The cost of full-time enrollment before scholarship (12 units per semester) for the 2026-27 academic year is approximately $22,000, inclusive of tuition, fees, and books. The actual cost to the student will be determined by several factors, including whether they attend full- or part-time, live on- or off-campus, are a resident of California, and other factors. Review the information below for more details on tuition and fees.
Learn more about scholarships here.
Direct Tuition and Fees for Degree and Certificate Programs
| Per Course | ½ time | Full time | Annual | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition (CA residents) | $900/unit | $2,700 | $5,400 | $10,800 | $21,600 |
| Tuition (non-CA) [1] | $950/unit | $2,850 | $5,700 | $11,400 | $22,800 |
| Technology and Library Fee [2] | $150/semester | $300 |
Other Enrollment Fees
| Practicum courses [3] | $1350 per course |
| Special (non-program, for credit) student | $2,000 per course |
| Auditor (non-program, not credit awarded) | $900 per course |
| Senior Auditor (65+) | $500 per course |
| Sati Center Program Registration Fee [4] | $500 per program/3 units |
Other Fees
| Degree & Certificate Program Application Fee | $50 |
| Special Student & Auditor Application Fee | $25 |
| Petition to Advance Fee [5] | $25 |
| Records Maintenance Fee (per semester) [6] | $100 |
| Reinstatement Fee (after withdraw) [7] | $100 |
| Program Completion Fee | $100 |
| Thesis Binding Fee (MABS and M.Div.) | $100 |
| Transcript Fee | $15 |
| Diploma Replacement Fee | $15 |
Indirect Costs
| Books and Materials [8] | On average, $40 per course |
| Housing, on campus | $1250/month for single occupancy |
| Housing, off campus | Varies (see here for more information) |
1. As per state authorization laws, IBS’s online programs need to be approved by the individual states in which our students live. In some cases, IBS may qualify for an exemption; in other cases, states charge significant fees. In order for IBS to continue serving students across the United States, we offer a reduced tuition rate for those students living in California.
2. IBS strives to offer an exceptional educational experience for all students, both on-site and online. This includes maintaining a robust online learning management system (LMS) and access to the library resources of the Graduate Theological Union. All degree and certificate program students have access to GTU library which includes digital and online resources and support as well as reciprocal borrowing privileges at dozens of libraries across the United States.
See the GTU library website for a complete list of resources.
3. M.Div. degree program students are required to complete at least [3 and no more than 9] units of field education. While enrolled in a filed education course, the student is charged a reduced tuition rate to offset any costs to the student charged by the field site. See the field education handbook for additional information.
4. In collaboration with the Sati Center for Buddhist Studies in Redwood City, CA, students who are completing a Sati Center’s Buddhist chaplaincy training program may receive 3 units of academic credit at IBS. Please review the relevant policies in the catalog and contact IBS’s field education director before completion of the Sati program to apply for credit. (Credit cannot be applied retroactively.)
5. As per IBS’s stackable curriculum, students who complete a certificate program may petition to advance into a degree program. See the relevant policies for more information.
6. When a student takes a Leave of Absence (see policy in catalog), they will be charged a records maintenance fee upon re-entry into the program for every semester of leave.
7. If a student withdraws from a program and is reinstated (see policy in catalog), they will be charged a reinstatement fee to reactivate their student record.
8. Generally speaking, IBS faculty help reduce educational costs by providing course materials and books that are either free of charge, freely available via the GTU library, or are otherwise accessible.
Housing
The Rev. Dr. Seigen Yamaoka Memorial Dormitory has 12, single-occupancy rooms with shared kitchen and bath available for IBS students for $1250 per month. Please contact the Dean for more information.
Off-campus housing in Berkeley can be challenging. In-residence students are encouraged to review information here and make plans early in their educational process.