Graduate Admissions


Amplify Your Impact

Challenging, Accredited, Convenient

Amplify Your Impact

Be a leader in your field. Boldly pursue a better world. Build success in individuals, teams, and communities. Make your impact.

At St. Ambrose, you'll grow through real-world learning experiences. Our graduates become visionary leaders and change-makers who achieve – and exceed – their goals.

Admission information for our 11 master's programs and 3 doctoral degree programs is on the program's website. See all graduate programs

Online Programs Available
Complete your education on your own terms, on-campus, 100% online, or whatever format works for you. Attend classes full- or part-time and some graduate programs have accelerated, eight-week classes.

Apply to St. Ambrose University See Online graduate degrees

photo collage of graduates

Worker Bees

The lasting impact of a St. Ambrose education

In the classroom and far beyond, we ask our students to explore the unknown, challenge their limits, and act with compassion.

It is through that journey that St. Ambrose University students discover their passion and after graduation, find a job to feed that passion.

In the Spring 2019 issue of Scene Magazine, graduates shared the many ways in which an SAU education led to their success today.


There's Lots to Love About SAU!

Sraddha Shares Her Top 3


professor in class with students

Graduate Student Visits

Personalized

When you visit SAU, you'll learn more about us and we'll learn more about you, too.

  • Meet the faculty who will guide your education and elevate your goals.
  • Talk to graduate students about their experiences and depth of education.
  • Learn more about the resources and support we'll provide to help you achieve.

Visits for Graduate Students


2022-23 Costs for Graduate Programs

Fees

Enrolled in 9 or more credit hours – $280/yr. ($140/semester)
Enrolled in 8 or fewer credit hours – $140/yr. ($70/semester)

Tuition Refund Insurance

St. Ambrose has partnered with Sallie Mae to offer an opt-in tuition insurance plan. Participation in the tuition insurance plan is optional and St. Ambrose University does not administer the program. The University's withdrawal and refund policies are applicable whether or not you enroll in the tuition insurance plan.

Each year thousands of college students are unable to complete classes for the semester due to unforeseen medical issues such as illness, accidents, concussions, or issues related to mental health.

Unfortunately, in many cases these families are unable to recoup all of their tuition dollars. At St. Ambrose, depending on the timing of the withdrawal, there may be circumstances where you may not be eligible to receive a full refund of your tuition and fees. We understand these types of situations can be a financial hardship for many families. Therefore, we are pleased to make available the Tuition Refund Insurance plan.

Tuition Refund Insurance can help refund your tuition, fees, and room/board charges - up to the policy limits - if you are unable to complete the semester due to a covered medical reason such as an illness, accident, or mental health issue (two-day hospital stay required for mental health-related issues). This insurance program complements and enhances our school's refund policy, and we believe families will benefit from this added protection.

Visit GradGuard for more information.

Paying for Graduate School

Financial Aid

Paying for your graduate education is an investment in yourself and your career.

Let's look at some of the ways to make that investment possible.

Assistantships

We offer a number of assistantships that can reduce your total tuition cost and some even provide a stipend.

These are not TA positions. Instead, you work side-by-side with faculty and get to use and grow your knowledge by assisting them with research and other projects. Or, by helping coach, promote, or train student athletes. Or, by working with departmental staff.

Most graduate assistantships require 10-20 hours per week. Click here to see your opportunities, or contact us directly and we will tell you more.

Loans

Federal Direct Loans, Federal Direct Plus Loans, and private educational loans are available for graduate students enrolled at least half-time. Learn about federal vs. private loans


Federal Direct Loans
These are federally guaranteed, unsubsidized loans. A graduate student may be eligible to borrow up to $$20,500 per academic year. Interests accrues while you are in school, and you have the option to pay this interest or to have it capitalized. The current interest rate on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan is 5.31% with an origination fee of 1.069%.

To qualify for this loan, you must file a FAFSA. This is a non-need based loan and the majority of students are eligible for this loan.

As a first time borrower, you have to complete a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note and complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling. Visit www.studentloans.gov and sign in to complete the process.

Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan
This loan has a fixed interest rate of 6.31% with an origination fee of 4.273%. You must file a FAFSA and borrow the maximum amount of loan through the Direct Loan program before you will be eligible for a Grad Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). This loan is also based on your credit history, so you may be required to have a co-borrower.

The maximum you can borrow is the cost of attendance minus other financial aid you have received. If you are unsure of the amount you are eligible for, contact the SAU Financial Aid Office for help.

You can defer payment on this loan while enrolled at least half-time (4.5 credit hours in the fall and spring semester, and 3 hours in the summer). Interest accrues during deferment and there is no grace period for repayment. You immediately begin payment when you drop below half-time enrollment, graduate, or withdraw from school.

To apply for a Federal Grad PLUS Loan you will need to sign in and complete the PLUS Request Process. If approved, you need to complete a Grad PLUS Master Promissory Note AND Grad PLUS Loan Entrance Counseling.

Learn more or apply for a Federal Grad PLUS Loan
Learn more about the PLUS Loan (Investopedia)

Private Educational Loan
These are provided by a lending institution such as a bank, credit union, state agency, or school.

Veterans

Did you serve in a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces? Or, are you currently serving? If so, contact Natalie Woodhurst, Director of SAU Veteran Recruitment & Services.

Natalie serves her fellow veterans by helping determine what education benefits you have available and how to best use them to earn your graduate degree.

Visit the Veteran Recruitment and Services site for more information

Payment Plan and Employer Reimbursement

Payment plan and Employer Reimbursement Deferment forms must be completed each semester.

After generating charges, you may pay your bill in full (less any loans, grants, or other financial aid) with electronic check or credit card through the SAU online payment system; credit card payments are assessed a fee and must be made through the SAU online payment system via MySAU Portal

So, what's next?

Are you ready to take the next step? Click on the visit button below to learn more about our virtual and in-person visit options.