Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition & Expenses
Below are estimated tuition expenses for the current academic year. With the exception of tuition and fees, figures are estimates and subject to change.
| 2009-2010 Academic Year |
| Annual Expenses* |
Iowa Residents |
Out-of-state Residents |
| Tuition |
$16,244 |
$29,808 |
| University Fees |
$861 |
$861 |
| Leadership, Ethics & Professionalism Fee |
$450 |
$450 |
| Living Expenses (estimated)* |
$14,430 |
$14,430 |
| Books & Supplies |
$2,200 |
$2,200 |
Sources: Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 Tuition and Mandatory Fee Table, UI Office of Student Financial Aid
* Costs vary for international students. Living expenses reflect the estimated annual student costs of housing, transportation, food, and other personal expenses based on federal financial aid guidelines (family expenses not included), according to the UI Office of Student Financial Aid.
Return on Investment
A Tippie MBA pays for itself in just 3.3 years, the second-fastest payback of all U.S. MBA programs according to BusinessWeek's latest rankings. Forbes ranked Tippie 5th for fastest payback in 2009, second only to Ivy League schools like Cornell, Harvard, and Dartmouth. Add in the fact that more than 60% of Tippie students receive financial aid, and a Tippie MBA is an even smarter investment.
Financial Aid
Tippie offers scholarships and assistantships to more than half of enrolled students every year. Our average merit-based financial aid award is 103% of the cost of in-state tuition. Awards are based on the same criteria used for admission: work experience, leadership skills, academic ability, and overall fit with the Tippie program.
All applicants are automatically considered for financial aid, and there is no additional application for these awards. For full consideration, candidates should apply before the priority deadline.
Find out more about financial aid for international students on the International Applicants page.
Scholarships
The Tippie MBA scholarships are funded by alumni and friends of The University of Iowa to attract outstanding students who will enhance the class and the program as a whole. In recent years, the average scholarship totaled between $5,000 and $8,000. Those who apply before the priority deadline are automatically considered for scholarships.
Graduate Assistantships
Assistantships are two-year awards funded by the University to attract the best candidates and to provide support in fulfilling the UI's mission. Graduate assistants (GAs) work 10 hours per week for a department within the Tippie College of Business or the University as a whole with responsibilities ranging from assisting faculty with cutting-edge research to event coordination and alumni outreach.
In return, students receive a salary of just over $8,200, resident tuition status for out-of-state residents (a savings of over $13,500 per year), and a significant contribution toward health and dental insurance. Applicants are automatically considered for graduate assistantships at the time they apply.
Other Financial Aid Opportunities
Additional need-based financial aid, including student loans, is available for U.S. citizens through the UI's Office of Student Financial Aid. Additional financial aid information for international students is available through the Office of Student Financial Aid and the Graduate College.
"Financing Your B-School Degree" on MBA.com includes helpful information on many different funding sources and computing the amount of money you need to borrow.
Other Costs of Living
Cost of Living Index
| Ann Arbor, MI |
100 |
| Madison, WI |
100 |
| Chicago, IL |
113 |
| State College, PA |
100 |
| Columbus, OH |
94 |
| Bloomington, IN |
100 |
| Los Angeles, CA |
142 |
| San Francisco, CA |
137 |
According to Kiplinger's nationwide cost of living index, Iowa City's cost of living index is 6% below the national average.
Iowa City's cost of living compares favorably with other cities that boast Big Ten universities. For residents relocating from some of the nation's largest cities, a pleasant surprise is in store when they find their money goes a bit further in a convenient setting like Iowa City.
100 = national average
93 = Iowa City
Visit our Child Care & Health Insurance page for details on the cost of day care in Iowa City and the insurance plans available to Tippie MBA students.
"I was looking for a school that could help me switch from a military and professional pilot background to a career in the banking/finance industry, while offering a strong return on investment. I chose Tippie because it's one of the 'best buy' MBA programs that consistently ranks among the Top 50 B-schools. Tippie also gave me the solid finance foundation I needed to enter the investment management profession."
Michael Albert
Senior Credit Analyst, Voyageur Asset Management
MBA '98
