Darden MBA Cost Breakdown
In this in-depth cost analysis and funding tips of the Darden Full-time MBA, we cover:
- Tuition Fees (Darden MBA)
- Total Cost (Darden MBA) (1 Year)
- Total Cost (Darden MBA) (2 Years)
- Darden MBA Cost: Cost of 2023-24 VS Cost of 2024-25
- Darden MBA Financial Aid
- Military Educational Benefits
- Non-Darden Scholarship Resources
- Darden MBA Scholarships
Tuition Fees (Darden MBA)
The tuition fee for one year of the MBA program at Darden is $79,598 for the Virginia domicile, $84,598 for Non-Virginia Domicile, and $84,838 for international students. Apart from this $1,100 Darden MBA Case Fee applies to all MBA students.
Total Cost (Darden MBA) (1 Year)
Tuition and fees are invoiced twice a year before the fall and spring semesters start. Admission deposits are applied to students' first-year fall semester bills.
Students should consult the Cost of Attendance budget for details on expenses covered by financial aid when using student loans to finance costs.
3 Expense Differences – Virginia vs. Non-Virginia vs International Students
For Virginia-domiciled students, the total estimated cost stands at $116,286, while non-Virginia residents are expected to pay around $121,286. International students have a slightly different cost structure due to higher transportation expenses and the absence of federal loan fees, bringing their total to $121,108.
Tuition, transportation, and federal loan fees differ for non-Virginia residents and international students.
What is the difference in Tuition Fees for International, in-state and out-of-state students?
The tuition and mandatory fees for the year are $79,598 for in-state students, $84,598 for out-of-state students, and $84,838 for international students.
All students are also required to pay an additional $1,100 for Darden MBA case fees, which cover the cost of case study materials used throughout the program.
Health insurance, which is mandatory for all students unless waived, is estimated at $4,000.
A one-time computer purchase allowance of $2,000 is included as well.
Since international students don’t qualify for Federal Loans, the $2,618 Federal loan fee applies only to Virginia and non-Virginia residents, not to international students.
What is the difference in Transportation Fees for International students?
Transportation expenses vary: $1,800 is allocated for U.S.-based students, while international students are budgeted $4,800 to account for higher travel costs.
What are the other significant expenses?
Living costs account for a significant portion of the total, with housing (room) set at $13,390, food (board) at $6,990, and miscellaneous personal expenses at $4,790.
Nine months vs. Summer Cost
It is important to understand that this cost estimate covers only nine months of the academic year.
Students who remain in Charlottesville during the summer, whether for internships, research, or other activities, should budget for additional living expenses.
Based on the current estimates for room, board, and miscellaneous personal expenses, the monthly cost of living is approximately $2,835. Therefore, students staying through the summer should expect to incur an additional $8,505 for a three-month period. This brings the full-year cost including summer to approximately $124,791 for Virginia residents, $129,791 for non-Virginia residents, and $129,613 for international students.
When applying for a loan, international students must budget a supplemental $7,000 for a spouse and $4,000 for each extra dependent on the I-20; family members are not included in the cost of attendance.
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Total Cost (Darden MBA) (2 Years)
When projected across the full two years of the MBA program, and assuming no change in cost for the second year, the total estimated cost of attendance, excluding summer months, would be $232,572 for Virginia residents, $242,572 for non-residents, and $242,216 for international students.
If students choose to stay during both summers, they should account for two additional summers of living expenses, adding roughly $17,010 to their total cost. In that case, the two-year estimated cost including summer living would be $249,801 for Virginia-domiciled students, $259,801 for non-Virginia residents, and $259,631 for international students.
| Class of 2027 (2025-26) | Virginia Domicile | Non-Virginia Domicile | International Students |
| Tuition & Fees | $79,598 | $84,598 | $84,838 |
| Darden MBA Case Fees | $1,100 | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| Aetna Student Health Insurance | $4,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Computer | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Room | $13,390 | $13,390 | $13,390 |
| Board | $6,990 | $6,990 | $6,990 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Living Expenses | $4,790 | $4,790 | $4,790 |
| Transportation | $1,800 | $1,800 | $4,800 |
| Federal Loan Fees | $2,618 | $2,618 | NA |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $116,286 | $121,286 | $121,108 |
Darden MBA Cost: 2023-24 VS Cost of 2024-25
The tuition and fees for Virginia-domiciled students rose from $78,700 in 2024–25 to $79,598 in 2025–26, an increase of $898, which represents a 1.14% rise. For non-Virginia residents, tuition and fees increased from $81,700 to $84,598, marking a $2,898 jump or approximately 3.55%. Similarly, international students saw their tuition and fees rise from $81,940 to $84,838, also a $2,898 increase, translating to around 3.54%.
