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Graduate Tuition & Merit Based Aid

Your master's degree is within reach

Did you know that 90% of Korbel students who apply by the priority deadline receive merit aid? Apply by the priority deadline to be considered for generous merit scholarships and make your graduate education more affordable!

The best news? There is no separate application to apply for any merit-based awards. Simply, submit your graduate application and every student is considered for all scholarships available.

Financial Assistance

  • Korbel offers generous scholarships. Funds are included in your admission offer if you receive an award. Merit-based aid cannot be combined; instead, eligible students will receive the most comprehensive award they qualify for.
  • For U.S. domestic students, this aid often comes in the form of grants and student loans. Students need to complete a FASFA form to be considered. This process is managed by the University of Denver Office of Financial Aid. Korbel is not involved in the administration of the federal loan or grant process.
  • Students are able to combine merit-based aid and need-based aid.

Graduate students are permitted to borrow up to the total cost of attendance, which is both tuition and qualifying living expenses. 

  • Tuition is the direct billable charges assessed for taking graduate level coursework, instruction, and teaching. Tuition is assessed on a cost per credit basis each quarter. The formula to calculate billable tuition is: total number of credits multiplied by the Korbel graduate cost per credit.
  • Non-billable costs such as fees, room & board, books and supplies, etc. make up the cost of attendance. Please contact the University of Denver Office of Financial Aid to learn more about how cost of attendance is calculated.
  • The U.S. Government requires that international students provide financial statements that indicate a student can cover tuition and cost of attendance minus any merit aid as estimated on an I-20. For more information, please contact the University of Denver International Student & Scholar Services.
  • Tuition is set by the University of Denver Board of Trustees annually, this means that we are unable to provide an itemized cost breakdown for future academic terms.

Scholarships

Korbel offers generous awards and scholarships, with 90% of graduate students receiving merit aid. No separate application is needed to be considered, simply complete the application for admission for scholarship consideration.
Below are some specialized awards available to those who have participated in the following programs:
This list is not exhaustive of all awards available.

Korbel is proud to recognize the service and experience AmeriCorps alumni bring to our graduate community.

AmeriCorps alumni may be considered for:

  • An application fee waiver
  • A scholarship with a total value approximately equivalent up to 50% of tuition costs

Eligibility and scholarship consideration

For consideration, applicants should:

  • Have completed qualifying AmeriCorps service and identify their AmeriCorps affiliation in the Affiliations section of the graduate application and on the résumé submitted with their application.
  • Submit a complete application by the published priority deadline for their intended start term.
  • Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher for best scholarship consideration.

Korbel uses a holistic review process when making scholarship decisions. GPA is not the sole factor considered, and meeting the criteria above does not guarantee an award.

Scholarships are awarded as a total dollar amount. Any percentage listed above is provided to illustrate the approximate value of the award relative to tuition and does not represent a percentage tuition discount.

Korbel is proud to support Rangel Fellows and Finalists pursuing careers in the U.S. Foreign Service.

Rangel Fellows receive:

  • An application fee waiver
  • Coverage of any remaining eligible Korbel tuition not covered by the Rangel Fellowship, ensuring 100% of eligible Korbel tuition costs are covered

Rangel Finalists may be considered for:

  • An application fee waiver
  • A tuition-only Korbel scholarship with a total value up to approximately 50% of tuition costs

Eligibility and scholarship consideration

Applicants should:

  • Identify their Rangel Fellow or Finalist status in the Affiliations section of the graduate application.
  • Submit a complete application by the published priority deadline for their intended start term.
  • Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher for best scholarship consideration.

Korbel will verify Fellow or Finalist status with the Rangel Program. Scholarship eligibility and any associated award are contingent upon verification of the applicant's Rangel status.

For Rangel Finalists, Korbel uses a holistic review process when making scholarship decisions. GPA is not the sole factor considered, and meeting the criteria above does not guarantee an award.

Rangel Fellow and Finalist scholarships apply to eligible tuition costs only and do not cover fees or other educational expenses. Rangel Fellow benefits are provided in accordance with the applicable fellowship agreement. Scholarships for Rangel Finalists are awarded as a total dollar amount. The percentage listed above is provided to illustrate the approximate maximum value of the award relative to tuition and does not represent a percentage tuition discount.

Korbel is committed to making graduate education more accessible to students who call Colorado home through the Colorado Advantage Scholarship.

Eligible Colorado residents may be considered for:

  • An application fee waiver
  • A tuition-only Korbel scholarship with a total value up to approximately 50% of tuition costs

Eligibility and scholarship consideration

  • To be eligible, applicants must have a permanent residence in Colorado.

