UC Irvine's Paul Merage School of Business reduces MBA tuition

• Tuition fees for UC Irvine's Flex MBA program will now fall below the federal loan cap for graduate business degrees.
• Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies will be more intentionally integrated into core business disciplines.

Irvine, Calif., May 6, 2026 - The Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine, has announced significant enhancements to its Flex MBA and Executive MBA programs, including tuition reductions of up to 38 percent and a redesigned, AI-integrated curriculum.

Beginning this fall, Flex MBA tuition will decrease by $30,000 and Executive MBA tuition by $48,000. At $99,000, the Flex MBA now falls below the federal loan cap for graduate business degrees, removing a key financial barrier for working professionals in Southern California and beyond.

"This is about access and relevance," said Ian O. Williamson, dean of the Merage School of Business. "We've redesigned these programs to reflect today's economy, where AI, flexibility and return on investment matter, and made them more attainable for professionals ready to advance their career. A University of California MBA, now priced below the federal loan cap. That combination simply didn't exist in this market before today."

Real value for working professionals

The significant tuition decrease is part of a broader strategy to deliver exceptional return on investment. The Merage School is not simply lowering costs; it is enhancing every dimension of the MBA experience with:

• AI-infused curriculum: AI and emerging technologies are woven through every core business discipline, giving professionals the tools to lead.
• Professional advancement: About 43 percent of Flex MBA students earn a promotion while still enrolled.
• Flexible learning: In-person, online and blended formats fit demanding work schedules.
• Access to leading companies: Orange County is home to one-third of Fortune 500 companies, giving students direct access to top employers across the region's most dynamic industries.
• Accelerated completion: Both programs can now be completed in under two years, preserving career momentum.

Graduate business education is shifting as working professionals seek relevant skills, clear return on investment, and pathways to advance without stepping away from work or family responsibilities. Students will gain practical experience, build in-demand skills and connect with employers in one of the nation's most dynamic regional economies.

The Merage School's MBA programs are designed to meet the current moment. The updated offerings integrate AI across the curriculum, expand flexible learning options, shorten time to completion and reduce cost. "We believe these programs now represent the best value MBA in California: a world-class, highly ranked degree at a price point that is accessible and viable for working professionals across all communities," said Williamson.

For more information on the Flex MBA, Executive MBA programs and other UC Irvine Merage School offerings, visit: https://merage.uci.edu/tuition-reduction.

About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.

About the Paul Merage School of Business: The Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine is a top-ranked graduate business school committed to developing leaders for a digitally driven world. Located in the heart of Orange County, home to one-third of Fortune 500 companies, the School offers unparalleled access to a thriving business ecosystem. Through innovative teaching, an AI-infused curriculum, industry engagement, experiential learning, and career-focused support, the School prepares working professionals to thrive in rapidly changing global markets.

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