There are several things you should consider when evaluating college costs:

  • Time-to-degree
  • Financial aid options
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Available tax credits

The total cost of your education includes:

  • Tuition
  • Room and board
  • Books
  • Fees
  • Transportation
  • Personal expenses

Families are unique and so are their financial needs. These four case studies portray different scenarios of financial need and total aid packages.

Case Study: Emily

Emily lives close to the Mount and has decided she would like to continue living at home while in college. She is from a family of four, whose parents have a combined income of $60,000 and very little savings.

  Per Year
Tuition and fees $31,100
Books and other expenses $4,200
Total commuter student cost of attendance $35,300
Expected family contribution -$6,200
Total financial need $29,100
Based on her academic record and her financial need, Emily received the following aid package:
Academic Scholarship and Mount St. Joseph Grant $18,000
Federal Student Loans $5,500
College Work Study $1,500
Total Aid $25,000

 


Case Study: Megan

Megan works a part-time job at her neighborhood library, so she plans to commute. Her parents are both retired.

  Per Year
Tuition and fees $31,100
Books and other expenses $4,200
Total commuter student cost of attendance $35,300
Expected family contribution -$2,500
Total financial need $32,800
Based on her academic record and her financial need, Megan received the following aid package:
Academic Scholarship and Mount St. Joseph Grant $15,000
Federal Grants $3,795
Federal Student Loans $5,500
College Work Study $1,500
Total Aid $25,795

 


Case Study: Paul

Paul lives about three hours from the Mount so living in the residence hall is a must. His parents both work outside the home, earning a total income of $175,000. They have savings of $30,000.

  Per Year
Tuition and fees $31,100
Room and Board $10,220
Books and other expenses $2,200
Total resident student cost of attendance $43,520
Expected family contribution -$43558
Total financial need $0
Because Paul’s expected family contribution exceeds his cost of attendance, he is not eligible for need-based financial aid.  However, he will receive the following aid:
Academic Scholarship  $18,000
Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan $5,500
Total Aid $23,500

 


Case Study: Jake

Jake would like to live on campus. He has several brothers and sisters. His father died several years ago, and his mother has to support the family with her earnings and the Social Security benefits the family receives. Jake has a minimum wage part-time job that helps him cover his own incidental expenses.

  Per Year
Tuition and fees $31,100
Room and Board $10,220
Books and other expenses $2,200
Total resident student cost of attendance $43,520
Expected family contribution $0
Total financial need $43,520
Based on his academic record and his financial need, Jake received the following aid package:
Academic Scholarship and Mount St. Joseph Grant $23,000
Federal and State Grants $10,345
Federal Student Loans $5,500
College Work Study $1,500
Total Aid $40,345