Despite the benefits of obtaining an MBA degree, such as gaining an advanced skill set, the hard work of the degree itself can be daunting. Whether you choose to complete an on-campus or online MBA program, an MBA generally takes two years to complete and is known for its rigorous curriculum.

Moreover, MBA tuition costs can be extensive. Read on to learn more about what an MBA will cost and which MBA scholarships might help you cover that cost.

The cost of MBA tuition can range from $35,000 to over $100,00 for top-ranking business schools. However, this price will inevitably vary depending on the MBA school rankings, whether it’s a public or private institution, the number of scholarships and grants you receive, and more. Keep in mind that the advertised tuition rate of a school doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the amount you will end up paying. Why? That price doesn’t cover the cost of books, supplies, transportation or room and board.

If you obtain scholarships, grants or financial aid, you may be able to cut down on what you pay for your MBA tuition. Explore these MBA funding alternatives by applying for as many grants and scholarships as you can.

Just like scholarships, grants do not have to be paid back as loans do. However, grants are typically given based on need, while scholarships are given based on merit or other qualifying factors such as affiliation with a particular group. Grants are offered by the federal government, state government, schools or private organizations.

Most grants for graduate students are given by business schools and private foundations. The best way to learn more about these private grants is to talk to your school’s financial advisor.

GFOA scholarships are available for full-time and part-time students who are interested in government finance.

Award Amount: $5,000–$15,000

SHRM Foundation graduate scholarships are available for students who are pursuing a master’s degree in Human Resources or a Human Relations-related field.

Award Amount: $5,000

AICP Scholarship Program is a merit-based scholarship. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA, must have participated in extracurricular activities and be enrolled in an insurance- or business-related field.

Award Amount: $1,500

The Dan Reichard Jr. Scholarship requires applicants to have a 3.0 GPA or higher and have an interest in management or business administration in the public transportation industry. Additionally, all applicants must be sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association and complete an internship with them.

Award Amount: $2,500

The HubShout Internet Marketing Scholarship is open to students who have at least a 3.0 GPA and have a passion for internet marketing.

Award Amount: $1,000

Staver Law Group National Scholarship is an annual scholarship awarded near the end of each year. If you are enrolled in your degree program and have a GPA over 3.0, you qualify to apply.

Award Amount: $5,000

The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program is available to students enrolled in a two-year master’s degree program in a field related to the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service. This is a highly competitive scholarship program and requires you to work in Foreign Services upon graduation.

Award Amount: Up to $37,000 annually

Forté Fellows Program is awarded to women enrolled in an MBA program. To be considered for the fellowship program, you must submit an application to a participating school.

Award Amount: Varies. Talk to your admissions representative to learn if this program is available at your school.

The Military MBA Scholarship is available to anyone who is pursuing a master’s in business and has served in the military. However, the scholarship can only be awarded to students attending participating military MBA schools. Be sure to see if your school is on the list before you apply.

Award Amount: Unknown

The Columbia Business School MBA Scholarship is an award gifted to students attending Columbia Business School. Columbia University also offers additional scholarships based on need or merit (e.g., the Women’s Business Laidlow Scholarship).

Award Amount: $7,500–$30,000 ($20,000 average)

The Selected Professions Fellowship program Focus Professions Group Fellowships are awarded to women of color who are in their second year of study in an accredited MBA program.

Award Amount: $5,000–$18,000

If you are planning to attend a full-time MBA program at NYU, be sure you apply for their scholarships. NYU MBA scholarships typically cover the full tuition amount or half of it.

Award Amount: Up to full tuition

AfterCollege Business Student Scholarship is open to students enrolled in a business degree program and with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Award Amount: $500

The National Founder’s Graduate Business Student Scholarship is awarded to current full-time MBA students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Award Amount: $500

The Morgan Stanley MBA Fellowship Program is a competitive scholarship program for women and other minority students, including black, Hispanic, Native American, and LGBTQ+ students in their first year of business school.

Award Amount: Unknown

Applicants for the NABA National Scholarship Program must be black (African, African-American, Carribean, etc.), be an active NABA student member, be enrolled or accepted in a master’s-level business program, and have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in their major.

Award Amount: $1,000–$5,000

The Orbis Investment Fellowship is for students entering their first year of business school. Applicants must be passionate about investment management.

Award Amount: $15,000

To apply for a Prospanica Scholarship, you must be of Hispanic or Latino heritage, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, have a Prospanica membership, and be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited business school.

Award Amount: $2,000–$5,000

Education Advancement Foundation Graduate Scholarship is for full-time graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must be involved in community service and demonstrate a willingness to help others along with merit-based pursuits.

Award Amount: Unknown

Bauer College of Business Full-Time MBA Scholarships are merit-based scholarships for Bauer College students who have demonstrated above-average academic achievement.

Award Amount: Up to $10,000

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is for students with Hispanic heritage with a minimum GPA of 2.5. While applicants of any age are welcomed, you must be enrolled full time in your degree program.

Award Amount: $500–$5,000

The Scholarship for Social Responsibility offered by the QS Community Scholarships requires you to attend a QS event, study at an MBA level, and you must be accepted into an accredited MBA program by the time the winner is announced. You must also write an essay of 750 words or less.

Award Amount: $2,000

The QS Scholarship for Academic Excellence is awarded to those who have demonstrated an exceptionally strong level of academic excellence. Applicants must attend a QS event, study at a master’s level, and be accepted by a master’s program by the time the winner is announced. Additionally, all the scholarship money must go toward your tuition. The application involves a 500-word response to two questions.

Award Amount: $10,000

The QS Leadership Scholarship is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated an exceptionally strong level of leadership and innovative thinking. Applicants must be enrolled in an MBA program, start your first year of study in the coming academic year, and attend a QS event in addition to answering a 750-word essay question.

Award Amount: $10,000

Daughters of the American Revolution scholarships are awarded to individuals who demonstrate academic excellence, commitment to their field of study and/or financial need.

Award Amount: Varies

*Scholarships and Award Amounts As of: March 2020