Paying for Your Education
Master’s Degree Tuition – Fall 2019 and Spring 2020
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, 310 | ($6,786 Tuition + $414 General Fee + $110 Technology Fee) |
| 2 Course Units = $14, 620 | ($6,786 Tuition x 2 + $828 General Fee + $220 Technology Fee) |
| 3 Course Units = $22, 454 | ($6,786 Tuition x 3 + $1,656 General Fee + $440 Technology Fee) |
| 4 Course Units = $29, 240 | ($6,786 Tuition x 4 + $1,656 General Fee + $440 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
The general fee is a partial contribution towards the support of the Placement Service, Graduate Student Activities, Recreational Activities, the physical development of the University, and other services not directly associated with specific courses. The maximum that will be charged each semester is $1,656.
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
- Course costs, such as books and supplies, vary by program. Students can contact individual programs to receive estimates..
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
- The CIS-affiliated masters programs (CIS, CGGT, Data Science, Embedded Systems, MCIT, Robotics) offer a limited number of fellowships for U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents, with a strong focus on under-represented minorities and females. Please refer to the J.P. Eckert Fellowship for more details and you can read about the 2018-19 recipients here.
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.