Shakespeare & Performance Cost and Aid
Let’s look at the cost of an MLitt or MFA at MBU, and some of the ways we work with you to make your education affordable for you and your family.
All MBU Shakespeare and Performance students are eligible for merit scholarships, which reduce the costs by 20-25%, and have the opportunity to apply for various assistantships and fellowships.
Academic Year 2025–26
| Shakespeare & Performance | |
| Tuition | $20,500 per year |
| Technology and Credentialing Fee | $175 per year |
| MFA/MLitt Fest Fee | $150 per year |
Costs for students who began prior to the 2024-25 academic year
| Tuition | $785 per credit hour |
| Technology and Credentialing Fee | $87.50 per semester |
| MFA/MLitt Fest Fee | $150 per year |
The MFA degree is traditionally a one-year program, and the MLitt degree is traditionally a two-year program.
For academic year 2026-27, tuition and the technology/credentialing fee anticipate a 5% increase in cost. Final costs for that time are TBD.
Academic Year 2025-26 Indirect Costs
Students should also anticipate additional indirect costs such as books, supplies, travel, housing, and personal items. These expenses are not billed by MBU but are considered when determining financial aid awards.
Annual estimates for these expenses are included below but vary from student to student:
| Books and supplies: | $900 |
| Transportation: | $1,460 |
| Personal expenses: | $2,400 |
| Off-campus room/board | $17,060 |
| Loan fees (if federal loans are borrowed): | $144 |
| Total estimated indirect costs: | $21,964/year |
For academic year 2026-27, all indirect costs anticipate a 5% increase. Final costs for that time are TBD.