Top-Ranked, Time-Tested
Established as a leader in business education, our Online MBA program consistently earns top rankings from U.S. News & World Report.
TUITION & FINANCIAL AID
The total tuition for the program (as of the July 2025 – June 2026 academic year) is $125,589.06.
Regardless of chosen program duration, students can expect to pay at least that much for the entirety of the 62-credit program.
Note that tuition is subject to change each academic year, as approved by the UNC System Board of Governors, and any tuition change is applicable to all enrolled students. Subject to final approval from NC General Assembly.
Admitted applicants will be required to submit a $1,500 non-refundable enrollment deposit to reserve a space in the program. Enrollment deposits will be applied as a credit toward the first quarter’s tuition once the student enrolls in the program.
Students who are admitted to the upcoming cohort will automatically be considered for a fellowship.
The Only Online MBA Program with Tar Heel ROI
Is an Online MBA Degree From UNC Worth the Investment?
The Online MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler has been crafted with one goal in mind: to equip the next generation of business leaders with the grit and acumen they need to innovate and compete at the highest level.
STEM-designated with an up-to-date core curriculum, more than 40 electives, immersive leadership experiences and the opportunity to earn a Leadership Academy Certificate alongside your MBA, this program is built to deliver value that extends well beyond graduation.
For more than 15 years, UNC Kenan-Flagler has shaped industry leaders who drive meaningful impact where it matters most. If you want an online MBA that will position you for long-term success, this program is for you.
Hear from one of 46,000+ alumni
“My experience got me in the room, but it was the business acumen I got from my MBA that gave me a place at the table with executives. Previously, I didn’t know a lot about government, tech and particularly financial markets. Now I use that knowledge nearly every day.”
– Chrissie C.
Financing Your MBA Program
When evaluating how to pay for a master’s degree program, students often explore a number of resources, including tuition assistance from employers, scholarships and student loan programs. In the section below, we’ve outlined some financing options that students may be eligible to apply for.
Students in the Online MBA program are not eligible for The University of North Carolina System Tuition Waiver Program.
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Several professional organizations offer scholarships for MBA students. Get more information on MBA scholarship programs.
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Online MBA awards a limited number of partial-tuition fellowships to admitted applicants who have demonstrated excellence in many areas of their applications. No additional application is required for fellowship consideration; every applicant is automatically considered for fellowships. The number of fellowships granted and the monetary award amounts may vary each year. Students in the online MBA program are not eligible for The University of North Carolina System Tuition Waiver Program.
UNC Kenan-Flagler participates in the Forté Fellowship Program. The Forté Foundation is an organization of top business schools and corporations seeking to increase the number of women in business. Each year, the admissions committee selects a number of Forté Fellows based on exemplary leadership and achievement. No separate application is required for consideration. In addition to financial support, Forté Fellows have access to a variety of unique benefits such as:
- Exposure to leading companies, and an extensive network of peers across other business schools and organizations;
- Connections to an online networking community specifically for Forté Fellows and alumni;
- Special invitations for job openings and leadership programs at Forté partner companies;
- Access to Forté Women Lead Webinars (and on-demand recordings), which cover career, professional and leadership development topics.
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Students should check with their employers’ personnel or human resources division regarding tuition. Many employers offer tuition benefits, including tuition reimbursement and low-cost loans. Gaining financial support from an employer can be a tremendous asset in funding an MBA program.
While every organization’s policies on educational support vary, we have assembled an employer support resource guide with some tips and strategies for determining whom to approach, framing the conversation, providing contextual evidence and negotiating financial aid terms.
Download the Employer Sponsorship resource guide here (PDF, 928KB).
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To begin the process of applying for eligible military education benefits, visit the VA site and complete the Education Benefits Application Process.
UNC-Chapel Hill is approved by the Veterans Administration as a training facility for students receiving military education benefits. Once you are deemed eligible to receive military education benefits, and are admitted to the program and registered for classes, you must complete and submit the Online MBA Veterans Enrollment Form (PDF) in order to receive VA benefits for the Online MBA Program.
UNC Kenan-Flagler has a VA Certifying Official dedicated to the review of veterans benefits enrollment for Online MBA students, and we’ve compiled a list of resources and helpful tips to help guide students through the process. Visit our Online MBA Veterans Benefits page for more information.
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To apply for federal loan programs, start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The University of North Carolina school code is 002974.
You will also need to complete the steps listed on the Financial Aid Checklist.
Upon completion of the FAFSA, students may be eligible for the following federal student loans:
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Graduate students are potentially eligible to receive up to $20,500 per academic year.
- Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan: This credit-based loan can be used in addition to the Direct Unsubsidized Loan. It provides additional loan funds to cover tuition and other personal or living expenses, up to the cost of attendance, per academic year. The Graduate PLUS Loan requires an additional application and can be found on the Federal Student Aid website.
