Graduate Tuition Model FAQ

This FAQ explains what’s changing and what you can do to be ready. FSU will share official updates through your FSU email and announcements. 

1. What is the FY27 graduate tuition model change?

   Beginning Fall 2026 (FY27), FSU will expand and simplify its graduate tuition program so that eligible students enrolled in particular online programs are charged a single online tuition rate for all fully online graduate and doctoral programs. The goal is to make tuition more predictable and affordable for graduate students enrolled in a fully online program.

2. How does this align with FSU’s mission?
   

   This initiative expands affordable access to higher education, strengthens FSU’s role as a regional access institution, supports economic mobility and workforce readiness, and reflects the student expectation of simple, transparent pricing that is not tied to residency.

3. Why is FSU proposing this change?

   By strengthening the competitiveness and clarity of its online tuition, FSU advances our access and workforce goals—expanding opportunity for adult learners, degree completers, and working professionals. By reducing the nonresident price barrier for fully online programs, the proposal supports Maryland’s ability to attract and retain working professionals who may live near state borders or relocate during their studies. It also strengthens workforce pipelines in high-need fields—especially education leadership and advanced nursing—supporting rural and underserved communities in Western Maryland and the broader Appalachian region.

4. When does the new tuition model take effect?
   

   The revised tuition classification will take effect in Fall 2026 (FY27).

5. Who will be eligible?

   Students enrolled in one of these fully online or primarily online graduate programs, including the:

   • Master of Science in Applied Computer Science
   • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
   • M.Ed. Interdisciplinary
   • M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
   • M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Post Master's Certificate in Educational Leadership
   • M.Ed. in Literacy Education and Post Bachelor's Certificate in Literacy Education
     
   • Master of Environmental Management in Sustainability (MEMS)
   • Master of Science in Nursing - Education
   • Master of Science in Nursing - Leadership and Management
   • Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
   • Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
   • Master of Science in Recreation, Parks & Sport Management
   • Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
   
    
6. What happens to the current 120‑mile regional tuition rate?
   

   The current 120‑mile regional tuition rate for the Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant Studies program will remain in effect for Fall 2026 and beyond.

7. How does this impact institutional financial aid?

   Institutional aid packages will be reviewed for the 2026–2027 year to align with the new tuition structure. If your tuition rate changes, FSU will work to align your institutional aid with the updated cost of attendance. If anything about your aid package changes, you will receive direct communication in advance, and staff will be available to help you understand your options.

8. Will I lose my athletic scholarship?
   

   Student-athletes: Athletic scholarship amounts are reviewed each year and must follow NCAA and institutional policies. If your tuition classification changes under the new model, your cost of attendance may change, and your overall financial aid package may be adjusted accordingly. If you have questions, you’re not on your own—start with your coach (or sport administrator) and your Athletics compliance/financial aid contact, and you can also reach out to the Financial Aid Office for details related to your student account.

9. Will current students be affected?
   
   
   • Nothing changes right now. The new model does not begin until Fall 2026.
   • FSU will share updates before implementation through email and official announcements, including any changes to tuition classification and institutional aid.
     
     
10. What should you do now?

• Stay in the loop by checking your FSU email and official announcements as Fall 2026 approaches. 

• Keep your financial aid on track by reviewing your checklist each year and responding promptly if Financial Aid requests documents. 

• Student-athletes: check in with your coach or Athletics compliance/financial aid contact about the annual scholarship renewal timeline and who to reach out to if your tuition classification changes. 

12. Who can I contact with questions?
    

    If you have questions, FSU offices are here to help. For tuition classification and eligibility questions, contact Graduate Admissions. For billing, tuition charges, and address updates, contact the Registrar / Billing Office. For scholarships and financial aid questions, contact the Financial Aid Office.