Tuition and fees are determined annually be the MNSCU system and the University. Typically, these are finalized during the summer after the annual State Legislative Session. The following estimates are based upon the 2008-2009 costs for in-state Graduate Tuition and Fees which are subject to change annually. At this time, it is estimated that the tuition increase for 2009-2010 will be about 3% higher than the past academic year.
The MSW program uses a differential tuition model that adds $50.00 per credit onto the regular graduate tutition fee for required MSW courses in part to help maintain smaller size classes and support field education. The Fall and Spring semesters, which each require registration for 11 graduate credits, will cost approximately $4000.00 each semester. The Summer Session semester, which requires registration for 8 graduate credits, will cost approximately $3000.00. (For Advanced Standing students, the first summer requires only 2-credits of coursework so will be less expensive.) Subsequently, the estimated annual cost of the MSW program will be about $11,000.00. This estimate does not include the cost of books or materials, which averages $950 annually. NOTE: These figures are only estimates, actual tuition and fees may be higher.
Graduate students may be eligible for Financial Aid, usually in the form of low interest loans. The Financial Aid process begins with completing the Federal Student Financial Aid Application (FAFSA) which is usually due in the spring of the year student's wish to gain access to this aid. Financial Aid packages are largely dependent upon student's past borrowoing and several individual factors. Since each person's situation is so unique, it is advised that you contact Student Financial Services for more information about what may be available for you. You can go online to the Campus Hub-Student Financial Services website: http://www.mnsu.edu/campushub/
Graduate Assistantships (GA) are temporary - semester or year - academic positions for graduate students who would like to work on campus while attending graduate school. GA positions are available each year all over campus and include opportunities to assist with teaching, research, program administration, and student development. You must be admitted to an MSU Mankato graduate program to qualify for GA positions.
GA positions require either 10 or 20 hours of work per week and carry with them stipends and tuition benefits. A full GA position (20 hrs/week) pays a stipend of $9,000.00 for the academic year and provides a tuition waiver of up to 9 credits per semester. Most GA positions don't require that you qualify for financial aid. Hours are often flexible to fit with your class schedule. More information about Graduate Assistantships can be found at the College of Graduate Studies and Research Website URL: http://grad.mnsu.edu/assistantships/
The Department of Social Work hires some graduate students in GA positions each academic year. Usually, we do not have details on the exact numbers or position duties until April or May each spring. We will alert applicants to the MSW program of GA opportunities when we are able to post these positions. You can also check for postings via the URL listed above. Please contact the MSW Program Direction if you wish to be considered for a GA position and complete an application either at the time of application to the program or as soon as position announcements are posted for hire.
The following link takes you away from the Department's website and to the site for Applying to the College of Graduate Studies and Research where you will find up to date information about applying, tuition and fees, graduate assistantships, and financial aid options available to graduate students.
