Pursuing a Stanford M-TRAM degree presents a substantial commitment to your future, making the financial aspect of this investment a pivotal consideration. Stanford graduate students have a range of options to explore for funding their education. These alternatives encompass personal savings, loans, external scholarships, family resources, and governmental support. M-TRAM does not have Department Scholarship Awards available at this time

Students in the M-TRAM program are eligible for Financial Aid, and we encourage you to explore if that option is available to you.

Below, you will discover details regarding tuition, attendance expenses, and avenues to financially support your M-TRAM education. We encourage you to apply to those programs for which you are eligible.

Cost of Attendance

The M-TRAM tuition fee structure is based on Stanford University's graduate student tuition schedule. Our program takes 4 quarters to complete, requiring full time enrollment in 11-18 units per quarter for 3 quarters (Fall, Winter, Spring) + one summer part-time enrollment (10 units).  

As you contemplate applying to graduate school, you can utilize the chart below to formulate your financial strategy for M-TRAM.

Tuition and Fees

Academic Calendar Note: M-TRAM begins in fall quarter, and ends after the summer quarter of the following year. Stanford updates its annual tuition in the Autumn quarter, so rates for 2025/26 may be slightly increased.

This is not an inclusive chart, and students may be subject to additional miscellaneous fees as determined by the University. Individuals who elect to live in on-campus housing have additional costs. More information can be found at Stanford Graduate Student Housing.

M-TRAM students will be responsible for securing and financing their accommodations to attend classes on Stanford’s campus.

Beyond tuition, a master’s program encompasses additional living expenditures like housing, meals, transportation, and other university fees. The combined total of tuition and these miscellaneous costs constitute the standard cost of attendance.  You can approximate the cost of attendance for the 2024-2025 academic year by computing both the tuition and non-tuition expenses set by the university on an annual basis.

Stanford University requires that all registered students carry adequate health insurance. This requirement can be met either through Cardinal Care, the University-sponsored health insurance plan, or through an alternative insurance plan that has comparable benefits.

See the detailed estimated student budget from the Stanford Graduate Admissions office. Details about tuition rates, refunds, and other campus fees can be found in the Stanford Bulletin. 

There are a variety of funding options for Stanford graduate students based on academic merit, financial need, course of study, or type of degree program. Most fellowships and grants are secured through academic departments, outside agencies, or governments.

• M-TRAM has limited funding/financial aid available for Master’s students. 
• Applicants are strongly advised to apply for fellowship support early in the application process so that the funding decision is known before the admissions process is complete.
• Prospective students are encouraged to consult with Graduate Financial Aid.
• 2024-2025 FAFSA - Application for Federal Student Aid U.S. citizens and permanent residents must complete FAFSA before June 30, 2025 to be considered for federal loans and/or Stanford scholarship and loans. On the FAFSA application, applicants should list Stanford University, the school code is 001305.

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program cultivates and supports a highly engaged, multidisciplinary and multicultural community of graduate students from across Stanford University, and delivers a diverse collection of educational experiences, preparing graduates to address complex challenges facing the world. Knight-Hennessy Scholars participate in an experiential leadership development program known as the King Global Leadership Program and receive funding for up to three years of graduate study at Stanford.  

Visit kh.stanford.edu to learn more and apply.

In order to comply with immigration regulations, international students must show proof of sufficient financial means to cover the entirety of their graduate program's duration. Although U.S. federal loan programs aren't accessible to international students, they may qualify for private/alternative loans. It is important to note that many lenders require a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to co-sign the loan. Resources and assistance for selecting private loan programs commonly preferred by Stanford students can be found here. 

A comprehensive list of private loan programs is available at FinAid.org.

International students are also eligible to apply for:

• Private (non-federal) loans
• Office of Global Scholarships
• Knight-Hennessy Scholars

We suggest U.S Citizens and Permanent Residents explore some of the free scholarship search databases:

• https://www.fastweb.com/
• https://finaid.org/
• https://www.scholarships.com/
• https://www.profellow.com/

We suggest International Students explore some of the free scholarship search databases:

• https://www.fastweb.com/
• https://finaid.org/
• https://www.scholarships.com/
• https://www.profellow.com/
•  https://scholarship-positions.com