MAT Program Costs
Applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships of up to $30,000 — there’s no need for a separate application. Scholarship availability is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying sooner rather than later is in your best interest. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, commitment to the USC Rossier mission, and other factors. All scholarships are awarded upon admission.
Tuition
The 2026-2027 tuition fee is $2,376 per unit. Expect an approximately 3 ‒ 5% tuition increase each year.
TOTAL = $2,376 x 28 units
Mandatory Fees
- New student fee, graduate (on-campus program) = $55 (charged first semester only)
- Student health center fee = $720 ( optional for online students, charged to students with 6 units or more every semester)
- Graduate student programming fee = $40 for on-campus students, $20 for online students (charged per semester)
- Norman H. Topping student aid fund = $11 (charged per semester)
- Student transportation fee (on-campus program) = $151 (charged per semester)
TOTAL = $977 for on-campus students, $31 for online students
Other Fees
- Student health insurance (explore fees and waiver information)
- Parking fees for on-campus students (monthly, semester, and daily rates available)
- Tuition refund insurance (explore rates and opt out instructions)
TOTAL = Varies
Estimated Credentialing Fees
The requirements to be recommended for a California preliminary teaching credential involve some fees. See the table below for an estimate of costs.
| Requirement | Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Skills Requirement – CBEST | $102.00 |
| Subject Matter Competency – CSET | $297.00 |
| Certificate of Clearance Online Application | $52.65 |
| LiveScan (varies $20-$120) | $120.00 |
| TB Test (varies $0-$200) | $200.00 |
| California Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA) | $300.00 |
| CPR Training (varies $60-$120) | $120.00 |
| US Constitution Exam (varies $85-1$00) | $100.00 |
| Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)* (for Multiple Subject & Education Specialist Credential candidates) | $171 |
| CSET Spanish III & IV** (for Bilingual Authorization in Spanish candidates only) | $198 |
| Total Possible | $1,079.65 – $1648.65 |
*Additional credentialing fees: BILA Exams (for California Bilingual Authorization in Spanish supplemental certification only)= $198.00
Financial Aid
USC offers various methods for paying for graduate school, including installment plans, tuition prepayment plans and long-term financing options. The USC Financial Aid Office (FAO) can help you navigate applying for financial aid, understanding your financial aid award and properly securing all of your loans.
Financial Aid for International Applicants
If you are an international student studying in your home country or in the United States on a non-immigrant student visa, you are not eligible for need-based federal student aid programs. You may be eligible to seek employer assistance or scholarship opportunities in your home country.
Scholarships
USC Rossier can help make your degree more affordable. Explore our scholarship options.
Start Your Application
Earn your Master of Arts in Teaching from USC Rossier in less than 11 months—online or on campus—and graduate ready to lead your own classroom.
Apply NowQuestions about the program?
Reach out to our program contact for personalized guidance.
Contact:
Estevan R. Hernandez
Senior Assistant Director, Office of Admission and Scholarships