Naval Postgraduate School

What is the cost of studying for a year at Naval Postgraduate School?

The cost of attending NPS depends heavily on who sponsors the student and which program they enter. Federal reporting for 2024-25 lists $0 for standard full-time graduate tuition and required fees, but that figure should not be read as a promise that every eligible or self-funded applicant can attend at no cost.

Military and government students may have educational expenses handled through their sponsoring organization. Other eligible students should obtain the current, program-specific tuition and payment terms before making a budget. In-state and out-of-state undergraduate tuition comparisons do not apply to this graduate school.

A realistic personal budget also includes housing, food, books or equipment, transportation, and other living expenses. Published tuition is not the same as total cost, and employer or service funding may cover some expenses but not others. Applicants should clarify which costs their sponsor pays and which remain their responsibility.

What are the work-study opportunities at Naval Postgraduate School?

NPS is not organized around the typical undergraduate Federal Work-Study model. Many students attend as members of the military or as government employees, making their study part of an existing professional assignment rather than a part-time campus job.

Research projects can provide opportunities to work with faculty on applied problems, but research participation, paid employment, an internship, and financial aid are distinct arrangements. Students who need paid work should check their program's schedule and their sponsoring organization's outside-employment rules before accepting a job. Those seeking research or professional-development opportunities should ask their academic department how students join projects and whether any position carries separate eligibility requirements.