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Tuition, Fees and Paying For Your Education

Tuition & Fees

Visit the US Dept. of Labor to learn more about Social Work jobs.

Visit University Financial Services to learn more about PSU's tuition & fees.

2-year, in-state Portland Option students should plan to enroll for a minimum of 14 credits each term. Tuition & fees for one term of 14 credits is $4,897. The approximate total cost for this option's tuition & fees is $30,000.

3-year, in-state Portland Option students register for 6-7* credit hours during the first year and generally 10-11 credit hours during the second and third years. Tuition & fees for one term of 7 credits is $2,730 and one term of 11 credits is $4,128. The approximate total cost for this option's tuition & fees is $32,000.

Distance Option students register between 6*-11 credit hours each term, depending on the curriculum. Tuition & fees for one term of 6 credits is $2,701 and one term of 11 credits is $4,740. The approximate total cost for this option's tuition & fees is $35,000. Please note: Distance Option students pay differential tuition, which provides students the opportunity to study in his or her community, as well as complete a field placement in or near the student's place of residence.

Out-Of-State students pay Non-Resident tuition & fees. Students attending either the 2-year or 3-year Portland Option will register for the number of credits mentioned above. Tuition & fees for one term of 7 credits is $4,060, one term of 11 credits is $6,218 and one term of 14 credits is $7,777. The approximate total cost depends on the course of study you choose.

Out-of-State students who attend the Distance Option also pay Non-Resident Differential Tuition. See pages 56 and 59 of the 2012-2013 Fee Book for details.

*Please note: For financial aid planning purposes, all students who take 8 credit hours or less any given term are considered "part-time." Students taking 9 credit hours or more are considered "full-time." Contact the PSU Financial Aid Office to detrmine how this impacts your financial aid plans.

Other Costs to Consider include paying for books, transportation, housing, day-to-day living and unexpected emergencies.

Paying For Your Education

Funding your education is critical component of planning for graduate school. If you plan to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), please do so as soon possible so that if you are admitted to PSU, the Financial Aid Office can prepare your award. To assist students to cover the costs of your graduate education, both the University and the School of Social Work offer a variety of funding opportunities. It is important to note that most students utilize a combination of options to finance their MSW education. Some options are listed below.

Loans

Educational loans are available through the University. These include a Perkins Loan, Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, and the Graduate Plus Loan. Further information and applications are availabe from the PSU Financial Aid Office.

PSU Laurels Graduate Tuition Remission Program

This program, available to admitted graduate students, provides tuition remission to academically qualified applicants on a competitive basis. The program offers annual awards of tuition credit equivalent to the instruction portion of graduate fees. Diverse students are encouraged to apply. This program is based on available resources.

SSW Administered Scholarships

The school has a number of privately funded scholarships. Application for these scholarships occurs during spring term for students entering their second year of field placement. Scholarship opportunities for incoming students are limited. Scholarship for newly admitted students are announced in late summer.

Child Welfare Education Program

Students interested in a career in public child welfare may be interested in applying to this program. Students can receive up to $6,000 per academic year toward tuition, depending on the number of credits registered for each term. Students accepting funds from this program agree to work for the Oregon Department of Human Services for the same number of years as they received support from the Child Welfare Education Program.

Graduate Assistants

The School of Social Work does not offer graduate assistantships at this time, however students attending the Portland Option can apply for graduate assistantships in other departments on campus. Fully admitted graduate students appointed to graduate assistantships are exempt from paying a portion of the instruction fee for each quarter (the employing department provides a tuition credit), but are responsible for paying the Building, Health, Incidental, and Technology Fees, as well as any Other Fees. All graduate assistants must register for at least 9 graduate credits.

Employed Social Worker Option

The school offers an organized program of study that enables employed human service workers to complete the MSW degree and satisfy one year of the practicum requirement in their place of employment. The place of employment must reassign the student to work 16 hours a week in activities which are (1) consistent with ther practice curriculum and year in field and (2) different from their regular job. Students interested in this option are encouraged to discuss it with their advisor or site coordinator.

Working While Attending the MSW Program

Many students find it necessary to work in addition to attending classes and field placement. The school encourages students to keep outside work to no more than 20 hours each week, if possible, to ensure time for classes, field work and out-of-class reading and homework.