Rensselaer at Work Tuition
Rensselaer at Work tuition is $2,080 per credit hour. There are no additional fees associated with attendance. In most courses, tuition is inclusive of digital access and all learning resource materials.
MBA for Professionals Tuition
The Rensselaer MBA for Professionals is billed at $1,800 per credit hour in 2024. The program price is 'fixed' at the time of program admission - you will continue to be charged the same per-credit-hour tuition throughout the program as you progress until the program is completed. Tuition for the MBA for Professionals program includes course fees and all program-related learning resources.
The first course requires a two-day Rensselaer Leadership Experience (RLE) as part of the course. Materials for the experience are included in tuition, but the student must make their own flight, hotel, and ground transportation arrangements. RLE's are scheduled months in advance in select cities across the country, allowing students to make their own travel arrangements accordingly. MBA for Professionals staff work with each student to inform the travel arrangement process.
The program is built to fit into your personal and professional commitments. If you need to step away from the program for a term to attend to other commitments, you can do so by informing your advisor. If you elect to step away from the program for two or more consecutive terms, you can return to the program at the most recent year's program and per credit hour tuition rate. The program must be completed in 5 years - exceptions to this requirement may be sought in certain circumstances - consult your advisor for more information.
Employer Support
Many employers value professionals who wish to develop their technical and leadership abilities through graduate study. Rensselaer at Work has partnership agreements with many employer partners. If your employer has an affiliation with Bright Horizons EdAssist or Edcor for example, you may be eligible for a 10% tuition discount, as well as employer support in financing your education. To find out if your employer offers tuition assistance, please contact your HR tuition benefits representative.
Additional Resources
Graduate student loans are available in the form of Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Federal Direct PLUS Loans. For more information on loans and payment plans, please visit RPI's Financial Aid Cost of Attendance resource.
Tips for Securing Employer Support
- Research Company Policies: Reach out to your human resources tuition benefits representative to understand what educational benefits may exist.
- Know the Program: While the RPI program pages outline program benefits and features, you can show your interest in sponsorship by demonstrating that you have taken the time to familiarize yourself with the Rensselaer at Work programs. Be prepared to discuss cost, credit structure, time commitments, and core benefits of the program with leadership.
- Frame the Request: When preparing a sponsorship request, think about your organization’s needs and how earning a Rensselaer degree or certificate will help you address those needs. Be sure to demonstrate both immediate and long-term returns for your employer when investing in your education.
- Understand the Implications: While employer support can be incredibly beneficial, it can carry expectations that you will want to understand. Some organizations are willing to fully fund an employee’s education, while others may only provide partial support. Employers often require commitment to a minimum period of employment or other conditions, such as minimum GPA requirements or demonstration of new skills. You should also understand possible tax implications when receiving an educational benefit.
- Inform Decision Makers: If they have any questions about the program, professionals are encouraged to direct their employers to a 30-minute informational webinar.
Financial Aid and the MBA for Professionals Program:
Learning Resource "Textbooks" Provided at No Additional Cost: Online MBA for Professionals Only
Enrolled students are provided free online access to all learning resources ("textbooks") and other authored materials needed for their program. Because the materials are developed by RPI or are accessible through public information sources, we are able to provide them at no cost to our students. There is no lower cost or more student-friendly option available for obtaining the required materials.
Additional Academic Supply Factor within Financial Aid Cost of Attendance:
Although there is no cost for "textbooks" or other authored materials, all colleges are required to consider additional education supply costs when determining Federal Direct Student Loan eligibility. Because of this, the financial aid "Cost of Attendance" will still present an estimated book and supply cost factor to students making an application for funds. Keep in mind that this factor does not increase your billable charges: it is in place to recognize that students may need to purchase a laptop, paper, a printer and ink, writing implements, or other items based on their individual learning style or other needs for their off-campus learning environment.