Financing Your Education
We are committed to helping our alumni begin their public leadership careers with minimal student debt.
Estimated Tuition
The estimated cost of the full-time MA in Public Leadership program is $1735 per unit for the 2026-2027 academic year, with a minimum of 12 units required to be completed each academic year.
Students typically take an average of 18 units in the first academic year of the year-round program and 14 units in the second academic year. A total of 32 units are required for the degree.
The total estimated tuition cost of the program is $55,520. Tuition costs and other fees are subject to adjustment annually. See the full cost of attendance (used for U.S. federal student aid calculation). Program fees are subject to adjustment annually and tuition does not include travel expenses for the in-person intersession weekends.
See the full cost of attendance (used for U.S. federal student aid calculation). Please contact Madeline Meininger to discuss the specifics of the program.
Scholarship Opportunities
Public Leadership Scholarship
We award a limited number of merit-based scholarships to incoming students. These scholarships do not require a separate application; all applicants are considered during the admission decision process.
Newmark Fellows
Since the inaugural cohort started the program in 2018, more than three dozen students have received support through the Newmark Fellowship program, made possible by the generous support of the Craig Newmark Foundation.
Each of these students are veterans or military family members with a proven track record of service who are seeking to continue that service in their communities. All applicants for the MA in Public Leadership program who meet the service criteria are automatically considered for the Newmark Fellowship.
Double Dons Scholarship
USF Alumni and current students can be awarded the USF Double Dons Scholarship upon admission. The scholarship covers 20% of the program tuition, and may not be stacked with other USF scholarship awards. Exceptions may apply.
Utilize Veteran Education Benefits
Qualified veterans can receive full tuition reimbursement through a combination of GI Bill®* and Yellow Ribbon Program funding.**
*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official US government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill
**Based on current Post-9/11 (Ch. 33), Yellow Ribbon Program, and USF Tuition levels, which are subject to change.