You can also learn more about the federal government’s Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
Our Financial Aid team is always happy to answer your questions about tuition and financial aid. You can reach out via email to OnlineMBA@studentaid.unc.edu or by phone at 919-962-0135. You can also find more information on types of funding, student loans and financial aid tips on our FAQs page.
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If you are interested in borrowing a private loan, UNC Kenan-Flagler has a tool you can use to explore private student options. These loans may be borrowed in place of or in conjunction with any Federal Loans offered to you. UNC does not give lender recommendations, and ask instead that students find a private loan that best works for their needs.
Compare private student loans from multiple lenders with ELMSelect Unbiased Private Student Loan Comparison Tool, a free, lender neutral tool that helps you find rates, terms, and options that fit your education costs.
Applying for Financial Aid
Students who intend to apply for financial aid should begin the process as soon as possible. We encourage students to apply for financial aid at the same time they complete the Online MBA application. To apply, complete these steps:
1. Visit the FAFSA site and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The University of North Carolina school code is 002974.
The FAFSA must be completed each academic year in order to remain eligible for federal student aid. Please reference the chart below to determine which FAFSA to complete based on your desired start date.
FAFSA deadlines based on cohort start
| Start | Quarter | FAFSA Year |
|---|---|---|
January 2026 | Winter 2026 | 2025-2026 |
April 2026 | Spring 2026 | 2025-2026 |
July 2026 | Summer 2026 | 2026-2027 |
October 2026 | Fall 2026 | 2026-2027 |
January 2027 | Winter 2027 | 2026-2027 |
April 2027 | Spring 2027 | 2026-2027 |
July 2027 | Summer 2027 | 2027-2028 |
October 2027 | Fall 2027 | 2027-2028 |
2. Complete your application for admission to the program.
Students can apply for federal student aid if they meet certain criteria established by the university and the Department of Education. Read through the following information before beginning the financial aid process.
For up-to-date information about expected changes to Federal Student Aid in 2026, please visit the UNC Student Aid website.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to receive federal student aid, students must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Have a valid Social Security Number
- Be admitted to the Online MBA program and accept their admit offer
- Be enrolled at least half-time per semester in an eligible program (at least 4.5 credits)
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Not currently be in default on previous federal loans borrowed through FSA
- Not have exceeded the maximum aggregate loan limit
- Check the status of prior federal loans on the Studentaid.gov website
To learn more about financial aid options for Online MBA students, read the Tuition and Financial Aid FAQs or reach out to our Financial Aid team at OnlineMBA@studentaid.unc.edu or by phone at 919-962-0135.
You can also find more information on types of funding, student loans and financial aid tips on our FAQs page.
Payment Options
UNC offers several options for students to make a payment towards tuition. See all payment methods.
Get Started Now
If you are ready to learn more about the #3 ranked online MBA program, as ranked in 2026 by U.S. News & World Report, download our brochure now.
Related Pages
FAQs
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No. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill charges a flat tuition rate for the Online MBA program. Because of this, both North Carolina residents and out-of-state students pay the exact same amount for their degree.
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You do not need to pay for the entire degree up front. The University bills tuition on a per-credit-hour basis. This means you will only pay for the specific number of credits you enroll in during a given term, making your costs manageable as you progress through the program.
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Standard fees are included in the per-credit rate. Students are responsible for the cost of books and other study materials, as well as personal travel for the required in-person courses, including Orientation and one Summit during the first year of the program. Tuition covers lodging and most meals during these required three-day weekends.
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The University awards a limited number of partial-tuition fellowships to admitted applicants each cohort. Every applicant is automatically evaluated based on outstanding academic achievement, professional experience and demonstrated leadership potential. You do not need to submit a separate application, as the UNC Kenan-Flagler Office of Admissions reviews your eligibility while evaluating your overall file.
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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill proudly supports military veterans and active-duty service members by accepting eligible Veterans Affairs education benefits. This includes both the GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program. We recommend speaking with a financial aid representative at the following email to understand exactly how your specific benefits will apply to your remaining balance.
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International students are fully eligible for our merit-based fellowships. Every professional who applies to the Online MBA program is automatically considered for these financial awards based on their application strength, regardless of their citizenship or country of residence.
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Yes. Many students fund their degree through employer sponsorship or reimbursement. The University provides an employer support resource guide to help you negotiate these terms and our financial aid office can assist you with establishing third-party billing so we can invoice your company directly for your courses.
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Yes. You are still eligible to apply for federal student aid even if you are working full time and taking classes part time. To qualify for federal loans, you must simply be enrolled at least half-time (which is at least 4.5 credits per semester) and meet all other standard federal eligibility requirements. We encourage you to review the admission requirements to learn more about starting your application.
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- University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler). (2026). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎
- Best Online MBA Programs. (2026). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved June, 2026 ↩︎
- Best Online Finance MBA Programs. (2026). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎
- Best Online Business Analytics MBA Programs. (2026). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎
- Best Online MBA Programs in Marketing. (2026). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