Finances

Beginning Fall 2026, the MS-DS program will award:

• Three one-time $5,000 scholarships
• Available to newly enrolled domestic and international Residential MS-DS students 
  • In other words, no Online through Coursera MS-DS students are eligible for this award.

Admitted students will receive access to eligibility criteria and application instructions. Funded through industry participation in the MS-DS Capstone program, these awards enhance access for students pursuing data science through both traditional and non-traditional pathways. 

  Both domestic and international students are invited to apply!

  Admitted students may review eligibility criteria and apply here.

Students are encouraged to pursue private and external scholarship opportunities. Many professional organizations, foundations, and employers offer funding for graduate study in data science and related fields.

We recommend:

• Starting your search early
• Applying broadly
• Tailoring application materials to each opportunity

External scholarships can be combined with other funding sources when permitted by the awarding organization.

Search for private scholarships and improve your chances of success with our tips to apply!

Students who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces may be eligible for federal education benefits, including:

• GI Bill® programs
• Yellow Ribbon Program participation
• Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)

CU Boulder provides dedicated support services to help military-connected students navigate certification, benefits processing, and academic planning. You should know CU Boulder grants an unlimited number of Yellow Ribbon awards. 

   We encourage eligible students to connect with the university’s Veterans & Military Affairs office for guidance.

CU Boulder hosts abundant roles across departments which are hourly and flexible. These roles:

• Provide supplemental income
• Offer professional experience
• Accommodate academic schedules

Because the MS-DS is a professional program, Residential students are not eligible for teaching or research assistantships, but they are eligible for hourly campus employment.

  International Students (F-1 Visa)

International students in F-1 status may work on campus without additional employment authorization when employed by CU Boulder.

   For detailed guidance, please consult the university’s ISSS Campus Employment Overview.

Some employers support graduate education through:

• Tuition reimbursement
• Fellowship or sponsorship programs
• Forgivable loans tied to continued employment

If you are currently employed, we encourage you to speak with your HR department about available education benefits. Many employers are eager to support advanced training in data science and analytics.

Do you work for the University of Colorado as a full-time employee? You may be eligible to use the EmployeeTuition Assistance Benefit (TAB) to obtain your Masters in Data Science. 

Eligible CU Boulder employees and their dependents may qualify for up to 12 credit hours for themselves per academic year and a 40% discount for dependent(s) each semester.

Through this benefit, eligible participants may receive:

• Partial or full tuition coverage
• Access to graduate-level coursework at reduced cost
• Professional development support aligned with career advancement

  Confirm whether you're able to use the Tuition Assistance Benefit with our eligibility matrix.

MS-DS students may earn academic credit through approved industry-aligned experiences, including:

• Internships
• Applied industry projects
• Research collaborations

These opportunities allow students to:

• Build applied, portfolio-ready skills
• Strengthen professional networks
• Enhance career mobility

In some cases, paid internships or industry roles may also help offset educational costs while advancing your professional trajectory.