Brandeis Online

March 9, 2026

Today, rising inflation, high interest rates, and general economic uncertainty have created a stressful environment for many working professionals. Am I saving enough for my future? Is it the right time to start a family? Can I afford to stay in my role? I want to earn a master’s degree, but do I have the money to pursue it?

At Brandeis Online, 98% of our students are working professionals, meaning they have a job while putting themselves through school. Additionally, many have children or families they support financially and through daily activities. 

Our degrees are made with working professionals in mind, from 100% online courses and 24/7 access to course materials to 8-week sessions and personalized advisor support. We understand that every student has a unique set of financial and time constraints.

Here are the different ways you can finance your degree with Brandeis Online:

Federal Loans

Federal loans are loans given out by the US government, primarily for education. The use of these loans can include expenses such as tuition, textbooks, and course materials. They often come with lower fixed interest rates, flexible repayment options, and potential for loan forgiveness, as opposed to private loans. 

Students are eligible for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan or Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans if (1) enrolled in a master’s degree program and registered for one course each session toward your degree requirements. Master's certificates are not eligible for financial aid.

Private Loans

Private loans are loans offered by private financial institutions such as banks and credit unions, rather than the government. They help to supplement federal aid, scholarships, and grants when students require additional financial support. 

Students may be eligible for private loans if taking one class per session. This is also a great option for students in a non-degree program such as a master’s certificate or professional development course.

Payment Plan

All Brandeis Online students can opt to pay tuition in installments through a Nelnet payment plan. This means that students can pay a portion of their tuition before classes start and a second payment a few weeks later.

Because our courses are available in 8-week sessions, this is a great option for students on tight time-sensitive budgets, who just need an extra paycheck or two between session deadlines. Not to be confused with a layaway plan. 

Employer Tuition Benefits

When employees learn more about their industry, upskill for the trends of tomorrow, and assert their leadership skills, employers take notice. It not only benefits your career trajectory, it supports their company and brand.

For this reason, many employers offer some form of education benefit for employees, whether it be a partial/full tuition reimbursement, incentive, leadership retreat, or formal education partnership. Ask your HR team if there are any available benefits you should be taking advantage of.

At Brandeis Online, we partner with companies across industry to offer tuition discounts to their employees. Don’t see an existing partnership with us? Tell your HR representative that you’re interested in one, and help connect us so we can change that.

Discounts for Specialty Groups

Brandeis Alumni Discount

At Brandeis Online, all Brandeis University alumni are eligible for a tuition discount on all courses, certificates and degree programs. To take advantage of this discount, simply tell our admissions team about your status, so they can reflect the discount in your bill. 

Military Discount

Brandeis Online is proud to offer military veterans, active-duty personnel and their spouses a 15% tuition discount on all our online master’s degrees and certificates. The discount may be used in conjunction with other benefits earned through the Department of Veteran Affairs, such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and the Yellow Ribbon Program. To take advantage of this discount, simply tell our admissions team about your status, to get the ball rolling and learn about next steps.

To learn more about our tuition and financial aid opportunities at Brandeis Online, please visit our website.