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Funding your graduate Education

The University of Delaware and The Biden School offer many ways to help fund your graduate education. Prospective students may consider the options below to assist with educational costs.

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Graduate college funding opportunities

Biden School Master’s Tuition Scholarships

Biden School Masters Tuition Scholarships are awarded competitively and are not guaranteed with admission. A Biden School Tuition Scholarship covers a portion of a student’s tuition, the average award is 30% of the tuition costs. All master-level students are eligible to apply during your degree application process. Tuition scholarships are awarded separately from research assistantships.

Biden School Research Assistantships

Research assistantships are competitively awarded to full-time Biden School students. This includes research assistantships to support faculty research and the Biden School-affiliated research and public service centers. 

Graduate research assistants are required to work 20 hours per week, including during the January winter session. We make every effort to assign students to projects related to their research areas, but assignments are also based on funding availability. Research assistantships may be renewable in subsequent years, subject to funding availability, provided the student remains in good academic standing and satisfactorily completes project requirements. 

AmeriCorps

After successfully completing AmeriCorps term of service and enrolling in the National Service Trust, students can receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. You can use the award to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.

The University of Delaware supports eight AmeriCorps students in graduate programs and eight students in undergraduate programs—up to a maximum of two years.

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Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

If a government or not-for-profit organization employs you, you might be eligible for the PSLF Program. The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans.

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Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program

The McNair Scholars Program is a federal TRIO program funded at 194 institutions across the United States and Puerto Rico by the U.S. Department of Education. It is designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. McNair participants are either first-generation college students with financial need, or members of a group that is traditionally underrepresented in graduate education and have demonstrated strong academic potential. The goal of the McNair Scholars Program is to increase graduate degree awards for students from underrepresented groups in society. The McNair Scholars Program has been at The University of Delaware since 1999. The McNair Scholars Program aims to prepare, empower, and expose academically talented low-income, first generation, and underrepresented students toward pursuit of advanced graduate degrees. Through a collaborative mentoring environment and simulated graduate school experiences, students will gain the competencies needed to graduate as distinguished scholars with enhanced communication, leadership, intercultural, research methodology, and critical thinking skills.

State of Delaware Employees

State of Delaware employees receive a 10% discount on all UD Online master's degree programs, including the Biden School's Online MPA. The University of Delaware's online programs are designed to give students the flexibility to accommodate their busy schedules. 

UD Education Alliance

If your employer is part of the University of Delaware Education Alliance, you can use a 10% tuition scholarship for the Online Masters in Public Administration (MPA) program. This program only applies to UD Online master's degree programs.

U.S. Veterans, Active Duty Military, National Guard or Reserves Members

The University of Delaware understands the commitment and sacrifices military members and their families make during their time of service. This is why staff and faculty at the University are committed to helping student veterans and military service members in their transition from military to college life. 

The University of Delaware Offers a Graduate Application Fee Waiver for U.S. Veterans and Active Duty Military or Members of the National Guard or Reserves. 

Service to Service Initiative

The Service to Service Initiative is a collaborative effort between the Biden School, We the Veterans, and the Volcker Alliance to support veterans and service members transitioning into stable and impactful careers in public leadership.

As a new member of this collaborative network of schools of public service as of fall 2025, the Biden School will offer its master’s students who are active duty military, veterans, or military family members access to a national community of peers and professionals with similar experiences and goals. Participants will engage in a wide variety of opportunities designed to help transition successfully into public service careers.

The national network provides the following resources tailored to military-connected individuals:

  • Specialized orientations
  • Seminars and workshops
  • Networking events
  • Career counseling
  • Mentorship programs
  • Job placement resources
  • Dedicated fellowships and ongoing support

At UD, the Biden School will supplement the national program offerings by:

  • Providing access to dedicated service to service fellowships that enable greater access for active duty, veteran, and military-affiliated family members.
  • Contributing to the development of the national service to service network and the development of best practices in service to this population.
  • Offering programming in collaboration with the Biden Institute, such as “Hoagies and Heroes” and other speakers and programs designed specifically for our service to service cohort.
  • Helping to support the UD Student Veterans Association.
  • Activating the Biden School’s extensive network to help connect cohort students to internships, fellowships, capstone projects and related opportunities that will help them connect to opportunities in federal, state and local government.
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UD top-ranked graduate degree programs

In the 2026 edition of Best Graduate Schools, U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of Delaware's graduate programs among the best in the nation.

“Once again, UD’s graduate programs are recognized for their high standard of excellence,” then-UD President Dennis Assanis said. “The impressive talents of our outstanding faculty and high-caliber students continue to fuel positive momentum year after year for our graduates and their next-step careers. I am so proud of our University’s collaborative focus on academic rigor, compelling programming and dedicated support of graduate education.” 

Fully Accredited and Top Ranked Online MPA Program

The Biden School's Master in Public Administration (MPA) program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).

The Biden School's Online MPA is ranked #10 for Best Online MPA programs by University HQ​.​

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Elected Official. Nonprofit Executive Director. Health Policy Researcher. Community Planner.

These are just a few examples of the positions filled by alumni of the Biden School programs. You bring the issues and causes you care about, we provide tools, support, and opportunities to help you make an impact.

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184 Graham Hall, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716   bidenschool@udel.edu Phone (302) 831-1687