Which MPA is right for me? The University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs offers three Master of Public Administration (MPA) program options, and your choice will depend on a combination of flexibility and desired time to degree. Learn more at publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/mpa
Traditional MPA Designed for:
the part- or full-time working professional
Total credits:
36-39
Degree format:
online, on campus or both
Time to degree: typically 30 months Start terms:
fall, spring and summer
Accelerated MPA Designed for:
the full-time student
Total credits:
36-39
Degree format:
on campus only, cohort model
Time to degree: 12 months Start term:
Accelerated MPA tuition is the same for Colorado and non-Colorado residents!
fall
Executive MPA Designed for:
the mid- to-senior-level professional with 7+ years of relevant professional experience
Total credits:
30
Degree format:
online, on campus or both
(Two courses require a mandatory on-campus intensive experience, and one course requires a week-long intensive experience in the Rocky Mountains.) Time to degree: typically 24 months Start terms:
fall, spring and summer
Costs of Completing a Master of Public Administration The cost of completing an MPA is comprised of tuition, fees, textbooks and other course materials, and in some circumstances, travel, lodging and meals. The total cost may be different for each student and will depend on a number of factors, like state residency, time to degree, format of classes (e.g., in person, hybrid, fully online) and more. The figures below should only be used as estimates. Please contact spa.admissions@ucdenver.edu or 303-315-2560 for assistance in estimating your potential costs. A current list of tuition rates and fees* can be found on the Bursar’s Office website at ucdenver.edu/bursar. *Tuition rates and fees subject to change.
Traditional MPA
12 courses** / 36 credits
**Additional 3-credit internship may be required.
Assumptions:
All classes taken on campus within 30 months (8 terms), including summers. Based on 2019-20 tuition rates & fees.
Accelerated MPA
12 courses** / 36 credits **Additional 3-credit internship may be required.
Assumptions:
All classes must be taken on campus within 12 months (3 terms), including summer. Based on 2019-20 tuition rates & fees.
Executive MPA
10 courses / 30 credits Assumptions:
All classes taken on campus and hybrid within 24 months (6 terms), including summers. Fully online program is not available. Based on 2019-20 tution rates & fees.
RESIDENTS OF COLORADO, ALASKA, ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, HAWAII, IDAHO, MONTANA, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, NORTH DAKOTA, OREGON, SOUTH DAKOTA, U.S. PACIFIC TERRITORIES, UTAH, WASHINGTON & WYOMING
RESIDENTS FROM ALL OTHER U.S. STATES AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES
(36 credit hours x resident tuition rate***)
(36 credit hours x non-resident tuition rate***)
(36 credit hours x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver fees per credit hour)
(36 credit hours x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver fees per credit hour)
(8 terms x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver per term fees)
(8 terms x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver per term fees)
= Approximately $24,681
= Approximately $50,925
($26,343 if 3-credit internship is required)
($54,775 if 3-credit internship is required)
***Fully-online students are assessed 120% of resident tuition rate and most fees are waived.
***Fully-online students are assessed 120% of resident tuition rate and most fees are waived.
(Flat tuition of approx. $25,000)
(Flat tuition of approx. $25,000)
(36 credit hours x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver fees per credit hour)
(36 credit hours x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver fees per credit hour)
(3 terms x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver per term fees)
(3 terms x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver per term fees)
= Approximately $27,846
= Approximately $27,846
+ +
+ +
+
+ +
($27,930 if 3-credit internship is required)
($27,930 if 3-credit internship is required)
(21 credit hours x resident tuition rate)
(21 credit hours x non-resident tuition rate)
+
+
(2 extended studies course x approx. $3,750 per extended studies course)
+
(2 extended studies course x approx. $3,750 per extended studies course)
+
(Rocky Mountain Leadership Program approx. $4,150 + lodging)
(Rocky Mountain Leadership Program approx. $4,150 + lodging)
+
+
(30 credit hours x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver fees per credit hour)
+
Last updated in July 2021
+
(30 credit hours x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver fees per credit hour)
+
(6 terms x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver per term fees)
(6 terms x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver per term fees)
= Approximately $27,113
= Approximately $42,422