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    Northwestern University

    Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy (MSHE)

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Evanston, USMSIn-person1 year
    $70,956.00
    Tuition
    over 12mo
    37.2%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    12
    Credits
    $100.00
    App fee

    Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy (MSHE) at Northwestern University is a 12-credit, 1-year, in-person MS program based in Evanston, US. Tuition is $70,956.

    About the program

    The program covers higher education administration through 12 courses on topics including law and ethics, assessment, budgeting, student development theory, policy, diversity equity and inclusion, leadership, and function-specific areas like enrollment management, global partnerships, and crisis management. It includes a three-term master’s research project similar to a thesis and a 400-hour internship.

    Focus: both
    US News #6 (Education Schools)
    Part-time option

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    Admissions

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2026
    Aug 17, 2026
    Fall 2027
    Jan 24, 2027

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    required
    Min we consider average, not minimum, scores
    TOEFL
    required
    Min If English is not your native language, evidence of proficiency in its use will be helpful in reviewing your application for admission. ... Providing official documents for the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Official scores must be less than two years old.
    IELTS
    optional
    Min If English is not your native language, evidence of proficiency in its use will be helpful in reviewing your application for admission. ... Providing official documents for the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Official scores must be less than two years old.

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US)

    $29,412.00
    Annual living cost

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy (MSHE) at Northwestern University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy (MSHE) at Northwestern University is $70,956 across 12 required credits.
    Is Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy (MSHE) at Northwestern University online or in-person?
    Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy (MSHE) at Northwestern University is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy (MSHE) at Northwestern University take to complete?
    Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy (MSHE) at Northwestern University is structured around 1 year and 12 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy (MSHE) at Northwestern University?
    Per the program's published guidance: minimum of a 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    How competitive is Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy (MSHE) at Northwestern University?
    Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy (MSHE) at Northwestern University reports an acceptance rate of approximately 37.2%.