Paying for College
We're proud to be one of the most affordable four-year liberal arts colleges in Massachusetts.
Making MCLA Accessible for You
We know a liberal arts education can be transformative. It also is a major investment. That's why we do all we can to help maximize the impact of your experience while minimizing the cost.
How Much Does MCLA Cost?
The cost of attendance is made up of direct costs (like tuition, fees, housing, and meals) and indirect costs (such as books, transportation, travel, and miscellaneous expenses). The Cost of Attendance minus Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA determines the financial need. About 85% of our students receive financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans.
CAN I GET FINANCIAL AID?
Absolutely! Anyone interested in financial aid first needs to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). About 85% of MCLA students receive financial aid through a combination of grants, loans, and scholarships. To be considered for the maximum amount of scholarships and financial aid, we encourage all students to submit a FAFSA.
GRANTS
A grant is a set amount of money for your education that you don't have to pay back.
Loans
A loan is money you borrow for your education that you pay back after you graduate.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
We know the financial aid process can be overwhelming. We've compiled a list of the most common questions our Student Financial Services team receives and included answers below. If you have other questions or need clarification, please reach out to us.
We recommend completing the FAFSA and your financial aid file as soon as possible after October 1. Applications completed by January 1 will have priority for the funds available.
We know that your tax returns may not reflect you or your family's current financial situation. If something recently happened to impact your financial situation, our Office of Student Financial Services may be able to help. Please contact them for additional details.
About 85% of MCLA students receive financial aid through a combination of grants, loans, and scholarships.
Not necessarily. The FAFSA must be completed every year. It may be possible to receive a comparable award if your family’s financial situation has not changed from the prior year and all required paperwork has been completed as soon as possible after October 1.
You're considered a Massachusetts resident if:
- You or your legal or financial guardian have resided in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for purposes other than attending an educational institution for 12 months immediately preceding entry or reentry as a student.
- If you or your guardian were absent from the state for part of the 12 month period, you may still qualify as a resident, provided that Massachusetts remained your permanent, primary dwelling place.
International students are not considered Massachusetts residents.
If you live in Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, or Vermont, you are eligible for an 85% reduction in your tuition cost through the New England Board of Higher Education discount.
In most cases for undergraduate students, yes. In the eyes of the FAFSA, you are considered either a dependent student or an independent student. The FAFSA asks you questions to preliminarily determine your status. If you are a dependent student, you will report both your and your parents' information. If you're an independent student, you will report your own information (and, if you're married, your spouse's).
Yes. MCLA offers many on-campus and off-campus job opportunities. Many MCLA students are awarded work study funds as part of their financial aid package.
We're Here To Help!
413-662-5230
finaid@mcla.edu