Costs and Financial Aid
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.
Costs
Costs per Credit Hour
The Agribusiness and Food Innovation Management program is conducted in person at the new CSU Spur campus in Denver because this program does not operate on the main CSU campus in Fort Collins, enrollment is administered through CSU Online, a division of the university’s Office of Engagement and Extension that provides affordable access to exceptional online and distance education taught by CSU’s faculty. One result of this policy is that tuition rates for this program are not subject to resident vs non-resident differences. All students, Colorado residents and non-residents alike, pay the same competitive tuition rates.
The program involves courses from two academic units of the University:
- Most of the courses are from the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, in the College of Agricultural Science (course numbers that start with the prefix AREC) which have a course tuition cost of $800 per credit hour.
- These are augmented by a handful of courses from the MBA program, in the College of Business (course numbers that start with the prefix BUS) which have a course tuition cost of either $800 or $996 per credit hour, depending on the course instructor.
Overall Tuition Costs (for all students, resident and non-resident)
- Entire 35-credit masters: $29,200
- Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship: $8,400
Other Costs of Attendance
Other costs of attending graduate school depend upon factors like whether you are 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.
For example, the Office of Financial Aid estimates the following annual costs for a graduate student living off campus:
- Housing: more than $12,000/year (Rent in Denver is about $1000/month for a single room in a shared apartment, $1,400/month for a studio, $1,700 for a one-bedroom.)
- Transportation: about $2,300/year (It is highly recommended to own and drive your own car or to utilize a ride-share app like Uber or Lyft to reach the CSU Spur campus in Denver. Public transportation to the campus is not yet fully developed.)
- Other Educational Costs: about $1,800/year (such as Practicum-related costs, conference and event registrations, online subscriptions, etc.)
- Books & Supplies: about $1,000/year
Please note, these do not include food, medical, and other expenses. It is important to plan and budget.
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. You are responsible for applying for financial aid opportunities separately from your application for admissions.
More detailed information specifically for students enrolled through CSU Online can be found on the Financial Aid page at CSU Online.
Additional Financial aid for 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 eligibility criteria vary.
Financial aid opportunities specific to 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 resources to support yourself during the course of your degree before joining the program.
Please note that, as a professional degree, the Agribusiness and Food Innovation Management program does not offer research assistantships or teaching assistantships.
Program Scholarships
The following scholarships are 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 2025)
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.
External Scholarships
There are many scholarships from other organizations for which you may be competitive as a student enrolling in the Agribusiness and Food Innovation Management mprogram. You are responsible for researching and applying to these scholarships separately.
- 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.
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.
CSU Employee Study Privilege
Eligible CSU Academic Faculty, Administrative Professional, and State Classified staff may use the Employee Study Privilege benefit to take up to nine credit hours of courses per year. See https://registrar.colostate.edu/employee-study-privilege/.
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
Courses are scheduled after 4:00pm to accommodate those who wish to maintain employment during their participation in the program. The CSU Spur campus, where the program is based, is growing and offers opportunities for student employment. For listings, please visit Careers at CSU Spur. Check back frequently, as these listings are subject to change. 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.