Financial Aid and Scholarships

Federal Loans

Federal student loans are available to US citizens and permanent residents. Typically, graduate students are eligible for two types of loans:

• Direct Unsubsidized Loans are based on your discrepancy status and academic class level. Loan eligibility is not need-based. Unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest as soon as the money is disbursed (released) to pay fees. Interest rates vary each year and are fixed for the life of the loan. A FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the application to request this type of loan.
• Graduate PLUS Loans are loans made to students to help pay for the remainder of education expenses not covered by other financial aid, such as unsubsidized loans. Interest rates are higher than unsubsidized loans. A credit check and separate application are required for a PLUS Loan.

To get started on your loan request:

1. View Boise State Financial Aid’s webpage for Graduate Students
2. Apply early – submit your FAFSA Application online.

• Be careful to submit the FAFSA for the correct academic year.  The academic year begins in the fall and ends the follow summer. Example: the 24-25 FAFSA is for the fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 semesters.
• Students are encouraged to submit their FAFSA no later than June 1 for the upcoming academic year (starting in the fall).

Note: Professional MBA students are considered above half-time (5+ credits) each fall and spring for loan eligibility. Professional MBA students should plan for other funding for summer sessions when they are enrolled less-than-half-time (3 credits) and ineligible for loans.

Scholarships

Unfortunately, as a part-time program, scholarship funding for the Professional MBA is limited. The vast majority of university graduate scholarships are allocated to full-time programs. However you can see what PMBA scholarships are available here.

The limited number of students who receive scholarships for PMBA usually find them through external websites and sources.

While you may receive notice about the Boise State Scholarship Application, we do not strongly encourage submission – it is typically not the best use of time since there are so few available awards.

Boise State Tuition Waiver (Employees, Spouses)

The Professional MBA Program is eligible for the Boise State Tuition Benefit.

If you are eligible staff or a spouse of an eligible staff member, you can qualify to pay $5 per credit for the PMBA program. Reciprocal fee waivers also apply for other Idaho Institutions.

For more information and forms (submit each semester by the deadline), please see the Boise State HR Website.

Note: to assure diversity for the PMBA cohort, the Admissions Committee reserves the right to limit the number of Boise State employees admitted to the program. Candidates may be subject to a more competitive admissions process and/or preference may be given to early applicants.

Military and VA Funding

Thank you for your service! If you are a veteran, current active duty member, or a dependent of military personnel, you may be entitled to benefits to fund your education.

Two offices at Boise State assist military students. Please contact one of colleagues for more assistance:

• Military Programs – for current military members (Active Duty, National Guard, Reserves)
• Veterans Services – separated service members and their dependents

Employer Reimbursement

Approximately 60% of PMBA students receive some type of funding from their employer for educational reimbursement.

Not sure if you qualify? Contact your company’s HR department to inquire about what may be available.

Sometimes, it may be beneficial to make a request yourself to your supervisor. Here are tips to get started.

Most companies offer reimbursement – where you front the initial costs and are reimbursed after grades are final and submitted. Check with your company to inquire about your process. For PMBA students, the Term Summary Report is helpful to print at the end of the semester to show your charges and enrolled courses. Your Unofficial Transcript can be submitted if grades are requested.