Tuition Rates and Fees
The tuition rates and fees for the Master of Science in Quantitative Economics degree program, are adjusted each year based on recommendations from the University Board of Trustees. These tuition rates and fees are announced in July. The 2023-2024 rates are:
- $46,114, Pennsylvania Resident - Please view the University Tuition Eligibility Guidelines
- $57,094, Out-Of-State Resident and International Student
- $1,230 Mandatory Fees (Fees for Course, Academic, Service, Professional Development, Student Activity, Wellness, Computing and Network, Security, Safety, and Transportation)
When an international applicant accepts our offer of admission, they will need to present financial documents ot the Office of International Services (OIS) showing they have enough funds to support their study and life in Pittsburgh for the duration of the program. Please refer to this sheet from OIS showing the funds needed to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses in 2024-2025.
Merit-Based MQE Scholarships
The MQE has a limited number of merit-based scholarships to award to students with particularly strong academic records. The MQE awards on average 3 to 4 tuition scholarships of up to $15,000 to its most exceptional applicants. When reviewing applications for scholarship consideration, weight is given to undergraduate GPA, previous work and research experience, clarity of post-graduation goals, among other factors including breadth of background and life experiences. While all applicants are reviewed for scholarship consideration, with all things being equal, slight priority is given to applicants who do not have access to additional scholarship funding opportunities. Applicants who submit completed applications by March 15, 2024, will be considered automatically, without any additional application process required. We will have additional rounds of funding for students who apply after March 15 as long as funds remain available.
The MQE does not have teaching assistantships or research assistantships available for its students. The MQE is an intensive, 8-month program, where students are focused on courework, capstones, and career preparation; teaching or research assistantships at the University require a 20-hour-per-week commitment, which is incompatable with the schedule and the goals of this program.
Cost of Attendance
A Master of Science student’s budget, or “cost of attendance”, refers to the total amount of educational costs that he or she can expect to incur in a typical year as an MQE student. Educational costs include:
- Program tuition
- Fees
- Books
- Living expenses
The cost of attendance represents the maximum amount that a student can receive in financial aid, including scholarships, educational loans, or any other grant from a private or government body. Once your student loan amount has reached the amount of your cost of attendance, you are not eligible for additional educational loans. If you need additional funds, you will need to take out a private loan.
Tuition Deposit
Students who are admitted to the program submit a non-refundable $200 tuition deposit when they accept their offer of admission. This $200 is applied to the fall term tuition when the student arrives and enrolls in class. Information about paying this deposit will be provided when an applicant is offered admission.
Educational Loans for Graduate Students
Once students have gained admission, they can inquire about educational loans through the Admissions Office or by contacting the University of Pittsburgh's Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. Please read the Financial Resources on this website for more information. Two general types of educational loans exist:
- Graduate Stafford Loans: All students who are U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents may qualify for a maximum of $20,500 per academic year under the federal Stafford Loan Program. A Graduate Plus loan is available to cover additional expenses incurred during graduate school.
- Private Educational Loans are available through various commercial banks and private lending institutions for educational expenses not covered by Graduate Stafford Loans or scholarship funds. All students, domestic and international, are eligible to apply for private educational loans. International students typically need a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident co-sign the loan.
Veteran Benefits
Apply for VA benefits by going online to either www.gibill.va.gov or www.eBenefits.va.gov. Visit www.vets.gov to apply online for veteran’s educational benefits. Once your application is approved, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) which will list the benefit(s) you are eligible for. You can submit your certification for 9/11 Bill benefits by emailing Pitt’s Veterans Benefits Coordinator.
International Graduate Financial Information
The Office of International Services (OIS) has prepared this document to inform you of the financial requirement to issue your student visa document (Form I-20 or DS-2019) as an international graduate student. Once you have been admitted to your program and accepted your offer of admission, your department will notify OIS. From there, you will be contacted directly from OIS via email and will need to provide financial documentation via the My OIS online portal. More information on this process will be provided to you after we have received your information from your school. This document is simply to prepare you for what you will need to provide to OIS so that your visa document is issued smoothly and timely. Please read the Financial Documentation Considerations on Page 2 to understand what is considered acceptable financial documentation. You do not need to submit financial documentation to your school.
External Funding: Graduate Fellowships and Grants
Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, Graduate Studies has developed a comprehensive page of financial resources. Various tools let you filter by intellectual fields, academic level, citizenship status, and more. We also feature selective lists of fellowships grouped by intellectual fields.
PittFund$Me
Current students and new incoming students who have committed to Pitt have access to Pitt’s searchable scholarship database, PittFund$Me. Log into my.pitt.edu and click on the PittFund$Me link to access the tool. Respond to questions in PittFund$Me to discover what you are eligible to apply for and unlock your scholarship matches!
Pitt2Pitt - Scholarship for Pitt graduating seniors and recent alumni
MQE is included in the Pitt2Pitt Scholarship Program, a $5,000 scholarship to graduating seniors and alumni from all Pitt campuses.