Tuition and Financial Aid

Beginning with the September 2024 term, tuition is $1,130 per credit. Tuition is charged per credit, and DataScience@SMU is a 33.5-credit program. Please note that fees are subject to change and may rise each year. Students are assessed a $100 distance learning fee per credit. Students can expect to pay at least $37,855 without fees for the program.

Full tuition for the term is due eight days prior to the start of each term and can be paid online.

Please see the full time (5 track) and part time (7 track) SMU Tuition Tables below for the 2024-2025 academic year. Please keep in mind that the amounts are estimates; tuition and fees are subject to change.

A nonrefundable $500 tuition prepayment is required prior to enrollment.

DataScience@SMU tuition does not include books, supplies or travel to and from the immersion at SMU. You may incur additional expenses for the immersion and should plan ahead to cover these expenses for the immersion course, which is required to complete the program.

You can purchase textbooks for all courses at the SMU Official Bookstore.

How to Seek Out Employer Sponsorship

Many potential graduate students seek support from their current employers to fund their graduate degree. Though your employer may not advertise funding for graduate studies, many employers know that helping employees develop their skills benefits the organization in the short and long term. Tell your employer about your professional development goals, and discuss what options and support are available to you.

To seek out an employer sponsorship, we suggest you contact your human resources department to find out if sponsorships are available, along with any requirements or expectations. Be prepared to articulate the benefit of your continued education and why it will make you more valuable to your organization.

Please visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for information on military education benefits.

DataScience@SMU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for students who are active military members or veterans. Learn more about the Yellow Ribbon Program.

If you plan to apply for student financial aid to help fund your studies at SMU, you will need to complete the following steps.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the Federal Student Aid website. The SMU school code is 003613. Be sure to sign your FAFSA application electronically upon submission.

Many graduate and professional students borrow a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan to cover tuition and expenses that exceed the Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Direct PLUS Loans are credit-based. If you plan to borrow a Direct PLUS Loan:

Note: Credit decisions expire in 180 days.

Upon admission to DataScience@SMU, you will receive login information for access to your student portal, MySMU, which houses a number of financial aid forms.

Submit an Intent to Enroll form and a Self Certification form. The Financial Aid Office will review your financial aid application after you have submitted your enrollment decision and will send an email notification to review your financial aid award offer via your SMU email account.

Note: You must be enrolled in a minimum of 4.5 units per term to be eligible for federal student aid. If your enrollment status changes before the add/drop deadline, you must contact the Financial Aid Office.

In order for funds to be released to SMU, you must:

For more information, download our Financial Aid Checklist (PDF, 82kb) or read our Financial Aid FAQs (PDF, 207kb).