Costs and Financial Aid
Costs
While the Agribusiness and Food Innovation Management program is primarily conducted in person at the new CSU Spur campus in Denver, it is administered through CSU Online. This means that tuition rates are not subject to resident vs non-resident differences, typical of state universities. All students, Colorado residents and non-residents, including international students, pay the same competitive tuition rate.
The program involves courses from the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics – courses with the prefix AREC, in the College of Agricultural Sciences and courses from the MBA program in the College of Business – courses with the prefix BUS. The AREC course tuition cost per credit hour is $788 as of 2023. The BUS course tuition cost per credit hour is either $788 or $996 per credit hour, depending on the course instructor.
Tuition Expenses
- Entire 35-credit masters: $28,400.
- Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship: $8,400.
Other costs of attending graduate school depend upon factors like whether attending full time or part time, other student fees, costs of living, and more. For general information on the costs of attending Colorado State University, visit the Office of Financial Aid’s Cost of Attendance calculator page.
A Strategic Investment
We strive to offer the Agribusiness and Food Innovation Management program at an overall cost point that is quite competitive relative to comparable programs. The degree program is more focused and thus has lower total credit hour requirements. Also, our tuition rates are based on those typical to graduate degree programs in the agricultural sciences rather than in business schools.
Compare our program with similar 35-credit programs
Entrepreneurship Masters
- University of San Francisco Masters in Entrepreneurship and Innovation – 36 credits
- University of California Irvine Masters of Innovation and Entrepreneurship – 36 credits
- University of Tampa Masters in Entrepreneurship – 32 credits
- University of Texas Dallas Masters in Innovation and Entrepreneurship – 36 credits
Program Notes
- The program does not offer graduate research assistantships or graduate teaching assistantships, as it is considered a professional degree rather than a research degree.
- The program does offer limited scholarships, but these are restricted to U.S. and even Colorado in-state residents, depending on the scholarship.
- Financial aid opportunities for all graduate students (both domestic and international) can be found on the CSU Graduate School website. While many scholarships are available, many are offered by organizations and agencies external to CSU, and the rules and criteria vary. Most limit eligibility to US residents. Students are responsible for applying for financial aid opportunities separately.
- Financial aid opportunities specifically for international students are highlighted by the university’s Office of International Programs, International Student & Scholar Services the CSU International Students website. For international students, if you are admitted, you will be asked to ensure you have sufficient financial means to support yourself over the course of your degree before joining the program.
Health Insurance Requirement
Please note that CSU’s Health Insurance Policy has been determined to apply to students in the Agribusiness and Food Innovation management program at CSU Spur, even though students are enrolled in the program via CSU Online.
This requirement can be met in any of several ways. Students can opt in for the University’s health programs at time of enrollment, for which facilities and services are available on the Fort Collins campus. However, that location may be inconvenient for students living in Denver. Students may also elect coverage under their own insurance, or through their employer. Proof of coverage must be demonstrated.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to graduate students enrolled through CSU Online. Financial aid can take several forms, including grants, subsidized student loans, scholarships, and student employment.
Please note that, as a professional degree, the Agribusiness and Food Innovation Management program does not offer research assistantships or teaching assistantships.
More detailed information can be found on the Financial Aid page at CSU Online.
Program Scholarships
Browse the three scholarships available specifically to students in the Agribusiness and Food Innovation Management program.
Seward Family Scholarship in Rural Entrepreneurship
The Seward Family Scholarship in Rural Entrepreneurship is to be given to a student entering the program. The scholarship is $5,000. George and Deb Seward operate several cow-calf operations and feedlots near Yuma, Colorado. They are serial entrepreneurs and also invest in promising ventures. George is a graduate of CSU and a strong supporter of the university. Criteria include:
- Student must live in and/or plan to return to a rural community.
- Preference given to Colorado residents.
- Recipient must be a US citizen.
Students who want to be considered for the Seward Family scholarship should express their interest in their graduate school application materials, indicating how they meet the criteria and what their career plans are once they complete the master’s degree. The scholarship will be awarded on June 1 of each year.
Gregory M. and Patricia S. Perry Scholarship in Agribusiness Entrepreneurship
The Gregory M. and Patricia S. Perry Scholarship in Agribusiness Entrepreneurship is awarded to a new student entering the program. The scholarship is $5,000. Greg Perry is an agricultural economist who has worked for four decades as a professor at Oregon State and Colorado State Universities. He and his wife are also entrepreneurs, they currently operate a small farm and a real estate management/construction firm. Dr. Perry is currently a co-leader of the new Master’s program in Agribusiness and Food Innovation Management.
Students who want to be considered for the Perry scholarship should express interest in their graduate school application materials, indicating what their career plans are once they complete the master’s degree. The scholarship will be awarded on June 1 of each year.
NextGen Ag Leadership Scholarships (Not offered in 2024)
The NextGen Ag Leadership Scholarships are awarded to two students entering the program, thanks to a competitive grant awarded by the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Markets Division to the Agribusiness and Food Innovation Management program for graduate students pursuing the Masters in Agribusiness and Food Innovation Management at Colorado State University’s Spur Campus. The strategic priority of the scholarship is developing individual leadership and entrepreneurial skills among NextGen agriculturalists. Criteria include:
- Preference given to Colorado residents.
- Recipient must be a US citizen.
- For one of two awards: Diverse skills, backgrounds, perspectives, and cultures directly contribute to innovation. Therefore, one of the two scholarships is designated for applicants from a socially disadvantaged group, particularly those who already work in and are knowledgeable about agriculture and food but may be underrepresented in leadership and entrepreneurship in the sector.
Students who want to be considered for one of the NextGen Ag Leadership scholarships should express that interest in their graduate school application materials, indicating how they meet the criteria and what their career plans are once they complete the master’s degree. The scholarship will be awarded on June 1 of each year.
Internal and Institutional Scholarships
Although Colorado State University administers many internal or institutional scholarships via the CSU Scholarship Application also known as the CSUSA, unfortunately graduate students enrolled via CSU Online are generally not eligible. Explanation can be found on the Financial Aid page at CSU Online.
External Scholarships
There are many scholarships from other organizations for which students enrolling in the Agribusiness and Food Innovation Management may be competitive. Students are responsible for researching and applying to these scholarships separately from their program application.
- See the College of Agricultural Sciences’ External Scholarships
- See the University’s External Opportunities
Each scholarship will have its own criteria, application process, and deadlines.
National Corn Growers Association Graduate Student Scholarship Program
The National Corn Growers Association Graduate Student Scholarship Program offers two $2500 scholarships for a graduate student whose area of study will benefit the corn sector. See com/scholarships for more information on eligibility, requirements, and how to apply.
Other Benefits
Employer’s Educational Benefits
Keep in mind that many employers help employees to continue their education and improve their qualifications. Check with your employer to see if you qualify and find out how to apply.
Military or Veterans’ Benefits
Various educational benefits are available for those who have served in the U.S. military. If this applies to you, please review information on the Financial Aid page at CSU Online.
Student Employment at CSU Spur
The CSU Spur campus, where the program is based, is growing quickly and offers some opportunities for part-time student employment. For listings, please visit Careers at CSU Spur. Check back frequently, as these listing are subject to change.
Work opportunities
Courses are largely scheduled after 4:00pm to accommodate those who wish to maintain part-time or full-time employment during their participation in the program. While we cannot assure job offers ahead of time, there are opportunities at the CSU Spur campus in Denver for part time employment, to which graduate students may apply.
For international students, a U.S. student visa does allow you to work up to half-time (i.e. 20 hours per week) at the university.