For best scholarship consideration, applicants should:

  • Submit a complete application by the published priority deadline for their intended start term.
  • Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher.
  • Demonstrate strong academic and/or professional experience.
  • Be in good academic and disciplinary standing.

Korbel uses a holistic review process when making scholarship decisions. GPA is not the sole factor considered, and applicants who do not meet every consideration listed above may still be considered for an award. Meeting the eligibility and scholarship consideration criteria does not guarantee an award.

Colorado Advantage scholarships apply to eligible tuition costs only and do not cover fees or other educational expenses. Scholarships are awarded as a total dollar amount. The percentage listed above is provided to illustrate the approximate maximum value of the award relative to tuition and does not represent a percentage tuition discount.

Korbel is proud to support Payne Fellows pursuing careers in the U.S. Foreign Service.

Eligible Payne Fellows receive:

  • An application fee waiver
  • Coverage of any remaining eligible Korbel tuition not covered by the Payne Fellowship, ensuring 100% of eligible Korbel tuition costs are covered

Eligibility and scholarship consideration

Applicants should:

  • Identify their Payne Fellow status in the Affiliations section of the graduate application.
  • Submit a complete application by the published priority deadline for their intended start term.
  • Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher for best scholarship consideration.

Korbel will verify Fellow status with the Payne Fellowship Program. Scholarship eligibility and any associated award are contingent upon verification of the applicant's Payne Fellow status.

Payne Fellow scholarship funding applies to eligible tuition costs only and does not cover fees or other educational expenses. Benefits are provided in accordance with the applicable fellowship agreement.

Korbel welcomes Fulbright participants and alumni from around the world and works with Fulbright offices to provide scholarship support for eligible students.

Eligible Fulbright participants and alumni may be considered for:

  • An application fee waiver
  • A tuition-only Korbel scholarship with a total value approximately equivalent up to 30% of tuition costs
  • Additional scholarship support for highly competitive applicants, based on the strength of the application and availability of scholarship resources

Eligibility and scholarship consideration

Applicants should:

  • Identify their Fulbright affiliation in the Affiliations section of the graduate application and include their Fulbright experience on the résumé submitted with their application.
  • Submit a complete application by the published priority deadline for their intended start term.
  • Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher for best scholarship consideration.

Korbel may verify an applicant's Fulbright status with the applicable Fulbright office or request documentation of participation. Scholarship eligibility and any associated award are contingent upon verification of qualifying Fulbright status.

Korbel uses a holistic review process when making scholarship decisions. GPA is not the sole factor considered. Applicants with particularly strong academic, professional, or other relevant qualifications may be considered for scholarship support beyond the standard Fulbright award, subject to the availability of scholarship resources.

Scholarships apply to eligible tuition costs only and do not cover fees or other educational expenses. Scholarships are awarded as a total dollar amount. Any percentage listed above is provided to illustrate the approximate value of the award relative to tuition and does not represent a percentage tuition discount.

Korbel partners with select institutions to provide eligible students with an accelerated and more affordable pathway to a Korbel graduate degree. These partnerships are based on academic alignment between participating undergraduate programs and Korbel graduate programs, including the identification of undergraduate coursework that meets specific Korbel graduate degree requirements. Eligibility is based on completion of the academic requirements established in each partnership agreement.

Through participating Pathways programs, eligible students may benefit from:

  • A reduced 48-credit graduate degree requirement rather than the standard 60-credit requirement
  • An application fee waiver
  • A tuition-only Korbel scholarship

Current Pathways partnerships include:

  • Colorado Mesa University
  • Colorado State University Pueblo
  • Metropolitan State University of Denver

Each Pathways partnership has specific undergraduate coursework, academic requirements, application requirements, and other conditions. Students must complete the requirements established through their institution's Pathways partnership to receive the associated benefits.

Interested in a Pathways program?

Please contact the Korbel Office of Graduate Enrollment for current information about your institution's partnership, including required courses, eligibility requirements, application instructions, and scholarship benefits.

Final eligibility, degree requirements, scholarship value, and other benefits are subject to the applicable Pathways partnership agreement.

Korbel has one of the largest and longest-standing Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) communities in the United States and is proud to participate in the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program.

The Coverdell Fellows Program recognizes the professional and cross-cultural experience gained through qualifying Peace Corps service and supports Returned Peace Corps Volunteers pursuing graduate education.

