Washington DC may be a top city for students pursuing their MBAs, but the city’s high cost of living could prove prohibitive for many young Mstudents. Growing rent prices over the past ten years have led DC to be one of the least affordable of the major U.S. metropolitan areas.
Of course, MBA students looking to apply their education to governmental agencies won’t find a better place to do so than in the nation’s capital. And though contending with high rent prices may be unavoidable, many business schools offer students a number of ways to keep the cost of their degree at a minimum.
From scholarships to grants and student work opportunities, business schools in Washington DC ensure that low-income applicants can have equal access to the high quality education their program’s provide. Below are just a few of the opportunities provided to assist low-income applicants at Washington DC MBA programs.
Finding An Affordable Washington DC MBA
McDonough School of Business – Georgetown University
Over $1.5 million in aid is available to MBA applicants through merit based scholarships at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. All students are eligible for these grants, but it is advised to apply for the program early to best position yourself for consideration. International students in need of additional funding may also apply for external scholarships and private loans specifically for international students. The university has compiled a list of common lenders that students may want to consider here.
McDonough also provides scholarship opportunities through the Consortium, a group whose goal it is to reduce the under-representation of blacks, Native Americans, and Hispanic students in business education. As a member school, a number of scholarships are also available at McDonough for students admitted as part of the Consortium.
University of Maryland R.H. Smith School of Business
Roughly 85 percent of MBA students at UMD Smith receive merit based awards to help fund their education. Between scholarships, fellowships need-based awards and assistantship opportunities, students have a number of opportunities to reduce their tuition and keep their MBA affordable. Awards such as the Dean’s Award of Smith award provide two years and one-year of full scholarship and fees. Students may also find additional opportunities for scholarships through the university’s organizational partnerships, such as the Forté Foundation or management Leaders for Tomorrow.
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George Mason University School of Business
The George Mason University School of Business provides one of the best values in education, demonstrated through the high success rate of alumni and the fact that Mason alumni have the lowest student loan default rates in Virginia.
Mason offers a number of financial aid opportunities through grants, scholarships, work-study employment, and loans. Every year, the school offers millions of dollars to incoming students, including fellowships for graduate students. The Office of Student Financial Aid is dedicated to assisting each student in finding the financial assistance that is needed for their degree.
George Washington University School of Business
The George Washington University School of Business offers a number of different ways for students to reduce the cost of their MBA degree. Each year, graduate students may apply to a number of different fellowships, available through the university as well as private foundations and agencies. At the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships & Fellowships, students can search through these numerous opportunities and see which scholarships best fit their qualifications.
GWU also offers Financial Aid based on the need of each students. Eligible applicants can apply for need-based aid by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Howard University School of Business
MBA students at the Howard University School of Business may be eligible both for federal student aid, based on need, and a variety of scholarships, which are given based on merit and other factors. Scholarships range, and may cover up to full-tuition, while others provide partial funding. Howard MBA students may also pursue loans for tuition through the ACCESS Loan Program, Alternative Education Loans, or other private loan services.
Kogod School of Business – American University
The Kogod School of Business at American University ensures that its high quality education can be affordable for all. Roughly 80 percent of all students receive financial aid of some kind, with almost $85 million awarded just to the undergraduate population. Kogod offers both need-based aid and merit scholarships. Students may contact the Graduate Admission Office at Kogod for more information on the scholarships available to them, but all applicants who demonstrate excellent academic credentials will be considered for these honors—a separate application process is not needed.