Tuition and Fees

Photo: Julius Motal

Tuition and fees published on this page are subject to change by the Board of Trustees of the City University of New York. The rates vary according to a student’s residency, credits and semester in which they are enrolled. Determination for New York State Residency is based on the information provided on your application for admission.

Below is a breakdown of the tuition and fees for our graduate programs. Students may complete their M.A program in three semesters or pursue a modified/flex option, which allows you to complete the program beyond the three-semester timeline. You may learn more about the modified and flex schedules by referring to the Academic Programs page and selecting the program you are interested in.

Tuition and Fees by Academic Program

SEMESTER

NYS RESIDENT
(including fees)

NON-NYS RESIDENT
(including fees)

FALL 2024

(15 credits)

 $6,136.45 $13,416.45

SPRING 2025

(13 credits)

 $6,336.45 $11,906.45

FALL 2025

(15 credits)

 $6,136.45 $13,416.45

TOTAL TUITION AND FEES

 $18,609.35 $38,739.35*

* The total cost of the program for Non-NYS residents changing their residency to in-state for the Spring and Fall 2025 semesters would be $25,889.35. The total cost of the program for Non-NYS residents changing their residency to in-state for the Fall 2025 semester would be $31,459.35. 

Non-NYS residents interested in petitioning for NYS residency should refer to the Residency Requirements to learn more about the eligibility requirements, forms, policies, deadlines and procedures.

Breakdown of Student Fees

Fees 1-11 Credits 12+ Credits
January Academy Fee $200 spring semester only $200 spring semester only
Consolidated Fee $15 per semester $15 per semester
Technology Fee $62.50 per semester $125 per semester
Program Supplement Fee $200 per semester $400 per semester
Student Activity Fee $51.45 per semester $51.45 per semester

January Academy fee: this is an intersession fee that covers the cost of workshops offered between the first and second semesters.

Consolidated fee: ensures the continuation, expansion, and establishment of critical university-wide services including but not limited to: the processing of financial aid applications, the immunization program, the job location /development program and other services.

Technology fee: helps defray the cost of electronic databases, computer hardware and software, help desk service, and computer and network maintenance.

Program Supplement fee: covers the cost of state-of-the-art multimedia packs, equipment, and other program materials for students’ use.

Student Activity fee: covers costs associated with extracurricular education programs such as a journalism speakers series, a journalism film series, special skills workshops and other events requested by students. It also includes a $1.45-per-semester fee that is allocated to the University Student Senate.

Residency and In-state Tuition

Students are expected to be aware of the resident and non-resident tuition rates, which are available on this page and the CUNY website, among other places, so that they know if they are being charged the correct tuition rate and quickly address any residency issues.

This page contains excerpts from the University Tuition & Fee Manual’s policy on Residency (chapter IV). The information below outlines the basic requirements a student must fulfill to qualify for the in-state tuition rate as a resident of the State of New York. 

In general, to qualify for the New York resident tuition rate, a student must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or in a qualifying immigration status; AND
  • Have continuously maintained his/her principal place of abode in the State of New York for a period of at least twelve (12) consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes; AND
  • Have a bona fide intention of living in New York permanently

Students requesting a change of residency status must submit a completed Residency Application  along with sufficient supporting documentation. Retroactive residency determinations and refunds will not be issued to students even in cases where they would have qualified for the resident rate if they had submitted timely documentation.

Please refer to the Residency Requirements page to learn more about the eligibility requirements, deadlines, forms, policies and procedures.