Other components also experienced cost increases. The Aetna student health insurance premium rose from $3,673 to $4,000, a $327 increase or about 8.9%, reflecting broader trends in healthcare inflation. The room cost increased from $13,000 to $13,390, which is a $390 rise or approximately 3%, while the board cost rose slightly from $6,920 to $6,990, an increase of $70, or about 1.01%. Miscellaneous personal living expenses increased from $4,650 to $4,790, a $140 increase, or 3.01%.
The federal loan fees for domestic students increased from $2,170 to $2,618, a significant rise of $448, which translates to a 20.64% increase. This jump may reflect changes in federal interest rates or loan origination costs. Meanwhile, the computer allowance and Darden MBA case fees remained constant at $2,000 and $1,100 respectively. Transportation costs also remained unchanged at $1,800, although international students continue to be budgeted more due to global travel requirements.
As a result of these adjustments, the total estimated cost of attendance increased across all student categories. For Virginia-domiciled students, the total cost rose from $114,013 to $116,286, an increase of $2,273 or approximately 1.99%. For non-Virginia residents, the cost went up from $117,013 to $121,286, a $4,273 increase or about 3.65%. International students saw their cost increase from $117,283 to $121,108, reflecting a $3,825 rise or approximately 3.26%.
Find the ROI with Darden MBA Salary Trends, benchmarked against T20 MBA programs
| Expenses | Class of 2026 (2024-25) | Class of 2027 (2025-26) |
| Tuition & Fees (Virginia Domicile) | $78,700 | $79,598 |
| Tuition & Fees (Non-Virginia Domicile) | $81,700 | $84,598 |
| Tuition & Fees (International Students) | $81,940 | $84,838 |
| Darden MBA Case Fees | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| Aetna Student Health Insurance | $3,673 | $4,000 |
| Computer | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Room | $13,000 | $13,390 |
| Board | $6,920 | $6,990 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Living Expenses | $4,650 | $4,790 |
| Transportation | $1,800 | $1,800 |
| Federal Loan Fees | $2,170 | $2,618 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $114,013 (For Virginia Domicile); $117,013 (for non-Virginian Domicile); $117,283 (For International Students) | $16,286 (For Virginia Domicile); $121,286 (for non-Virginian Domicile); $121,108 (For International Students) |
Darden MBA Financial Aid
Darden's Distinguished Scholarship Program provides prestigious, competitive scholarships and a broad range of selective merit scholarships (ranging from partial to full tuition). AccessDarden, a new need-based merit scholarship program, is now available to enrolled students, along with a robust student loan program.
Darden students can pay for their education with partial or full-tuition scholarships, need-based scholarships, military benefits, federal or private education loans, employer assistance, including corporate sponsorships, or other external funding options.
Financial Aid and Loan
Aside from savings, students can pay for their education through partial or full-tuition scholarships, need-based scholarships, military educational benefits, corporate sponsorship, federal or private education loans, or a combination of these options.
Darden offers all students the opportunity to apply for loans to cover the total cost of attending the full-time MBA program. Federal loans are available to citizens of the United States and eligible non-citizens.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: The maximum amount per year is the cost of attendance minus any other aid up to $20,500. No credit requirements exist, and the maximum loan amount is available regardless of credit score or credit history. Interest will start to accumulate on the date of disbursement. Ten years is the standard repayment term; alternative repayment plans are also available. Repayment begins six months after leaving a degree-seeking program.
Federal Graduate Plus Loan: Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan offers up to $20,500 per year. Any additional funds required to cover tuition and living expenses can be borrowed through the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan. Loans are approved based on credit; prospective borrowers must not have a negative credit history.
Interest will start to accumulate on the date of disbursement. Ten years is the standard repayment term; alternative repayment plans are available.
Repayment begins six months after leaving a degree-seeking program.
Private (Third Party) Loan: Although federal student loans can be used to cover the entire cost of attendance, students should look into alternative student loan options through private lenders.
Options For International Students: Prospective students may be able to find student loans with Prodigy Finance Loans. International students may find alternative student private loan options with a co-signer who is a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible for Federal financial aid programs. If the students do not make satisfactory progress in academics, they may lose their eligibility for federal financial aid.
All Federal financial aid programs, which also include the Federal Direct loans, Darden scholarships, outside scholarships, and Veterans benefits, are subject to satisfactory academic progress standards. Different eligibility requirements may apply to private loans.
Employer Assistance
Employer tuition assistance, reimbursement, and sponsorships are when the student's employer agrees to pay all or a portion of their educational costs while enrolled in the program.
Tuition and fees, living expenses, books, health insurance, and other expenses may be included. This reimbursement is subject to the applicant returning after completing the program.
Taxes on Educational benefits - Even for Employer Sponsored Students
Students should remember that neither the Darden School of Business nor the University of Virginia can give them or their employer information about how educational benefits are taxed.
