Your graduate program is an important investment in your future career.

Be sure to look into our merit and need-based scholarships and financial aid to help you cover your costs. Nearly 90 percent of our students receive scholarships. The sooner you apply, the sooner you will know about your scholarship and financial aid information allowing you to calculate the actual cost of your program. 

2019–20 Academic Year

The following cost of attendance applies to students who are registered for 11–16 credits in the fall 2019 or spring 2020 semester. Tuition rates are subject to change in future academic years:

Tuition and Fees Per Year Per Semester
Tuition $41,594 $20,797
Student Activity Fee $170 $85
Total $41,764 $20,882
Estimated Living Expenses Per Year Per Semester
Books and Supplies $900 $450
Housing and Food $15,930 $7,965
Local Transportation $856 $428
Personal Expenses $1,800 $900
Health Insurance* 

(new students)
$5,202 (incl. summer) $2,601
Health Insurance* 

(returning students)
$5,132 (incl. summer) $2,566

*Students are not required to enroll in the Institute health insurance plan but are required to have health insurance. Visit our health insurance guide for more health insurance options with a wide range of costs.

Advanced Entry

The following cost of attendance applies only to students enrolled for two semesters or 36 credits total in the following programs:

  • International Environmental Policy
  • Master of Public Administration (MPA)
  • International Policy and Development
  • Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies 

Tuition rates are subject to change in future academic years:

Tuition and Fees Per Year Per Semester
Tuition $44,562 $22,281
Student Activity Fee $170 $85
Total $44,732 $22,366

Full-Time vs. Part-Time

The per credit rate is $1,980 for the 2019-20 academic year. Students who take 10 or fewer credits per semester will be charged at the per credit rate. Students taking 11 or more credits will be charged the comprehensive tuition fee.

Student Fees

Student Activity Fee

If you’re taking five or more credits each semester, you will automatically be charged an $85 student activity fee. This fee is utilized to provide a number of resources, services, and activities for students, including access to the Institute’s digital networking platform, student business cards, and other student life activities.

Student Tuition Recovery Fund

California law requires that, upon your enrollment, a fee be assessed relative to the cost of tuition (Education Code Section 94342). These fees support the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF), established by the California Legislature to reimburse students who might otherwise experience a financial loss as a result of untimely school closure. Institutional participation is mandatory.

Personal Expenses

This student budget does not include all of the expenses you may have, such as credit card or other consumer debt and living expenses for a spouse and/or dependents. The category of personal expenses includes clothing, laundry, household supplies, and entertainment. You should prepare a personal budget to anticipate your total financial needs.