ADMISSIONS AND FINANCIAL AID
Graduate Public Administration courses are offered both on campus and online to fit your schedule. On-campus courses have traditional 16-week terms. Online courses have accelerated eight-week terms. Summer on-campus and online courses have seven-week terms.
Spring 2026
- Admissions Deadline (International) - October 15, 2025
- Admissions Deadline (Domestic) - December 1, 2025
- Term Start Date - January 12, 2026
Summer 2026
- Admissions Deadline (International) - Not Eligible
- Admissions Deadline (Domestic) - April 15, 2026
- Term Start Date - May 12, 2026
Fall 2026
- Fall Funding Deadline - February 15, 2026
- Admissions Deadline (International) - May 1, 2026
- Admissions Deadline (Domestic) - August 1, 2026
- Term Start Date - August 25, 2026
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
- Statement of Goals
- Please address the following prompts in no more than 2 pages:
- Why is an MPA degree from Villanova University important for you to achieve your public service career goals?
- In answering this question, please let us know why you are pursuing an MPA from Villanova, how an MPA from Villanova will build on your work, volunteer, and/or academic experiences and describe the career and professional goals you have for your future.
- Please address the following prompts in no more than 2 pages:
- Resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Deadlines: Admission is conducted on a rolling basis for all deadlines except those tied to funding consideration. Applications may close early under rolling admissions if all available seats are filled prior to the stated deadline.
- Spring: December 1
- Fall, with funding consideration: February 15
- Summer: April 15
- Fall: August 1
- Funding available: Yes
- Deadline: February 15
- Fall admittance only.
- Learn more about funding opportunities.
- Credits and Tuition:
- 36-39 credits (MPA 8010 internship, 3 credit course, may be waived depending upon three years of professional work experience)
- Tuition and fees
- Tuition and fees subject to change.
- APPLY NOW
- Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
- Statement of Goals
- Please address the following prompt in 1 - 1.5 pages:
- Why is a graduate certificate from Villanova University important for you to achieve your public service career goals?
- In answering this question, please let us know why you are pursuing a graduate certificate from Villanova, how this certificate from Villanova will build on your work, volunteer, and/or academic experiences and describe the career and professional goals you have for your future.
- Please address the following prompt in 1 - 1.5 pages:
- Resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Deadlines: Admission is conducted on a rolling basis. Applications may close early under rolling admissions if all available seats are filled prior to the stated deadline.
- Spring: December 1
- Summer: April 15
- Fall: Rolling until August 1
- Funding available: No
- Credits and Tuition:
- 15 credits
- Tuition and fees
- Tuition and fees subject to change.
- APPLY NOW
Have questions? Check out a detailed guide to applying to Villanova here.
TUITION
Students enrolled in the Master's of Public Administration Program will pay $955 per credit hour for tuition in the 2025-2026 academic year. There is also a general fee of $150 per semester. The program requires 36-39 credits.
- Per credit tuition: $955
- General fee: $150 per semester
- Program length: 36-39 credits
- Note: This information is for the 2025-2026 academic year and may be subject to change.
Find more tuition information here.
FUNDING
Employer-based Benefits
Villanova accepts tuition reimbursement from employers and has recently partnered with EdAssist by BrightHorizons.
EdAssist-eliglibe students can receive up to 15% tuition savings and waived application fee on their MPA degree or certificate.
Military & Veterans
Villanova is honored to support the outstanding individuals who are serving or who have served in the U.S. Military while they pursue their higher education goals.
Learn more about education assistance benefits and resources for veterans and current military.
Merit-based Scholarships
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers two types of competitive, merit-based funding for full-time, degree-seeking students: Tuition Scholarships and Graduate Assistantships, which provide a stipend as well as tuition.
Public Administration Advisory Board Members
Important Notices for Distance Education Students
Read the Notices for Distance Education Students to access important information for students participating in online courses, online programs and/or on-ground clinicals or practicums while physically located outside of Pennsylvania.