Eligible Returned Peace Corps Volunteers admitted to a Korbel master's program receive:

  • An application fee waiver
  • A tuition-only Korbel scholarship with a total value approximately equivalent up to 30% of tuition costs
  • If desired, a reduction in required internship hours from 150 to 75, as applicable to degree requirements

Eligibility

Applicants should:

  • Have qualifying Returned Peace Corps Volunteer status under the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program.
  • Identify their Peace Corps affiliation in the Affiliations section of the graduate application and include their Peace Corps service on the résumé submitted with their application.
  • Meet the admission requirements for their intended Korbel master's program.

Korbel may verify an applicant's Returned Peace Corps Volunteer status. Eligibility for Coverdell benefits is contingent upon verification of qualifying status and satisfaction of applicable Coverdell Fellows Program requirements.

Coverdell scholarships apply to eligible tuition costs only and do not cover fees or other educational expenses. Scholarships are awarded as a total dollar amount. The percentage listed above is provided to illustrate the approximate value of the award relative to tuition and does not represent a percentage tuition discount.

Final eligibility and program benefits are subject to applicable Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program requirements and the terms of Korbel's participation in the program.

PPIA students bring strong academic preparation and a demonstrated commitment to public service, qualities that align closely with Korbel's graduate programs and community. We encourage PPIA students to consider Korbel as the next step in their academic and professional journey.

Eligible PPIA participants may be considered for:

  • An application fee waiver
  • A tuition-only Korbel scholarship with a total value up to approximately 50% of tuition costs

Eligibility and scholarship consideration

Applicants who wish to be considered for the PPIA scholarship should:

  • Identify PPIA affiliation in the Affiliations section of the graduate application.
  • Submit  Junior Summer Institute (JSI) transcript with the Korbel graduate application.
  • Submit a complete application by the published priority deadline for the intended start term.
  • Demonstrate strong academic performance.

Submission of the JSI transcript is optional for admission but required for consideration for the PPIA scholarship. Applicants who choose not to submit a JSI transcript will not be disadvantaged in the admission process. If submitted, academic performance in the JSI will be considered alongside the applicant's undergraduate academic record and other application materials as part of Korbel's holistic admission and scholarship review.

Korbel may verify an applicant's PPIA participation. Scholarship eligibility and any associated award are contingent upon verification of qualifying PPIA status.

Meeting the eligibility and scholarship consideration criteria does not guarantee admission, a scholarship, or a particular award amount.

Scholarships apply to eligible tuition costs only and do not cover fees or other educational expenses. Scholarships are awarded as a total dollar amount. The percentage listed above is provided to illustrate the approximate maximum value of the award relative to tuition and does not represent a percentage tuition discount.

Korbel welcomes Pickering Fellows and Finalists pursuing careers in the U.S. Foreign Service and values the academic preparation, professional experience, and commitment to public service they bring to the graduate community.

Pickering Fellows receive:

  • An application fee waiver

  • Coverage of remaining eligible Korbel tuition not covered by the Pickering Fellowship, ensuring 100% of eligible Korbel tuition costs are covered

Pickering Finalists may be considered for:

  • An application fee waiver

  • A tuition-only Korbel scholarship with a total value up to approximately 50% of tuition costs

Eligibility and scholarship consideration

Applicants should:

  • Identify Pickering Fellow or Finalist status in the Affiliations section of the graduate application.

  • Submit a complete application by the published priority deadline for the intended start term.

  • Demonstrate strong academic and professional preparation.

Korbel may verify Fellow or Finalist status with the Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program. Fellowship and scholarship benefits are contingent upon verification of qualifying status.

For Pickering Finalists, Korbel uses a holistic review process when making scholarship decisions. Meeting the eligibility and scholarship consideration criteria does not guarantee a scholarship or a particular award amount.

Pickering Fellow and Finalist scholarships apply to eligible Korbel tuition costs only and do not cover fees or other educational expenses. Pickering Fellow benefits are provided in accordance with the applicable fellowship agreement. Finalist scholarships are awarded as a total dollar amount. The percentage listed above is provided to illustrate the approximate maximum value of the award relative to tuition and does not represent a percentage tuition discount.

The Clarke Diplomatic Security Fellowship supports students preparing for careers in diplomatic security and public service through graduate education and professional development.

Eligible Clarke DS Fellows receive:

  • An application fee waiver
  • A tuition-only Korbel scholarship with a value up to approximately 40% of tuition costs
  • Scholarship support to cover the required DU student health insurance fee

Eligibility
Applicants should:

  • Be selected as a Clarke Diplomatic Security Fellow.
  • Identify Clarke DS Fellow status in the graduate application.
  • Submit documentation confirming selection as a Clarke DS Fellow.
  • Apply to and enroll full-time in an eligible Korbel master's degree program.
  • Meet all admission requirements for the selected graduate program

Scholarship benefits are awarded for the first year of study and may be renewed for the second year provided the student remains a Clarke DS Fellow, remains in good academic standing in an approved degree program, and maintains a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2.


