Finances for Graduate Programs
Tuition & Budget for 2025-2026
Budget Estimates for one semester (full-time load of 9 hours)
NOTE: Tuition for the "BS-DNP" program will be charged at the master's or doctoral rate based on course level:
500-level and 600-level courses = master's tuition
700-level and 800-level courses = doctoral tuition
| MASTER'S | DOCTORAL | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | ($760 per credit hour ✕ 9 hours) $6,840.00 | ($980 per credit hour ✕ 9 hours) $8,820.00 |
| General Fee | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Books and supplies | $500.00 | $500.00 |
| TOTALS | $7,380.00 | $9,360.00 |
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
- International students must have financial resources sufficient to support themselves for the calendar year, in addition to an international-student deposit of $3,000 (USD). Download Form
- To be issued an I-20 Form, students must also provide a letter from financial sponsors (including their name and address), as well as copies of bank statements for the last three months showing the balance history for the student's account or the financial sponsor's account.
Monthly Payment Plan
Southern offers a monthly installment plan so you may spread the cost of tuition over the semester.Sign up for payment plan
Loans
The first step in exploring financial assistance options is to fill out the FAFSA application form:FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) (Southern's school code is 003518)
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans (formerly Stafford Loans)
- Graduate students registered for a minimum of five credit hours per semester may qualify for a direct loan. Unsubsidized loans are not based on financial need, and interest is charged from the time the loan is disbursed, although repayment does not begin until after graduation.
- GradPLUS Loan
- These are low-interest, federally backed student loans that are guaranteed by the U.S. government. These loans are similar to private student loans (below), but with the benefit of having fixed interest rates.
- Private Loans
- Personal loans are available from lending institutions nationwide. For advice on which loans may be right for you, you may talk with Southern's graduate finance counselor at 1.800.SOUTHERN or 423.236.2877.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Graduates who plan to enter a public service or a nonprofit field (excluding religion or evangelism) may qualify to have a portion of their loans forgiven. (This resources is available ONLY after graduation.) For details, see: Federal Student Aid: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
Scholarships & Financial Assistance
The first step in exploring financial assistance options is to fill out the FAFSA application:
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) (Southern's school code is 003518)
Other options:
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) (Southern's school code is 003518)
Other options:
- Featured Scholarships for Graduate Students
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- Tennessee Behavioral Health Pathways Scholarship Initiative: This offers up to $15,000 per academic year to help a Tennessee resident pay for tuition in a behavioral health master’s degree program at an accredited Tennessee college or university.
- Tax Credits (Financial Aid for Graduate Students)
- You may qualify for the Lifetime Learning Credit when filing your taxes, and claim up to $2,000 per student. For more information, contact your tax adviser or consult the IRS booklet "Tax Benefits for Education".
- Employee Programs
- Many employers have programs set up to help their employees obtain a graduate education. You may check with the human resources department at your organization.
- Graduate Assistantships
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With graduate assistantships, you’ll have the opportunity to get valuable, hands-on experience through your program. You’ll be assigned to work a set number of hours each week, and your tasks and responsibilities will vary depending on the department or faculty member who oversees the position. In exchange, you may earn a tuition waiver or even a salary or monthly stipend.
On top of that, graduate assistantships are a fantastic way to work closely with faculty members and university leaders who will help you network, provide job references, and be your advocate as you open new doors to your future.
The following departments offer graduate assistantships. If you have questions, please contact the graduate counselor for your school.
Cost of Living in Chattanooga
You may find that Southern's location helps you save on the overall costs for graduate school because Chattanooga's cost of living is less than the national average.You can learn more about living expenses in the Chattanooga area at BestPlaces.net (Cost of Living Calculator).
Questions About Finances?
We have a team of Student Finance Counselors who are ready to help you find solutions and make paying for graduate school as easy as possible. Please feel free to call or email with questions anytime.
423.236.2535
Student Finance
gradfinance@southern.edu423.236.2535