Military Educational Benefits
Darden offers a range of funding options for veterans, active duty military personnel, reservists, and eligible dependents. Below is a summary of available programs:
Post-9/11 GI Bill®: Provides in-state tuition and VA-approved fees based on eligibility percentage. Also includes a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) and up to $1,000 per year for books and supplies. Eligibility is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Yellow Ribbon Program: While Darden participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, veterans and active duty service members are automatically granted in-state tuition under the Choice Act, making them ineligible for Yellow Ribbon funds.
Chapter 31: Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E): For veterans with service-connected disabilities. Covers in-state tuition and fees, provides MHA, and may cover costs for a computer, books, and supplies. Must be coordinated with a VA counselor.
Chapter 35: Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance: Provides up to $1,488 per month (as of October 2023) to survivors or dependents of veterans who died or became permanently disabled due to service. Paid directly to the recipient.
Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve: Offers up to $466 per month (as of October 2023) for eligible members of the Selected Reserve or National Guard. Paid directly to the student.
Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance: All DoD branches offer tuition assistance for active duty service members and civilian employees. Interested individuals should contact Darden Financial Aid or Student Financial Services for support.
National Guard Tuition Assistance: Tuition assistance is available for current National Guard members. Program details vary by service branch and state.
Army Reserve Tuition Assistance: Provides 100% tuition assistance up to $250 per credit hour, with a maximum of $4,500 per year per service member.
Non-Darden Scholarship Resources
In addition to institutional aid, Darden students can explore a range of non-UVA funding options provided by external sponsors. These scholarships are awarded independently and are often co-payable to both the student and the University, which may require students to sign the check before the funds can be applied to their SIS account. If funds are paid directly to the student, they must be reported to Darden using the “Outside Scholarship Self-Reporting” form available through the Financial Aid Office.
To begin their scholarship search, students are encouraged to explore the following free resources:
• CareerOneStop
• College Express
• Fastweb
• Fundsnet
• Going Merry
• Jewish Educational Loan Fund
• Peterson's
• Scholarships.com
• Tuition Funding Sources
Darden MBA Scholarships
The Darden Distinguished Scholars Program for full-time MBA students offers a growing portfolio of merit scholarships and scholarship competitions to recognize talented students worldwide.
AccessDarden, a new need-based merit scholarship program, provides grants to students based on financial needs.
| Types of Scholarships/Fellowship | Darden MBA Scholarships and Fellowships |
|---|---|
| Competitive Scholarships | The Oculus Fellowships |
| Breakthrough Scholars (Private Equity and Venture Capital) | |
| Impact Fellows | |
| Jefferson Fellowships | |
| Batten Scholars (entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation) | |
| Stamps Fellowships | |
| Lemuel E. Lewis Bicentennial Award for Global Leadership | |
| External Partner Organization | McGowan Fellows Program (leadership) |
| Batten Media Fellowships | |
| Jefferson Scholars Foundation | |
| Fellowship Designation | Consortium Fellowships |
| Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) Fellowships | |
| Forté Fellowships | |
| Need Based Scholarships | Access Darden |
| Merit Scholarships | |
| Academic Scholarships | Sydney F. Small Memorial Fellowship |
| Darden Anonymous Scholarship | |
| Roger H. Sherman Scholarship | |
| Frank E. Genovese First Year Scholarship | |
| Class of 1986 Peter J. Niehaus Memorial Scholarship | |
| David and Jane Walentas Scholarship | |
| Landmark Communications, Inc. Scholarship | |
| Stephen E. Bachand Scholarship | |
| Philip W. Knisely Fellowship | |
| Class of 1957 Charles C. Abbott Scholarship | |
| Class of 1987 Scholarship | |
| Class of 1968 William R. Fisher Memorial Scholarship | |
| Henry Wayne and Annie Griffin Lewis Scholarship | |
| The Byrne and Pamela Murphy Scholarship | |
| Lebda Scholarship | |
| Robert E. Lamb II Scholarship | |
