Pursuing an MBA at a top program represents a significant investment in your future. As you explore ways to advance your education and accelerate your career trajectory, we invite you to think holistically about your return on investment (ROI). Whether you’re seeking a promotion, salary increase, or aligning your personal and professional aspirations, defining your unique ROI is crucial as you consider an MBA for your future.

The numbers tell a compelling story: Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA graduates from the Class of 2024 saw an average starting salary of $150,000 plus a $30,000 signing bonus – representing a remarkable 67% increase from typical pre-MBA salaries. Over a 35-year career, this translates to an additional $1.56 million in value, with an impressive 21% annual return on investment.

Making Your MBA Attainable

To make your MBA future more accessible, Texas McCombs provides various financial assistance options. While student loans are the most common form of aid, several other funding sources can help support your education:

Merit-Based Recruiting Scholarships

Through the generous support of individual donors and corporate partners, Texas McCombs offers merit-based recruiting scholarships to both domestic and international candidates who demonstrate superior academic achievement and professional accomplishments. All applicants are automatically considered during the admissions review process.

This past admissions cycle, 83% of admitted Full-Time MBA students received scholarship offers, with awards ranging from $5,000 to full tuition. For international candidates, 81% of enrolled students received scholarship offers. Among admitted students who received scholarships, the average award was $18,961 per year.

Veteran Benefits and Support

For military veterans, there are specialized funding options and support. Eligible veterans can utilize VA Education Benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, which can cover eligible tuition based on service history.

Veterans using Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits may receive coverage for tuition, books, and a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA). The program will apply a waiver to course materials and non-tuition fees at a matching rate to supplement the VA’s contribution.

Students who qualify for Hazlewood Exemption, a state benefit, may also be used to exempt the student from paying tuition for state-funded courses. Proof of eligibility or ineligibility for tuition-paying GI Bill benefits may be required to process Hazlewood Exemption benefits. When using both GI Bill and Hazlewood, you are required to use your tuition-paying GI Bill benefits first and any remaining tuition balance eligible for the Hazlewood Exemption will be applied toward the tuition bill.

Additional Funding Options

  • Second-Year Student Scholarships: At the end of the first year, Full-Time MBA students are invited to apply for a continuing student scholarship for their second year. These awards typically range anywhere from $1,000-$5,000. The 2nd Year Full-Time MBA Scholarship awards are given based on academic performance, leadership, and involvement during their first year in the program, as well as financial need.
  • Institutional Scholarships: The UT Austin Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid (OSFA) administers institutional endowed scholarships for continuing students that first-year MBAs may qualify for, beginning in November of their first year. First-year MBA students may be eligible to apply, but please review the specific criteria and application procedures carefully and reach out to McCombs Financial Aid with any questions.
  • Federal Loans: Many students are eligible for federal student loans and in some cases, grants. To determine your eligibility, you must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA for the 2025-2026 school year became available on December 1, 2024, and Texas has a priority deadline of February 15, 2025. At the latest, it is recommended that you have your FAFSA completed by June 1. Students who are eligible to complete the FAFSA are U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, and other eligible non-citizens. Please watch this two-minute video for help with the financial aid application process.
  • Private Education Loans: Private/alternative loans are loans not provided by a federal or state student loan program. As a result, the terms of the loan will vary from lender to lender. If pursuing a private loan, check with your lender about the length of time your application will remain valid to ensure your approval won’t expire before you start the program.  

International Student Options

For international students, there may be private loan options, with or without a U.S. citizen or permanent resident co-signer. (Note: We, as The University of Texas at Austin, cannot be your co-signer, nor can we recommend any specific lenders.) The student-run International MBA Student Association (IMBASA) is a good resource for information about pursuing an MBA as an international student. You are encouraged to reach out to IMBASA with any questions.

Beyond the Numbers

While the financial metrics are impressive, the true value of a Texas McCombs MBA extends beyond dollars and cents. Our graduates experience profound personal transformation, developing enhanced leadership skills, strategic thinking abilities, and a powerful professional network that spans industries and continents.

Most students finance their MBA education using multiple sources – combining personal savings, loans, and scholarship funding. Before applying, we encourage you to research financing options thoroughly and reach out to our MBA Admissions Team with any questions.

Ready to begin your MBA journey? Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events, or experience student life through our Instagram. For detailed information about application components and deadlines, check out our Application Process page.