Tuition and Aid

Delivering high-quality graduate programs takes a comprehensive support system. Your investment in an advanced degree includes those services and personnel who partner with you in pursuit of higher education. Below is a detailed breakdown of the fees associated with the benefits and services included in your degree program.

Department of Social Work

Tuition

	Cost
Master of Social Work (per unit)	$795

View a complete list of university fees.

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students

The Master of Social Work program at Azusa Pacific University seeks to promote diversity among the behavioral health workforce within state-designated medically underserved communities (MUCs) by providing Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) awards to eligible recipients through funding provided by the HRSA. Our HRSA scholarships provide Full Tuition to approximately 20 students each year!

Application Deadlines

• Early Action: February 15, 2023.

If you are applying to the MSW program Early Action, submit your MSW program application by January 15th, and you can be considered for an Early Action HRSA Scholarship review.

• Regular Decision Deadline: March 15, 2023

Apply Now

Scholarship Criteria

Scholarship recipients must be attending the MSW program on a full-time basis (either in the two-year full-time program or 10-month advanced standing program). Applicants must meet the following criteria and provide evidence as outlined below:

1. Demonstrated Financial Need
   Have demonstrated financial need Have an EFC of $14,500 or less, as indicated on FAFSA report in accordance with current federal poverty guidelines for family/household size.
2. Defined Disadvantaged Background
   Be from a defined disadvantaged background, meeting a minimum of ONE of the following criteria (check all that apply on the HRSA SDS Award Application (PDF); students meeting multiple categories and demonstrating severe financial hardship will be given awarding preference):
   
   1. Economic Disadvantage: Family income below federal poverty guidelines as determined by FAFSA data. Additional documentation may be requested to verify eligibility.
   2. Education Disadvantage: Graduation from low-performing high school, as determined by California State Department of Education School Accountability Report Card. Submit copy of high school diploma with application.
   3. Environmental Disadvantage: For example, but not limited to: First-generation college student (verified by the Department of Social Work through Financial Services reporting), history of poverty, illness, single-parent status, history of foster care, history of substance dependence and recovery, or other life circumstance(s).
3. Qualifying Citizenship/Resident Status
   Verify status as United States citizen or permanent resident by attaching copy of passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card to application.
4. Qualifying Internship Placement
   Placed in qualifying internship site serving medically underserved communities. Internship sites will be verified by the department; no additional information required.

Accepted students must sign and agree to:

• Intern in a behavioral health primary care setting serving medically underserved communities in years one and two of the MSW program (Advanced Standing students have only one internship)
• Report on training received during internship
• Participate in faculty/alumni mentorship activities
• Report need for and use of department and university support services
• Seek employment in medically underserved communities providing behavioral health care in primary setting upon graduation
• Provide written statement on impact of SDS award on degree completion and preparation for employment in a primary care setting providing behavioral health in medically underserved communities
• Report employment information to the department annually for four years, as requested

Awards not to exceed $30,000 per year (with a maximum of $60,000) are made over two years for two-year full-time students and one year for 10-month Advanced Standing students. The award is meant as an incentive to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have a passion for delivering integrated behavioral health care in medically underserved communities and want to attain an MSW degree in preparation for clinical practice. Funds will be distributed per semester (fall and spring), and funding is contingent on successful completion of program requirements as outlined in the MSW Student Handbook.

HRSA SDS Award Application (PDF)

Community Leadership and Program Administration Student Award

This faculty-nominated award is presented to two Foundation Year Community Leadership and Program Administration students, one each from the full-time and part-time cohorts, who have demonstrated excellence in foundation academic coursework, fieldwork, and professionalism, along with an impressive understanding and application of macro work practice skills. The award is $500 per winner. Selection is based on:

• Top GPA after completion of foundation curriculum and field internship
• Field internship performance
• Evidence of professional behavior and conduct

Nominations come from MSW faculty. If there are multiple candidates for either award, essays will be solicited to select the winner. The awards are presented each year in May.

MOU Partner Tuition Discounts

The MSW program at the Inland Empire Regional Campus offers a 10 percent tuition discount for employees of Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Riverside County employees should visit the County of Riverside MOU page, and San Bernardino County employees need only show proof of employment.

Additional Outside Scholarships

MSW students are encouraged to look for external scholarship opportunities.

• Scholarship Opportunities for MSW Students

Financial Aid

Several types of financial aid are available to graduate students. The resources range from federal loans and state grants to, for some graduate programs, fellowships and scholarships. For details about financial aid available for your program, please contact the Office of Graduate and Professional Student Financial Services at (626) 815-4570.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.