Educational expenses for students enrolled in the Master of Design Studies will vary
according to individual needs. The degree structure has been created to minimize financial
demands through the one-year curricular structure, enhancing its return on investment.
Students should anticipate course-related expenses. Advanced studio work will require
disposable materials as well as plotting and printing during the fall and spring semesters.
Course-related travel may also be incurred for project-specific learning activities.
Each student is provided with a studio space for all course-related work and a large-format
monitor.
Estimates
The Master of Design Studies is structured for full-time study in a single calendar
year, making it a cost-effective choice in advanced study options. While the precise
cost of attending varies by student status as well as specific courses selected, prospective
students can estimate $18,000 (resident), $44,000 (non-resident) and $46,000 (international)
for tuition and fees respectively and excluding living expenses. These are estimates
only and may not reflect the new tuition and fee rates. Below are links to important
resources in estimating the cost and in seeking funding sources for graduate education
at the University of Arkansas.
Estimation of Cost
The U of A Treasurer's Office maintains up-to-date information on tuition and fees, payment options, refunds and specific criteria relative to financial obligations. Please refer to this site for the most current, accurate information.
Funding Opportunities
A financial support package can be prepared for eligible students from several funding
sources, including tuition waivers, stipends and Graduate Assistantships. These funding
opportunities will be awarded on the basis of student qualifications, alignment of
career goals with individual degree concentrations, and funding availability. Funding
for the residency experience may be available in the form of travel assistance, tuition
waiver or stipend.
Awards are made through the Office of Financial Aid. Some student awards are managed by the Fay Jones School.
The Graduate School also provides resources for funding your graduate education.
Scholarship opportunities
Professional organizations, foundations and special interest groups provide funding for a diverse array of educational and career advancement opportunities. A collection of these opportunities are listed below, though individual searchers will reveal additional prospects. These programs are independent of the University of Arkansas and the Fay Jones School. Every effort is made to aggregate these prospects though individual students must be responsible for specific criteria and deadlines.
International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search
Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH)
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
American Society of Landscape Architects
IA Interior Architects Diversity in Design Scholarship
Interior Design Educators Council Foundations, Inc. (IDECF)
International Interior Design Association
John J. Nelson Sr. Scholarship Fund
SmithGroup Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Program
Housing
Campus Housing
Living in University Housing costs vary by academic year. There are a range of options
for on-campus living from double and single-occupancy dorm rooms to apartments. Visit
the University Housing website for more information and pricing.
Off-Campus Housing
The cost of living off-campus in an apartment can vary greatly depending on type of
accommodations, roommates, and other factors.
The University of Arkansas has an off-campus housing department with resources that allow you to search for housing, compare prices, determine proximity to campus, and get help in finding used furniture. Visit the Off-Campus Housing website for more information.
Veterans
The University of Arkansas is an approved institution for the training of veterans
and veterans’ beneficiaries. Those who may be eligible for VA education and training
benefits should contact the U of A Veterans Resource and Information Center for further assistance.
