Every student has a unique story and set of circumstances. Financing your education is a huge decision, and we are here to help.
Graduate Tuition and Fees
Graduate tuition rates are determined by the program the student is enrolled in. The number of credit hours you are registered for determines your enrollment status.
Students must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program to receive the tuition rate. Students taking classes for personal enrichment or not enrolled in a formal program will be charged the Boler College of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences, or College of Health published rates.
2026–2027 Graduate School Tuition by Credit Hour
| Full Cost of Attendance | Cost Per Credit Hour |
|---|---|
| Boler College of Business | $1,195 |
| College of Arts and Sciences | $925 |
| College of Arts and Sciences: Education Programs | $750 |
| College of Health* | $925 |
| Nonprofit Administration | $700 |
| Theology & Religious Studies | $665 |
| Post-Baccalaureate Programs | $925 |
2025–2026 Graduate School Tuition by Credit Hour
| Full Cost of Attendance | Cost Per Credit Hour |
|---|---|
| Boler College of Business | $1,185 |
| College of Arts and Sciences | $900 |
| College of Arts and Sciences: Education Programs | $730 |
| College of Health* | $900 |
| Nonprofit Administration | $700 |
| Theology & Religious Studies | $644 |
| Post-Baccalaureate Programs | $900 |
*Includes M.Ed. in School Counseling
Payment Options: We offer a variety of planning strategies and payment options for tuition and fees. View Payment Options
Types of Graduate Aid
John Carroll is committed to making graduate programs affordable. We offer a number of scholarships to assist you in funding the advancement of your education, in addition to support from loans, teacher grants, and assistantships.
Federal Direct Loans
- Graduate student financial aid is not based on income.
- Eligible students can receive up to $20,500 in Unsubsidized Direct Loans per academic year.
- Effective July 1, 2026 the aggregate limit will be capped at $100,000 (in addition to the amount borrowed for undergraduate education). If a borrower has received a Direct Unsubsidized Loan made before July 1, 2026, while enrolled in a degree program, the borrower can continue to borrow under current loan limits for three academic years or the remainder of their expected time to credential, whichever is less.
- Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to be eligible.
- Students must be admitted as a matriculated student in a graduate or professional program in order to receive federal financial aid.
- Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act which was signed into law on July 4, 2025, the Graduate PLUS loan program will be eliminated, effective July 1, 2026. If a graduate student has received a Direct Loan made before July 1, 2026 while enrolled in a degree program, the borrower can continue to borrow from the Grad PLUS Loan program for three academic years or the remainder of their expected time to credential, whichever is less.
Important: Major changes to federal graduate student loans take effect July 1, 2026, including the elimination of Grad PLUS Loans for new borrowers and reduced borrowing limits.
Private Loans
Private loans from banks can help cover education costs, but we recommend first exploring all federal and state aid options. Carefully compare interest rates, fees, credit requirements, and co-signer needs, since loan terms vary significantly.
FastChoice
SEFS partners with Fast Choice to help students research private loan options. Powered by Great Lakes Higher Education, FastChoice is an online lender list that provides basic information on private loans.
We recommend contacting lenders directly for loan terms and conditions. FastChoice helps compare interest rates, borrower benefits, fees, and repayment options before applying.
FastChoice Lenders (alphabetical): Citizens Bank, College Ave, Earnest, FundingU, Nelnet, Ohio Catholic Federal Credit Union, PNC, Sallie Mae, SoFi.
Criteria used to evaluate lenders: quality of customer service, student satisfaction, ease of application process, competitive rates, low fees, flexible repayment, and borrower benefits.
You may borrow from any lender, not just those on this list. Notify SEFS if you choose a different lender so they are aware of your loan application.
For more information on why JCU chose these lenders, contact SEFS at enrollment@jcu.edu.
Private Loan Requirements
The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA) mandated new disclosure requirements for private educational loans under Title X of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA). These changes may delay approval and disbursement of Alternative Loans.
Access the Mandatory Borrower Disclosure Information and Self Certification Form on StudentAid.gov. Plan accordingly when applying.
Employer Reimbursement Program
The Employer Reimbursement Program is available to part-time students who qualify for their employer's tuition reimbursement benefit. The program is offered during the fall and spring semesters only.
