Paying for Your Education
Master’s Degree Tuition – Academic Year 2020-21
Please be aware that tuition and fees are posted as a guide and may be subject to change. In addition, this page my display differently based on your browser and security settings.
- For students interested in Ph.D. information, please visit our Fellowships page.
- For students interested in MCIT Online, please see the MCIT Online website for tuition and fees.
The University of Pennsylvania counts each course as one course unit (CU) instead of 3 course hours. The tuition rate for master’s degree candidates is charged per the number of courses registered. A minimum of three course units is required for full-time status; the maximum number of courses allowed per semester is four. Additional courses may be requested by petition for action submitted to your department for approval; overall GPA will be considered. International students must register for at least three course units each fall and spring semester.
| Tuition + Fees | Breakdown |
| 1 Course Unit = $7,594 | ($7,052 Tuition + $430 General Fee + $112 Technology Fee) |
| 2 Course Units = $15,188 | ($7,052 Tuition x 2 + $860 General Fee + $224 Technology Fee) |
| 3 Course Units = $23,324 | ($7,052 Tuition x 3 + $1,720 General Fee + $448 Technology Fee) |
| 4 Course Units = $30,376 | ($7,052 Tuition x 4 + $1,720 General Fee + $448 Technology Fee) |
The Provost’s Office also has some additional information, available here. Please visit the Student Financial Services website for information on payment methods and schedules.
General Fee
A General Fee is assessed to all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, and directly funds Penn’s non-instructional student support services. The General Fee for full-time students provides them with full access to a wide variety of services and resources, including counseling and wellness, multicultural resource centers, student activities, recreation and fitness, career services, learning support, and much more.
Technology Fee
The technology fee helps to underwrite the various computer resources for Penn Engineering including computer labs, provided software, web-based email, and other related costs. The maximum that will be charged each semester is $440. The rate you will be charged is based on the total number of course units you take per semester.
Estimated Master’s Student Costs
- You can find costs for on-campus housing here: On-Campus Housing
- You can find costs for meal plans here: Graduate Dining Plans
Funding Your Master’s Degree
We understand that a master’s degree is a significant financial endeavor. That being said, here are some resources you may find helpful. Penn Engineering generally does not provide financial assistance for master-level students.
- Student Financial Services
- Potential Funding Sources
- In 2020, Penn Engineering introduced the first ever Dean’s Scholars Fellowship for highly qualified Master’s applicants who are based in the US. The purpose of the Fellowship is to provide financial support to Master’s students and to support the University’s interest in obtaining educational benefits by promoting student body diversity. Each fellowship applicant’s qualifications shall be considered individually; in addition, in awarding the fellowships, consideration shall be given to the applicant’s socioeconomic and educational background and/or status as a member of an underrepresented minority group, so long as such consideration is necessary and appropriate in keeping with the University’s goal of obtaining educational benefits by promoting student body diversity. Dean’s Scholars will have the opportunity to participate in recruitment and outreach activities. Admitted applicants are automatically considered for the prestigious award; no separate application, or request for review is required.
Student Employment
Students are welcome to seek out part- or full-time employment while studying. Part time employees can use their earnings towards their tuition and/or expenses. Full-time employees receive a tuition benefit that significantly helps with tuition.
The Student Employment Office is responsible for managing the posting of work-study and non-work-study jobs on-campus and off-campus. Information regarding part-time job opportunities is available on their website. Other places to find student employment information include:
- Career Services (McNeil Building, 3718 Locust Walk, 215-898-7531)
- The Tutoring Center (220 S. 40th Street, Suite 260) provides paid positions for graduate and professional students to serve as tutors.
- The Office of College Houses and Academic Services (Stouffer Commons, 3702 Spruce Street, 215-898-5551) employs graduate and professional students as Graduate Associates (GA) in the undergraduate residences. GAs receive rent-free housing on campus and a meal plan.
- The Graduate Student Center (3615 Locust Walk) employs graduate and professional students as Fellows who develop programming, maintain the website, and staff the front desk. The Grad Center also lists opportunities on its funding sources webpage.
- The Center for Teaching and Learning (3619 Locust Walk) hires grad students for their annual TA training.
- The Critical Writing Program (3808 Walnut Street) hires graduate students for an assortment of writing positions.
- The Weingarten Learning Resource Center also offers advising, instructing, and tutoring positions to graduate students in related fields.
- Jobs@Penn
Research and Teaching Assistantships
We do not offer assistantships as a means of funding master’s degrees. However, some departments may have TA positions available and students may try to find part time positions in the many labs on campus. You must have completed at least one semester in good standing in your program to qualify. Please see your Program Office for more information.