Fellowship benefits are contingent upon verification of qualifying status and are provided in accordance with the applicable fellowship agreement.


Scholarships apply to eligible tuition costs and the required DU student health insurance fee as described above. Tuition scholarships are awarded as a dollar amount. The percentage listed above represents the approximate maximum value of the tuition scholarship and does not represent a percentage tuition discount.

The University of Denver participates in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Yellow Ribbon Program at the unlimited level for undergraduate and graduate programs.

For eligible Korbel students:

  • Students must qualify for the 100% benefit level under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.
  • For students determined eligible by the VA, Post-9/11 GI Bill® and Yellow Ribbon funding combine to cover the total cost of tuition.
  • Yellow Ribbon eligibility and benefits are determined according to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs requirements and University of Denver participation terms.

Eligible veterans and dependents can learn more about Yellow Ribbon benefits, eligibility requirements, and support available through the University of Denver's Veterans Services office.


Questions about Yellow Ribbon benefits?

Contact DU Veterans Services at [email protected]

Scholarship Details

  • Korbel considers admitted master’s students for institutional merit scholarships and other funding opportunities based on eligibility and available scholarship resources. Applicants are encouraged to apply by the published priority deadline for the strongest scholarship consideration. 
  • Korbel merit scholarships are available to students enrolled in eligible graduate degree programs. Standalone graduate certificates are not eligible for Korbel merit scholarships unless otherwise specified.
  • Scholarship decisions are based on a holistic review of the application. Academic performance, professional experience, program fit, and other relevant qualifications may be considered.
  • A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher is generally recommended for the strongest scholarship consideration, but GPA is not the sole factor considered in admission or financial aid decisions.
  • Meeting the eligibility criteria for a scholarship does not guarantee an award or a particular award amount unless specifically stated.
  • Korbel institutional scholarships cannot be combined with one another. Students eligible for more than one Korbel award will receive the single highest-value Korbel scholarship for which they are selected.
  • Korbel scholarships apply only to eligible graduate credits required for degree completion and included in the approved academic program plan.
  • Scholarship funding cannot exceed eligible tuition charges for the applicable enrollment period.
  • Changes in enrollment or the approved academic program plan may affect scholarship eligibility or the amount available in a given term.
  • External funding may generally be used in addition to Korbel scholarship support, subject to applicable University, federal, and external funding requirements.
  • Scholarships are awarded as a total dollar amount. Any percentages shown on this page or in advertising illustrate the approximate value or maximum value of an award relative to tuition and do not represent a percentage tuition discount.
  • Official scholarship eligibility, award amounts, and terms are communicated in the admission and scholarship materials provided to admitted students. Additional information about disbursement, renewal, enrollment requirements, and maintaining eligibility is provided to admitted students.

Tuition & Fees

For the 2026–2027 academic year, Korbel graduate tuition is $1,535 per credit.

The University of Denver assesses tuition on a cost-per-credit basis.


Approximately 90% of Korbel students receive a Korbel scholarship, making graduate study more affordable for many students.

We encourage prospective students to apply. Once admitted, students will have more information about scholarship support and can work with the Korbel Office of Graduate Enrollment to develop a more personalized estimate of tuition costs based on the degree program and anticipated course plan.


Lock in your tuition rate for your degree.
Korbel’s cohort pricing makes the cost of graduate school more predictable.

The tuition rate in effect during the first academic quarter of enrollment is locked for the duration of the degree program:

  • Full-time students: up to three years
  • Part-time students: up to seven years

This means eligible continuing Korbel graduate students can plan for graduate study knowing the per-credit tuition rate will generally remain the same throughout the applicable cohort pricing period, even if University tuition rates increase in future academic years.

Cohort pricing is subject to University and Korbel eligibility requirements. Changes in enrollment status, breaks in enrollment, changes to the degree program, or other exceptional circumstances may affect cohort pricing eligibility or the applicable tuition rate.


Planning for graduate school costs?
Korbel offers individualized support to help admitted students develop a more personalized estimate of graduate tuition and costs of attendance. The Korbel Office of Graduate Enrollment can walk through the degree program, anticipated course plan, and Korbel scholarship support to help students better understand the expected tuition investment before enrolling.


Already admitted and want to begin planning? Contact the Korbel Office of Graduate Enrollment at [email protected] to schedule a conversation.

Please know we only give estimates and do not officially consult on Federal or any private lending. The University of Denver Office of Financial Aid is the official source for lending and loan consultation. 

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