To enroll, students must submit the following together at the time of application:
- Completed ERP application form
- $10 application fee
- An official letter from their employer outlining the company's tuition reimbursement policy and confirming the student's eligibility to participate
Enrollment closes two weeks after the start of each semester.
Scholarships for Applicants
JCU Commitment to Religious Orders
Diocese of Cleveland: Catholic priests of any order working within the Diocese of Cleveland are granted 100% tuition waivers if enrolled in graduate courses at JCU. Members of Religious Orders—Deacons, Brothers, Nuns—working within the Diocese of Cleveland are granted 50% tuition waivers.
Jesuit Commitment
Any member of the Jesuit Religious Orders is granted a 100% tuition waiver. You must complete the verification form to apply.
Jesuit Volunteer Corps
Former Jesuit Volunteers are eligible to apply for and receive a $1,000 tuition scholarship during each semester in which they are enrolled in an eligible master's degree program. Eligible students first apply through their admissions application, and a limited number of scholarships are awarded on a first-come basis.
For more information, please contact the Graduate School at 216.397.4284 or gradadmit@jcu.edu.
Boler College of Business Awards and Scholarships
All students are automatically considered for the following, with no separate application required:
- JCU Graduate Boler Dean's Award: $4,800. JCU graduates must enter the MBA program within three semesters of earning their undergraduate degree to qualify.
- Boler Magis Scholarship: $3,600. Undergraduate cumulative GPA must be 3.5/4.0 or higher.
- Boler Presidential Scholarship: $4,800. Undergraduate cumulative GPA must be 3.5/4.0 or higher, and you must have official, qualifying GMAT or GRE scores.
These scholarships are only allocated toward tuition and are spread out over the semesters you're enrolled (minimum six credit hours per semester). They last up to six semesters or until you graduate or use up the full amount—whichever happens first. You can only receive one scholarship from the school, and it cannot be combined with graduate assistantships, accounting fellowships, or other scholarships. Terms may change.
Department Scholarships for Continuing Students
These scholarships require an additional application:
Sally H. Wertheim Educational Leadership Award
This scholarship recognizes an outstanding graduate student who demonstrates Jesuit qualities of scholarship, character, and commitment to others, and who seeks to enhance the educational experiences of children and youth.
Eligibility: Candidates must be active teachers currently enrolled in a graduate degree program in education at John Carroll.
Application requirements:
- A resume
- A copy of a valid teaching license
- An application
- An official undergraduate transcript with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Three letters of recommendation describing academic and professional accomplishments and community service
- A 500-word essay demonstrating plans to improve educational experiences for children and youth
Deadline: Last Friday in February
Award: $5,000
Terms: The scholarship may be applied to tuition only (full- or part-time), and must be used within a five-year period.
William P. Hoffman Scholarship
This scholarship recognizes and supports an outstanding graduate student in the Education department each year in anticipation of the contributions the recipient will make as a future school administrator.
Application requirements:
- A resume
- An official undergraduate transcript with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Two letters of recommendation that speak to the applicant's potential as a leader in education
- A 500-word essay addressing why you would like to become an administrator
Deadline: Typically March of each year
Award: $1,000
Terms: The scholarship may be applied to tuition only (full- or part-time), and must be used within a five-year period.
Beta Chi Chapter Counseling Award
This award recognizes an outstanding student member of the Chi Sigma Iota International Counseling Society who is enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
TEACH Grant
Important: If you don't complete the required teaching service, the TEACH Grant converts to a loan that must be repaid with interest.
The TEACH Grant is available to graduate students enrolled in the School-Based Master of Education Program or the Professional Teacher Initial Licensure Program.
Recipients must be above the 75th percentile on one part of the GRE admission test or have at least a 3.25 cumulative GPA for each TEACH Grant payment period. These requirements are waived for applicants who are also current or former teachers.
Complete the TEACH Grant form to apply.
Key Terms and Definitions
Glossary of Financial Aid Terms
Cost of attendance: The total estimated cost of your education, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and living expenses.
Half-time enrollment: At least 4.5 credit hours per semester for graduate students.
Matriculated student: A student who has been formally admitted to a degree or certificate program.
Unsubsidized Direct Loan: A federal loan where interest accrues while you're in school. You're responsible for all interest charges.
