Fund Your Future in Public Policy
Most students secure funding through fellowships, assistantships, external awards, and loans.
2026-27 Tuition & Fees
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IN-STATE
$34,958
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OUT-OF-STATE
$61,170
About Graduate Funding
Graduate study is a significant investment in your personal and professional future. In addition to tuition and fees, students should plan for books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. You can review the UVA Estimated Graduate Cost of Attendance for a full breakdown.
Batten graduate degree funding falls into four broad categories (most students combine sources):
- merit fellowships
- need-based aid
- assistantships
- public and private loans
Accelerated MPP students:
In Year 1, you continue to pay undergraduate tuition to your school of enrollment.
In Year 2, you pay Batten’s graduate tuition rates above.
Dual-degree students: Degree sequencing varies by program. In each semester, you will be charged tuition and fees, and eligible scholarships, according to your school of enrollment. Contact Admissions for a personalized estimate.
Funding Options
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MERIT-BASEDMerit Fellowships
Automatically considered at admission — no separate application needed. Awarded based on multiple factors including academic achievement, leadership, and public service commitment, and extends through both years of the MPP.
Postgraduate MPP only
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NEED-BASEDNeed-based Aid
Accelerated MPP students are eligible for need-based fellowships in Year 2, when they are full-time Batten students. Students with demonstrated undergraduate financial need receive a guaranteed aid offer for Year 2 upon admission.
Accelerated MPP only
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EARNEDGraduate Teaching Assistantships
Typically offered for Year 2, Graduate Teaching Assistantships are available on a semester-by-semester basis and equal in-state tuition remission plus a stipend and health insurance subsidy.
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LOANSEducational Loans
Up to $20,500/year in Direct Loans; apply via FAFSA (UVA school code: 003745). Private loans fill in the gaps. Note: significant changes to graduate federal loans take effect July 1, 2026.
Aid Details
Merit-based fellowships are the primary means by which Batten administers financial aid to Postgraduate MPP students. No separate application is required — all admitted students are automatically considered as part of the admissions review.
Fellowships are awarded based on a variety of factors including academic achievement, leadership capabilities, quantitative proficiency, commitment to public service, and diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Batten has a range of need-based awards for Accelerated MPP students. Information about need-based aid will be provided to students in the spring of their first year, for funding in the following academic year.
GTAs provide in-state tuition remission plus a stipend and health insurance subsidy. Both Postgraduate and Accelerated MPP students may apply for GTAs during the spring of their first year, for positions beginning the following fall.
Important for out-of-state/international students: If selected as a GTA, in-state tuition remission replaces your original merit fellowship for that semester. However, if your fellowship value exceeds in-state tuition, a departmental award makes up the difference so your total support is preserved.
Federal Direct Loans: Up to $20,500/year. Apply via FAFSA (UVA code: 003745). Entrance counseling is required for first-time borrowers. Use the Federal Student Aid Repayment Estimator to plan.
Federal Work-Study: Need-based, earned through student employment. FWS funds are not credited to your account upfront — do not factor them into your initial payment plan.
2026–27 Loan Changes: Starting July 1, 2026, major changes will affect federal loans for graduate students, including the elimination of Graduate PLUS loans for entering Fall 2026 students. See UVA’s updates page and check back regularly.
Graduate students may apply for part-time roles at Batten and across UVA (max 20 hrs/week while in session). Common positions include:
- Course Assistant — assist professors with course preparation and instruction; roughly 15 hrs/week
- Graduate Grader — grade student work; hours vary by course
- Graduate Tutor — 1:1 support in quantitative coursework
- Staff Assistant — 10–20 hrs/week in Admissions, Communications, and other units
- Research Assistant — support faculty projects; availability varies by year and grant funding
Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months of benefits. Benefits can transfer to family members. To determine your eligibility and benefits package, consult your Education Services Officer (ESO) and review the resources below:
- Military Tuition Assistance — for active duty service members
- GI Bill — for veterans
For questions specific to UVA, contact the University’s Veterans’ Affairs Coordinator.
Batten matches the annual Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. If you’ve served, your merit fellowship will be no less than your annual Segal Award value.