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 2026-27

These costs apply to the Fall ’26 and Spring ’27 semesters.

Direct Costs

Shakespeare & Performance
Tuition $10,763 per semester
Technology and
Credentialing Fee
$92 per semester
MFA/MLitt Fest Fee$150 (one-time fee)

The MFA degree is traditionally a one-year program, and the MLitt degree is traditionally a two-year program.

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. 

Semesterly estimates for these expenses are included below but vary from student to student:

Books and supplies$472
Transportation$768
Personal expenses$1,260
Off-campus room/board$8,958
Loan fees (if federal loans are borrowed)$72
Total estimated indirect costs$11,530/semester