Financial Aid and Scholarship 101

We understand that finances are a major concern for most students. The Office of Admissions has gathered the below information to help you during your decision-making process. 

Quick Links:

• Tuition and Fees from the Bursar’s Office
• Estimated Cost of Attendance
• Third-Party Funding
• Harris Financial Aid

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve already been admitted to Harris, what should I be doing now?

Great question! In addition to learning more about career opportunities through our 2019 Career Development Outcomes Report  we also encourage you to move forward with completing as much as you can of the financial aid process outside of scholarship consideration. Please view Applying for Financial Assistance section for information regarding on the next steps involved in applying for financial assistance whether you are an international or domestic student. If you have any questions about the financial aid process, please feel free to go to the Graduate Financial Aid webpage or contact harrisadmissions@uchicago.edu.

What information should I be preparing to submit to request a review of my scholarship?

Students will be required to complete a short essay explaining why they would like their scholarship reviewed. There will be an opportunity for students to submit additional information such as updated transcripts, test scores, resumes, letters of recommendation, or other scholarship offers. Admissions will provide updates in writing to scholarship requests.

I do not currently have any additional offers or updated information, but I’m very eager to have my scholarship reconsidered now. Can I instead submit two essays?

Careful consideration went into each merit-based scholarship awarded to incoming students. Students requesting additional scholarship funds must have new or updated information they are sharing with Admissions. The scholarship reconsideration review period will open in March.  Students with unique circumstances such as a third-party scholarship may contact harrisadmissions@uchicago.edu

I’m interested in applying for additional scholarships. Do you have any recommendations on scholarships I should apply for?

We strongly encourage students seeking additional aid to review the information on Third Party funding. You can find information on the Harris website and the UChicago website.

Can you confirm the total cost of tuition at Harris?

Tuition for each division at UChicago is listed on the Bursar’s office website. The rates for Harris can be found here. Harris rates are for all master’s programs offered at Harris. Please note: tuition typically increases 3-5% each year. The 2020-21 updated tuition is not usually received until June and the other fees are updated later in the Summer. Students should also review the terms of their scholarship and how it may fluctuate if taking less than three courses.

2019-20 Estimated Sample of Cost of Tuition & Fees for a Full-Time Masters Student

Note: Tuition and Fees of 2020-21 will not be released until Summer 2020.

*Lifetime Transcript Fee** (Entering Graduate Students – 1st quarter of enrollment only

**U-Ship Health Insurance is purchased through the university. If a student purchases other eligible insurance, then students are not required to purchase U-Ship Health Insurance.

What are the additional expenses I can expect beyond tuition?

We encourage students to view the Housing and Dining Rates, and Graduate Quarterly Fees and Occasional Fees at bottom of the page here. Information on Student Health Insurance can be found here. Students who have coverage can waive this fee. Please view all of the listed fees. The University calculates an average cost of living and uses the formula to determine loan eligibility. You can find more information on the Estimated Cost of Attendance website. 

I understand the cost of tuition and additional fees, but what should I expect to pay for housing and personal expenses?

This can vary largely and depends on each student’s personal choices. Some students may choose to live in high-cost of living areas throughout the city, and personal expenses vary greatly based on each student’s lifestyle. International students will receive confirmation of the estimated costs needed for their I-20 documents in late Spring.

What if I am a joint degree student? How will that work?

If you are enrolled in a joint degree program, your scholarship is pro-rated in the final year of study for the number of courses required to complete the Harris School degree. The scholarship is awarded only when in residence at the Harris School. Your scholarship may also be pro-rated and revised depending on the joint program you are pursuing and the tuition you are paying.

I have the Segal award and am eligible for the match. I received a merit-based scholarship from Harris. Does this include my Segal Match?

When awarding merit-based scholarships, we review the student’s application confirming they have received the Segal. Students are then awarded the maximum amount they would be eligible for based on their service. Any additional scholarship funding the student receives is additional merit award. In short, the current merit amount listed on each’s students award letter includes both the Segal match and any additional merit the student was considered for. 

Still have questions? Email Admissions or attend an upcoming webinar to have them answered.