Fund Your Future in Public Policy
Most MSPP&D students fund their degree through educational loans, employer support and military benefits.
2026-27 Tuition & Fees
-
All students $1,562/credit hour Most courses are three credits
The MSPP&D requires 31 credits total. At current rates, that’s an estimated $48,422 for tuition and fees over the full program — the same whether you complete it full-time (12 months) or part-time.
About MSPP&D Funding
Graduate study is a significant investment in your personal and professional future. Because the MSPP&D is a primarily online program – with brief in-person sessions at the UVA Northern Virginia campus for orientation and the capstone – most students’ costs center on tuition and fees rather than relocation or full-time housing.
Batten does not currently offer institutional fellowships, need-based aid, or assistantships for MSPP&D students. Most students fund their degree through educational loans, employer tuition support, and/or education benefits associated with military service. Because the MSPP&D is a degree-granting program, it is eligible for federal financial aid. How much aid you can access, though, depends on how many credits you take each term. See Loans below for details.
Funding Options
-
LOANSEducational Loans
As a degree program, the MSPP&D is eligible for federal financial aid. Federal Direct Loans are available to students enrolled at least half-time (6 credits in fall/spring, 3 credits in summer); the annual loan amount is prorated for students enrolled less than full-time. Apply via FAFSA (UVA school code: 003745). Private loans can help cover any remaining cost, including for terms below half-time enrollment.
-
EMPLOYER SUPPORTEmployer Tuition Support
Many MSPP&D students are working professionals. Check with your employer about tuition reimbursement or professional development funding. UVA employees can also apply the University’s Education Benefit (up to $5,250/year) toward MSPP&D coursework; contact UVA HR for eligibility and reimbursement details. Note that your initial bill will reflect standard tuition; the discount applies after registration.
-
MILITARYMilitary Benefits
Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months of benefits and can transfer to eligible family members. Consult your Education Services Officer (ESO) and review:
- Military Tuition Assistance: for active-duty service members
- GI Bill: for veterans
For UVA-specific questions, contact the University’s Veterans’ Affairs Coordinator.
Aid Details
Federal Direct Loans: As a degree-granting program, the MSPP&D qualifies for federal financial aid. To receive federal aid in a given term, you must be enrolled at least half-time: six credits in fall or spring, or three credits in summer. Full-time enrollment in the MSPP&D is nine credits per term in fall and spring. If you’re enrolled less than full-time, your annual Direct Unsubsidized Loan amount (up to $20,500/year at full-time enrollment) is prorated based on your credits for the year as a share of the full-time total. Apply via FAFSA (UVA school code: 003745); entrance counseling is required for first-time borrowers. Because your loan amount depends on your specific term-by-term course plan, contact Student Financial Services for a personalized estimate.
Private Loans: Can help cover costs not met by federal aid, including for any term when you’re enrolled below half-time, since federal aid isn’t available for those terms. Some private lenders will also work with students enrolled less than half-time. Explore options via UVA’s Private Education Loans & Preferred Lenders.
Check with your employer about tuition reimbursement or professional development funding. Full-time UVA employees taking on-Grounds courses are eligible for a per-course discount. The education benefit from UVA HR can cover up to $5,250 per calendar year. Contact UHR for eligibility and reimbursement details. Note that the initial bill will reflect standard tuition — the discount is applied after registration.
Educational benefits are available for veterans, family members of veterans, and active duty military personnel. The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible service members and veterans who have served at least 90 days on active duty since September 10, 2001. Benefits are tiered based on active duty service and can be transferred to a spouse or dependent.
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.