Don’t Wait: Apply for Free by December 1

November 19, 2025 | Simon Admissions Team

We are entering a season known for its hustle and bustle, so why not cross “applying to business school” off your to-do list early? Need another reason? If you apply to any of our programs below by December 1, your $90 application fee is waived!

Full-Time MBA and MS Programs

While our official Round 2 application deadline is January 5, those who apply to the MBA or one of our five MS programs by December 1 will have their application fee waived. The MBA begins in July and the MS programs begin in August, so if you apply early in the cycle you'll maximize your chances for merit-based scholarship and have ample time to prepare for business school. Check out this Application Tips webinar recording for advice from our Admissions Committee as you finish up your application. 

Professional MBA

This part-time MBA geared toward working professionals has spring and fall entry terms, and December 1 is the final deadline for applicants planning to begin their degree in January 2026. Apply by that date to have your application fee waived and start classes in late January. Employer tuition benefits are accepted (including University of Rochester employees, who may have up to 95% of their tuition covered depending on eligibility) and Simon also offers a nonprofit and public sector 50% tuition scholarship for those pursuing the MBA while working for nonprofit organizations, education, government, health care, and in other mission-driven roles. For more reasons to begin your PMBA in January, check out our recent webinar. 

Doctor of Business Administration

Simon's newest program also has a December 1 application deadline and prospective DBA students can apply for free by that date as well. The DBA allows you to choose between a teaching track and a practice track to best fit your career goals. This online, part-time program is designed for mid- to senior-level managers with 8–10 years of professional experience and a master’s degree (business-related preferred). The DBA is a three-year program, has eight weekend intensives, and begins in May. Curious about faculty teaching in the DBA program? View our faculty spotlight webinar with Huaxia Rui, Xerox Chair Professor and an affiliated faculty at Goergen Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Rochester. 

Interested in an MS analytics degree? Begin your program in January!

This special opportunity is available for candidates interested in the MS in AI in Business, MS in Business Analytics, and MS in Marketing Analytics programs, and is particularly beneficial for December graduates. There’s no need to wait to take your next step—begin your master’s degree at Simon without skipping a beat! The final application deadline is December 1, your application fee is waived, and merit-based scholarship is available. 

No matter which program you choose—or when you begin your degree—the Simon Admissions Team is here to support you every step of the way. Don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you have. We wish you all the best as you prepare for business school!