Five FAQ on Financing an Executive MBA

Learn more about all the options available for paying for your mid-career MBA from the associate director of EMBA financial aid.
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Kellogg
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Business students sitting in a classroom

by Don Robertson
Associate Director of EMBA Financial Aid

Considering applying to the Executive MBA Program but want to understand how to finance your studies? Our Admissions & Financial Aid Team helps individuals like you do the same both before and after you apply. Time and again, our students praise not only the return on investment that the Kellogg EMBA Program gave them, but also the return on a transformational experience: the immediate benefits of a community-minded global network of peers and leaders, along with the prestige that comes from a top-ranked institution like Kellogg. 

That said, we understand that an Executive MBA is a significant financial investment, and we are here to help you understand your funding options. A few tips to keep in mind: 

  • Start researching options now. Connect with alumni about the ROI of the program, talk to your employer about tuition assistance, and review what is included in tuition.  
  • Apply for Financial aid. For full consideration, admitted students should submit all Financial aid applications as soon as possible for funding consideration. More details below.
  • Contact us for guidance. We understand that questions may arise as you navigate options for funding your degree. Leverage our financial aid team as a resource early in the process to assist with your needs and be best prepared for the program. You can e-mail us or call 847.467.1769.  

Though we always encourage you to get in touch with us, we thought you might benefit from seeing what others are asking.

Top five FAQ on financing an Executive MBA 

What’s included in tuition? 

Kellogg’s Executive MBA program tuition is all-inclusive and covers courses, accommodations, meals and snacks, as well as your books and materials.

If you do not reside in Chicago or in Miami and will incur travel costs in order to attend the weekend courses, the Financial Aid Office will be able to help you with additional loan assistance for this expense based on what is allowed in the budget for transportation.

In addition, we do allow students to borrow additional loan assistance to help cover the travel expenses for Global Electives.

Learn more about tuition costs on this page. 

How do most students finance their executive MBAs, and what options are available to me?

Most students finance their studies using one, or a combination of, these options:

Many EMBA students take advantage of loans to help fund their degrees. Financial aid is available to Executive MBA Program students through federal and/or private loans. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for educational loans through U.S. federal programs.

What financial aid options are available to international students?

International students may choose to take advantage of Private Education Loans, which are credit-based loans through banks, credit unions, or private agencies and generally have variable interest rates. Before moving forward with one of these options, students should investigate these sources of financial support cautiously and thoroughly.

For information on loans that may be available to non-U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents, please consult our private loans page.

How do I apply for financial aid?

If you are interested in applying for financial aid loan assistance, please complete all financial aid application materials:

  • Admitted students will find the Kellogg Financial Aid Application on CAESAR, the Northwestern University portal for students. All students should complete this form regardless of citizenship.
  • U.S. Citizens and permanent residents will also need to complete the free application for federal student aid, also known as the FAFSA, which is available through studentaid.gov. 

Once the completed application materials are received by the financial aid office, we will review and determine your eligibility for financial aid loan assistance. We will email you information for viewing your electronic notification letter online though CAESAR; the platform will allow you to accept, reduce or decline any loan assistance.

Once you have accepted any loan offers, and you have completed the necessary steps included in the notification letter, your loan funds will be disbursed to your student account shortly before classes begin.

Does Kellogg offer scholarships? 

To make the cost of education more manageable, the Executive MBA Program offers limited scholarships to admitted students each year. Please note that a separate application is required for scholarship consideration; you can access this application after submitting your admissions application. Completing the scholarship application while you wait for your admissions decision will allow us to notify you of any scholarship award shortly after admittance.

Explore the types of scholarships available and consider outside scholarship sources listed as well.

Kellogg Office of Financial Aid
2211 Campus Drive
Evanston, IL 60208
emba-finaid@kellogg.northwestern.edu
847.467.1269