| Robert E. Lamb II Dean's Scholarship | |
| Class of 1972 Scholarship | |
| Class of 1994 Michael Traina Scholarship | |
| Professor Derek A. Newton Bicentennial Scholarship | |
| Bugas Family Scholarship | |
| Yuyan Scholarship | |
| Elizabeth H. And Daniel S. Lynch Fellowship | |
| Class of 1989 Scholarship | |
| Camp Family Scholarship | |
| James A. Cooper Family Fellowship | |
| Dickson Foundation Fellowship | |
| Allan and Barbara Staats Fellowship | |
| Balog Bicentennial Scholarship | |
| L. Paul Nelson II and Family Scholarship | |
| Edmunds/Zakas Family Bicentennial Scholarship | |
| Coogan Family Bicentennial Scholarship | |
| Hicks Family Scholarship | |
| Banyard Family Scholarship | |
| Darren A. Fultz Scholarship | |
| Catherine J. Friedman and Duane Family Bicentennial Scholarship | |
| Michael S. Augins Bicentennial Scholarship | |
| T. Scott Coleman and Yasmine Zyne Coleman Scholarship | |
| Class of 1982 Scholarship | |
| Career-Aligned Scholarships | William Wooding Sihler Scholarship |
| Chesapeake Corporation Foundation Fellowship | |
| William F. & Joyce A. Richmond Entrepreneurial Leadership | |
| DeCola Family Scholarship | |
| Richard Mayo Center for Asset Management | |
| Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute Scholarship | |
| Kirby Adams Scholarship | |
| Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholarships | Marietta and Sherwood Frey Scholarship |
| Charles J. Lewis Scholarship | |
| Warren M. Thompson Scholarship | |
| Kinder Morgan Excellence in Business Administration Scholarship | |
| Thomas J. Baltimore, Jr. and Hilary D. Baltimore Fellowship | |
| John L. Snook, Jr. Minority Scholarship | |
| Joel Dean Scholarship | |
| Reginald W. Lathan Family Endowed Scholarship | |
| Women Scholarships | Kirsti Goodwin Scholarship |
| Virginia M. Kincaid Scholarship | |
| Joel Dean Scholarship | |
| Nina Sandridge Powell Scholarship | |
| Darden Women's Scholarship | |
| International Students Scholarships | Darden Indonesia Fellowship |
| Hund-Mejean Family Scholarship | |
| Darden Israeli Student Transition Grant Northern European Scholarship | |
| Arno Burckhardt Scholarship | |
| International Business Society Scholarship | |
| Darden China WW Yen Scholarship | |
| Franklin Family Fellowship | |
| James Su-Ting Cheng & Jeannette Wang Cheng Scholarship | |
| Marion M. and Samuel T. Pendleton Fellowship | |
| Darden Philippine Scholarship | |
| Darden China Scholarship | |
| Richard A. Beaumont Memorial Scholarship | |
| Military Awards | Edward A. Watjen Military Fellowship |
| Col. James L. Fowler USMC Scholarship | |
| John and Mary Kay Strangfeld Scholarship | |
| Gary T. And Elizabeth R. Jones Military Scholarship | |
| Darden USMC Scholarship | |
| Robert J. Hugin USMC Scholarship | |
| Utt Family Scholarship | |
| Class of 1970 Scholarship | |
| O'Neill Marine Scholarship | |
| A. Hazen and Sarah M. Burnet Military Scholarship | |
| Darden Military Scholarship | |
| Yellow Ribbon Scholarship | |
| Second Year Scholarship | Samuel Forrest Hyde Memorial Fellowship |
| Frank E. Genovese Second Year Fellowship | |
| Charles W. Cantwell Scholarship | |
| Turner Family Scholarship | |
| Evelyn Y. Davis Scholarship | |
| Class of 1972 Twentieth Reunion Scholarship | |
| Daniel Kerr Stewart Endowed Scholarship | |
| Class of 1999 Kevin Bewley Memorial Scholarship | |
| Class of 1974 Fred Richardson Scholarship | |
| Class of 1977 Scholarship | |
| Kenneth Nahigian Memorial Scholarship | |
| Thomas G. Labrecque Ethics Scholarship | |
| Class of 1962 Reynolds C. "Bucky" Siersema Memorial Scholarship | |
| Lee R. Johnston Scholarship | |
| Morton G. Thalhimer Fellowship | |
| Ernest and Patricia Wuliger Scholarship | |
| Lemuel E. Lewis Bicentennial Award for Global Leadership | |
| McGowan Fellows Program | |
| Marietta and Sherwood Frey Scholarship | |
| Class of 1986 Peter J. Niehaus Scholarship | |
| Class of 1967 Jim Cappio Scholarship | |
| Thomas I. Storrs Scholarship | |
| Vincent D. Choe Memorial Scholarship | |
| US Regional Scholarships | Kington Scholarship |
| Dr. Gene R. Page and David H. White PhD Scholarship | |
| Frederick and Margaret Kent Stow Abbott Scholarship | |
| Henry Clay Hofheimer II Fellowship | |
| The William F. and Joyce A. Richmond Entrepreneurial Leadership Scholarship | |
| John Patterson Mast Memorial Scholarship | |
| State Graduate Fellowship | |
| Other | Darden Worldwide Scholarship Program |
Is Darden MBA right for you?
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Reference
Scholarship/Fellowship Essay Editing - Work with Atul Jose (Founding Consultant and Essay Specialist)