Tuition and Financial Support for the Master of National Security Policy Program
We are committed to making a RAND School education as accessible as possible. 100% of students (both full- and part-time) receive scholarships. All applicants are automatically considered for scholarships as part of the admissions process. No separate scholarship application is required.
Scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs. Awards vary based on the strength of each application and available funding.
Tuition, Fees, and Estimated Cost of Living
Students in the RAND School’s master's programs complete 12.5 units to earn their degree. All students are charged on a per-unit basis.
Tuition and Fees (2027–2028)
All master's students pay tuition per unit.
| Tuition per unit | $4,000 |
| Total program tuition before scholarship | $50,000 |
| Additional Fees | To be announced |
Tuition subject to change.
Health Insurance and Other Benefits
We offer student health insurance to all enrolled students at no additional cost.
Estimated Cost of Living (2027–2028)
In addition to tuition, students should plan for living and other educational expenses.
| Expense | Cost (LA) | Cost (DC) |
|---|---|---|
| Living Expenses (Food and Housing) | $24,486 | $23,891 |
| Required Books, Course Materials, Supplies, Equipment | $500 | $500 |
| Transportation | $2,309 | $2,759 |
| Loan Fees | $214 | $214 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses (clothing, personal items, mobile phone, recreation/entertainment) | $2,059 | $2,172 |
| Total | $29,568 | $29,536 |
Health Insurance
Health insurance coverage is required. Incoming students must provide an attestation of insurance before arrival on campus.
Estimating the Cost of Attendance
To estimate the total cost of attendance, admitted students should add their cost-of-living expenses and tuition, then subtract their scholarship and any other financial aid they receive.
Funding Your Education
Planning for the financial aspects of your graduate education is an important step, and we encourage you to take time to explore the resources available to you. These may include scholarships, federal financial aid, veteran education benefits, alternative student loans, and other funding options that can help cover the cost of attendance.
The RAND School is authorized to administer federal graduate student loan programs and veteran benefits, and we are committed to helping students understand and navigate the financial components of their education.
Learn more about funding your educationEstimated Cost of Living
We understand that the cost of living can be a significant factor in a student's decision to pursue a graduate degree.
We estimate the annual cost of living in Los Angeles for a single student to be $27,885 in 2023-2024. This includes the following expenses:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing and Utilities | $16,560 |
| Food | $9,125 |
| Personal Expenses and Transportation | $1,700 |
| Books and Supplies | $500 |
| Total | $27,885 |
We estimate the annual cost of living in the D.C. area for a single student to be $34,460 in 2023-2024. This includes the following expenses:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing and Utilities | $16,015 |
| Food | $9,125 |
| Personal Expenses and Transportation | $8,820 |
| Books and Supplies | $500 |
| Total | $34,460 |
Please note that these are estimates and admitted students' actual costs will vary depending on their individual circumstances. We estimate the cost of living for a spouse/partner to be an additional $14,000, and each child would be $7,000.