Tuition & Aid
Financing Your Graduate Education at the School of Information Studies
Students interested in enrolling in our top-ranked master's degree programs in information management, library and information science, and telecommunications and network management, sometimes worry that they wont be able to afford such high-caliber programs. Upon closer look, they often discover that the many funding opportunities available to students at the School of Information Studies make a Syracuse University education a more attractive option than some programs that initially appear to be less expensive.
The School of Information Studies (iSchool), as well as Syracuse University, offers several merit-based scholarships and fellowships to help students cover the cost of tuition, and some programs even provide stipends for books and housing. Students can also apply for need-based assistance through federal loan programs and private lenders. We encourage all students to apply for these awards and assistance programs.
Ph.D. students: click here for funding opportunities unique to doctoral education.
Tuition and Fees
Financial Aid Office Estimated Cost of Attendance for Graduate School
School of Information Studies Fees 2009-2010
In addition to the costs outlined in the link above, the iSchool charges a fee to support the acquisition and maintenance of the latest technology necessary for its programs. The fee is charged each semester according to the following schedule.
Graduate Students
- 3 credit hours or less = $75
- 4 to 8 credit hours = $125
- 9 credit hours or more = $175
Majors outside the iSchool = $50 per course
Merit-Based Financial Aid
All students are eligible to apply for merit-based awards from Syracuse University and the iSchool, although some awards are directed toward specific populations such as library and information science students, U.S. citizens, or students from under-represented groups. More information about University awards is located here.
Awards and Programs for School of Information Studies Students
Graduate Assistance Available Within the School
Each year, the iSchool provides graduate assistance to several students in each of its masters degree programs. Graduate assistance provides tuition and a monetary stipend in exchange for 10 to 20 hours of administrative or research assistance. Students provide support to the Schools faculty and program directors, website, instructional technology labs, and publications.
All admitted students who provide a resume and indicate that they would like to be considered for aid on their application will be considered for graduate assistantships, financial awards, and credit awards. For a list of GA positions and awards available to students enrolled in each of the masters level programs in School of Information Studies, visit the following links:
Financial Support from Syracuse University
The University administers several programs that offer tuition and financial support to students pursuing graduate education, especially students from under-represented populations and those enrolled in science, technology, engineering and mathematic fields. For more information on these programs, follow the links listed below:
Need-Based Financial Aid and Student Loans
Many graduate students nationwide rely on one or more forms of need-based financial aid to help meet the costs of their studies. Syracuse University offers assistance primarily in the form of loan programs and collegiate work-study. Those in professional master's degree programs, in particular, may find the investment made in their education is returned in greater opportunities upon entering or returning to the job market.
Syracuse University encourages all graduate students to apply for any types of aid for which they may be eligible. Students sometimes find that although they were not eligible for need-based aid as undergraduates or previous graduate students, they qualify in subsequent years.
Descriptions and guidelines for all financial aid programs are subject to change at any time as a result of new or amended state or federal legislation or changes in Syracuse University policies. Graduate students who are U.S. citizens may inquire about need-based financial aid through the Office of Financial Aid, 200 Archbold North, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244-1140 or call 315-443-1513.
Graduate students can find out information on University resources and student loans here.
Applying for Aid
U.S. Citizens/Eligible Non-Citizens
To apply for need-based financial aid, applicants must first fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Syracuse University does not accept the Graduate and Professional Student Financial Aid Service (GAPSFAS) form. The FAFSA is available from the financial aid offices of most colleges and universities, as well as most high school guidance offices. Students who enroll in the summer session need to file two FAFSAs: One for the current and upcoming academic year, which begins in the fall semester.
Matriculated students enrolled in six credits or more are eligible to apply for:
They can also take out alternative loans from private lenders, who provide their own loan guidelines based on each student applicants creditworthiness. For more information, visit Financial Aid's information about loans.
Distance Learning Students
Distance learning students inquire through the Continuing Education Office at 315-443-3261 or finaid@uc.syr.edu.
International Students
While international students are not eligible for federal loans, they may be eligible for loans through private lenders. Some of these lenders require a co-signer who is a U.S. citizens or legal permanent resident. Others, such as the CitiAssit Global Loan, do not require a co-signer. For more information, visit the Graduate School website or the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarship programs.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement Discount
The iSchool will match up to one third the cost of tuition for masters students receiving tuition reimbursement from not-for-profit organizations. Admitted students should submit a letter from his/her employer that support his/her education and details the tuition reimbursement. Submit to: Sue Corieri, RE: Graduate Financial Aid, 245 Hinds Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244.
Other Awards
Of course, this represents a small sampling of the funding opportunities available to graduate students. Several organizations provide scholarship and tuition assistance to students seeking graduate degrees. Some resources to help locate other funding sources include the following:
The following links outline merit based financial aid opportunities outside of the university and school:
2009 Faculty Assistant Program
All new master’s students will be eligible to participate in our faculty assistant program, which provides an hourly wage of $10/hour. We can assure each student a minimum work assignment of 10 hours per week, and he/she can receive this support throughout the fall semester. Assuming positive performance of duties, the work assignments may also extend into a second semester. Note: This work assignment does not include health benefits. The applications and details of this program and the listings of positions will be available at orientation in August.
Goals of this program:
- Promote faculty-student engagement
- Provide financial support opportunity to all incoming, full-time, campus-based master’s students
Upstate IT Scholarships
Increasing the Upstate Information Technology Talent Pool
Information professionals have rich opportunities in Upstate New York. In Central New York alone, there are currently 600 technology-related positions available with not enough qualified candidates to fill them. The iSchool sees an opportunity to educate area residents to assume these technically focused open positions and strengthen the economic vitality of Upstate New York.
For the 2009-2011 academic years, the iSchool will offer the Upstate IT Scholarships, which is a select number of 50-percent tuition scholarships to qualified applicants. That means the iSchool will cover 50 percent of the tuition costs for the academic year.
Visit Syracuse University's Financial Aid Office web site for additional information regarding financial aid.