive with other programs in the region, and we don’t stop there. 

At Mercyhurst, we offer graduate financial aid that reduces the cost of graduate school and puts your degree within reach. We’re committed to providing the best value for your graduate tuition and connecting you with financial aid including loans, institutional aid, corporate partner rates, and employer programs. Our team is dedicated to providing resources and one-to-one support to ensure you get the best return on your investment. 

Graduate School at Mercyhurst

The per-credit and graduate school tuition costs below are based on the 2023-24 academic year. Program totals are estimates based on full-time enrollment over the minimum length of the program and include tuition and anticipated fees. Actual totals may vary based on number of credits taken, number of online courses taken, and annual tuition and fee increases.

*Also includes Autism graduate certificate (four courses) and ABA graduate certificate (six courses).
^Special tuition rate available for Mercyhurst alumni, Pennsylvania teachers, and U.S. veterans.

Graduate School Financial Aid Options

Many applicants choose a program and school based on affordability. We believe the cost of a Mercyhurst graduate degree is within reach for everyone.. With financial aid opportunities available to all applicants — including alumni, veterans, international students, and corporate partner employees — now's the time to invest in yourself!

Graduate Assistantships/Employment

Several dozen on-campus Graduate Assistantship (GA) and Graduate Employment (GE) positions are available. GAs receive a full or partial waiver of tuition and a stipend in return for working a minimum of 20 hours per week during the academic year, while GEs earn up to $9,000 annually, paid bi-weekly throughout the academic year. To be eligible, participants:

• Must be admitted into a graduate program. Physician Assistant Studies and Athletic Training students are not eligible to participate in the GA program, due to their academic programs’ time requirements.

• Must have a GA/GE application on file with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions. 

• Cannot receive additional institutional aid (including athletic scholarships)

• Cannot have another on-campus job.

The awarding of a GA position is not need-based, and is an extremely competitive process based on the positions available and the skills required. Qualified students not awarded a GA position can be offered a GE opportunity. GA candidates are selected by an area supervisor and are not assigned by the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions. 

• Athletics
• Residence Life
• Student Life
• Academic Departments

Both GA and GE positions are considered annual awards of graduate school financial aid. Positions can be cut and/or reclassified for the following year. There is no guarantee that participants will be awarded a GA or GE position in their second year.

Veterans Benefits

Mercyhurst is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program and is designated a Purple Heart University. Visit our Veterans Benefits webpage to learn about graduate school financial aid for veterans and the services available to veterans and their spouses and dependents.

Employer Reimbursement/Tuition Deferment Program

In addition to financial aid for graduate school, Mercyhurst offers flexibility when your employer offers a tuition reimbursement program. You can enroll in the Employer Reimbursement/Tuition Deferment Program by completing the enrollment form once you confirm your enrollment and receive your Mercyhurst username and password. The program allows your account balance to be deferred until 45 days after the end of the term. 

Special Tuition Rates

We offer special tuition rates to Mercyhurst alumni, veterans, and school teachers employed in Pennsylvania that reduce the cost of the Applied Intelligence, Criminal Justice Administration, Cyber Security, Data Science, and Special Education and Applied Disability Studies graduate programs.

Federal Direct Loans

If you are enrolled in at least six graduate credits per semester, you are eligible for Direct Unsubsidized Loans. These loans are not need-based.

To apply for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you must first submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If this is your first time receiving a Direct Loan at Mercyhurst, you’ll complete entrance counseling to ensure you understand your obligation to repay the loan. You'll also need to sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN), agreeing to the terms of the loan. The annual loan limit for graduate students is $20,500 — more than enough, in most cases, to cover your tuition and fee expenses for a given academic year.

Direct Graduate PLUS Loans

This program is available to graduate students enrolled at least half-time, who are in need of funding beyond the Direct unsubsidized loan. To apply for a Direct Graduate PLUS loan, applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Master Promissory Note (MPN), and Entrance Counseling. Eligibility is determined based on an applicant’s credit history. Repayment begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed, but it will be placed on deferment if a student is enrolled at least half-time and for six months after graduation. Direct Graduate PLUS Loans are primarily borrowed by Physician Assistant Studies students. 

Alternative Student Loans

If you need additional loans for graduate tuition and fees, particularly in the Physician Assistant Studies program, or hope to borrow additional money to help with living expenses, visit the ELMSelect website for alternative student loan options.