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Key Takeaways – McCombs MSBA Fees
The McCombs MSBA is a one-year program that helps students build strong skills in analytics and business problem-solving. For 2025, the official McCombs MSBA fees are $58,000 in tuition plus a $2,000 pre-enrollment fee, with living costs in Austin adding around $18,000–$22,000 a year. Knowing these numbers upfront makes it easier to plan your study budget and funding. In this blog, we’ll walk you through tuition details, living expenses, scholarships, and what kind of return you can expect after graduation.

The McCombs Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program at UT Austin is a 10-month, full-time STEM-designated course designed for students aiming to build careers in data-driven decision-making.
The fees for McCombs MSBA are $58,000 in tuition for non-Texas residents, as confirmed by UT Austin. In addition, all admitted students must pay a $2,000 pre-enrollment deposit that goes toward the tuition. Together, the total academic cost comes to $60,000 before adding living expenses, health insurance, and other personal costs. These numbers make it clear what you can expect to pay for the program, helping you plan your budget with confidence.
| Fee Component | Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (Total Program Cost) | $58,000 | Covers full 10-month program duration |
| Pre-enrollment Deposit | $2,000 (non-refundable) | Required to secure admission seat |
Source : McCombs MSBA Tuition & Financial Aid Page

Austin is a vibrant city with a mix of student-friendly neighborhoods, but living costs can vary depending on lifestyle and housing choices. For McCombs MSBA students, the estimated annual living expenses range between $18,000 to $22,000, which includes housing, food, transportation, health insurance, and personal costs.
International students should budget carefully, as these costs are not included in tuition and must be covered separately. UT Austin recommends preparing for the full cost of attendance, which combines tuition and living expenses. This helps students plan finances and apply for loans or scholarships accordingly. Including these costs with your tuition gives a realistic view of the total McCombs MSBA Fees.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Housing & Utilities | $9,000 – $12,000 | Rent varies by location and roommates |
| Food & Groceries | $3,000 – $4,000 | Based on moderate dining and cooking habits |
| Transportation | $1,200 – $1,800 | Includes public transit or occasional ride-share |
| Health Insurance | ~$2,500 | Mandatory for international students |
| Personal & Miscellaneous | $2,000 – $2,500 | Includes mobile, clothing, entertainment |

Graduate school is a major investment, and UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business offers several financial support options to help students manage costs. All admitted students have access to a dedicated financial aid team. While U.S. citizens can apply for federal loans, international students—including those from India—can explore private loan options and limited scholarships.
Understanding your funding options is essential when planning for UT Austin McCombs MSBA cost, especially since tuition does not include living expenses or health insurance.
Indian students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships during the admission process—no separate application is needed. While these scholarships are limited, they can reduce tuition costs. For loans, some U.S. lenders offer education loans without requiring a U.S. co-signer, though terms may vary.
| Funding Option | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Merit-Based Scholarships | Limited | Auto-considered during admission |
| Private Loans (No Co-signer) | Available via select banks | Terms may be less favorable |
| Loans with U.S. Co-signer | Widely available | Better interest rates and approval chances |
Federal loans are only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. These loans typically offer lower interest rates and flexible repayment plans. Private loans are open to international students but may require a co-signer and have stricter terms.
| Loan Type | Eligibility | Interest Rate | Repayment Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Loans | U.S. citizens only | Lower | High |
| Private Loans | International students | Varies | Moderate to Low |
U.S. students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) using UT Austin’s school code: 003658. FAFSA opens on October 1 each year, and students are encouraged to submit both current and next year’s forms by June 1. Aid packages are released in June.
International students should contact the McCombs Financial Aid Team directly to explore private loan options and confirm eligibility for scholarships.
The McCombs MSBA program proves to be a smart financial choice, as graduates recover their study costs in a short span of time. The average salary for the Class of 2024 is $106,000, with a median of $107,500. International students reported even higher numbers, averaging $111,000 with a median of $120,000.
Salary outcomes also reflect prior work experience. Students with one year or less of experience reported salaries around $80,000, while those with 1–3 years earned an average of $109,000. Graduates with 3–5 years of experience topped the chart at $118,000. These figures show that the investment in McCombs MSBA pays off quickly, with most graduates covering tuition and living expenses within 1–2 years.
| Category | Salary (Average/Median) |
|---|---|
| All Students | $106K |
| International Students | $111K |
| U.S./Permanent Residents | $88K |
| Payback Period | 1 year or less |
| ROI Percentage | ~32% in the first year alone. |
| ≤ 1 Year Experience | $80K |
| 1–3 Years Experience | $109K |
| 3–5 Years Experience | $118K |
In short, McCombs MSBA offers strong career growth, fast ROI, and access to top companies. For students who want a quick, high-value degree in analytics, it’s a smart investment.

The McCombs MSBA program at UT Austin follows a clear admissions timeline with multiple rounds. The application for the next class opens in August 2024, and students are encouraged to apply early. There are four rounds, and each round has a deadline for submitting documents and paying fees.
| Round | Step 1 Deadline | Final Deadline | Decision Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | October 14, 2025 | October 21, 2025 | December 12, 2025 |
| Round 2 | January 13, 2026 | January 20, 2026 | March 27, 2026 |
| Round 3 | March 31, 2026 | April 7, 2026 | May 15, 2026 |
| Round 4 | May 5, 2026 | May 10, 2026 | June 5, 2026 |
After submitting your application, you’ll receive a fee invoice through the portal. The application fee is $90 USD. You must pay this fee before your application is reviewed.
The total UT Austin McCombs MSBA cost for tuition and living expenses are around $70,000 to $75,000. Fee deadlines for tuition are shared after admission and vary by semester.
International students should apply by Round 3 to allow time for visa processing. All applicants must complete a video assessment and submit transcripts, test scores (if required), and letters of recommendation.
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Conclusion
The McCombs MSBA is more than just a degree; it’s a clear investment with strong career returns. With tuition set at $58,000 plus a $2,000 pre-enrollment fee, along with living expenses in Austin, the total cost comes to about $80,000. Graduates, however, step into roles that pay an average of over $100,000, often recovering their costs in just a year. By understanding the full picture of McCombs MSBA Fees, living costs, scholarships, and expected ROI, you can make a confident decision about joining one of the most respected analytics programs in the U.S.
The total McCombs MSBA Fees are around $70,000 to $75,000, including tuition, living expenses, books, and other fees.
There are four rounds of admissions. Round 1 starts in October and Round 4 ends in May. Early application is recommended, especially for international students.
Yes. UT Austin offers merit-based scholarships. Students are automatically considered when they apply.
Yes. The STEM designation allows up to 3 years of OPT work in the U.S., and McCombs has a strong support system for international students.
Graduates work at top companies like Amazon, Dell, Deloitte, and EY, with average starting salaries between $95,000 and $115,000.