Tuition overview
Tuition and fees
| Cost per credit hour | $1,000 |
| Total credits | 36 |
| Total tuition* | $36,000 |
| Student deposit | $300 |
| Immersion fee | $350 |
| Distance learning fee** | $100 per credit hour |
*Tuition and fees are subject to change.
**The distance learning fee is not included in the total tuition price and will be added to each course per credit hour.
Tuition and fees do not include the cost of textbooks and materials, which vary by course. Students are provided with a list of required textbooks and materials upon registration.
Financial aid options
City of Dallas employees can receive a
20%
tuition reduction
On their online M.P.A., M.P.P., or M.H.A.
HCSC employees can receive a
20%
tuition reduction
On their online M.P.A., M.P.P., or M.H.A.
SMU alumni and faculty/staff can receive a
10%
tuition reduction
On their online M.P.A., M.P.P., or M.H.A.
Request information
To download a program brochure and learn more about the Master of Healthcare Administration, Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy programs offered by SMU, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 469-871-6018.
Students enrolled in SMU’s online M.H.A., M.P.A. or M.P.P. are encouraged to request federal and state financial aid by completing their FAFSA.
SMU’s FAFSA code is 003613
Please visit our One Big Beautiful Bill Act Updates webpage for information pertaining to changes in the federal student loan programs that will be effective July 1, 2026, for the 2026-2027 award year and forward.
For information about funding your graduate education, contact SMU’s Student Financial Services at GradFinAid@SMU.edu or 214-768-3417.
Graduate or Professional Student Maximum Annual Loan Limit:
$20,500
in Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
Graduate students are able to have their loan amounts adjusted should they enroll in full-time status. To be considered full-time, students must be enrolled in at least 9 or more credit hours.
*Note: students maintain financial aid eligibility by enrolling in 4+ credit hours (at least 2 courses = 6 hours) maintains your financial aid eligibility.
For more detailed information, visit www.studentaid.gov.
*This guidance aims to provide students with information about their loan options, which may be subject to change by the US Department of Education (ED).
SMU has partnered with ELMSelect to offer a tool that will help students and families identify private lenders. The tool allows you to select lenders that specialize in your area of study, and to compare rates and conditions in order to select the loan product that best fits your needs.
U.S. military veterans may be eligible for various benefits through the GI Bill®. For the most comprehensive description, eligibility requirements and benefit information, please visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website.
Yellow Ribbon Program
SMU is proud to be a part of the Yellow Ribbon Program, an educational enhancement program that provides scholarship assistance to US veterans.
The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program is part of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. It allows U.S. institutions to partner with the VA to cover tuition expenses that exceed the annual private school tuition cap.
- Institutions may contribute up to 50% of the additional tuition costs, and the VA matches that amount.
- Scholarships, grants or other aid (excluding loans and Title IV funds) are deducted from the tuition/fees before submitting the remaining amount to the VA for certification.
- Dependents of eligible veterans qualified for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®*. For more information, please visit the US Department of Veterans Affairs website.
Employer tuition reimbursement
Many workplaces provide tuition reimbursement. We encourage you to explore financial options through your current employer.
Workplace discounts
Through the SMU Moody School partnership with AllCampus, eligible students whose employers are part of the AllCampus Workplace receive a 10% tuition discount.
Receive a 10% Tuition Discount
The AllCampus Workplace Network offers exclusive tuition reductions and scholarships to support working professionals.
Our enrollment specialists are here to help you understand if a discount is available. To learn more, email publicadmin@smu.edu or call 469-871-6018.
Payment options
Payment plans
SMU offers payment plans for fall and spring terms to help manage tuition costs. These plans allow you to pay your tuition charges in monthly, interest-free installments.
Resources
Financial aid office contact info
For information about funding your graduate education, contact SMU’s Student Financial Services at GradFinAid@SMU.edu or 214-768-3417.
Frequently asked questions
SMU offers payment plans for fall, spring, and summer terms to help manage tuition costs. These plans allow you to pay your tuition charges in monthly, interest-free installments.
Yes. Re-enrollment is required each term to continue with a payment plan. You cannot add an open balance from a previous term to a current payment plan.
Contact the Mane Desk at 214-768-5555 or email manedesk@smu.edu.
