The Office of Financial Aid estimates a standard cost of attendance (or budget) for all students based on their living arrangements (on-campus versus off-campus) and other factors such as whether the student is enrolled fulltime, if she is on a study abroad program, etc. The total cost of attendance for a student is the maximum amount of aid she may receive for the aid period.

Cost of attendance budgets include both the amounts for which the College will bill a student (direct costs) and also other expenses students typically have but which they will never pay to Saint Mary’s (indirect costs). For example, direct costs include tuition, fees and if the student lives on campus, housing and food. Indirect costs include costs for personal expenses, travel expenses, books and supplies, and for students living off campus an estimate of room and meal expenses. 

Below are examples of a few types of budgets, shown for dependent students enrolled FULL TIME for the 2023-2024 full academic year (fall and spring semesters). The Tuition & Fees portion is based on full-time enrollment, each semester (12-18 credits per semester).

Students can view their specific budgets in PRISM.

* This is the weighted average cost of all on-campus housing and food options.

** These are estimates.

*** The allowance for personal expenses is intended to reflect a modest but adequate standard of living. While actual costs will vary based on student lifestyles and personal choice, eligibility for financial aid is based on the standards amounts in each student’s cost of attendance.

**** The transportation allowance for students on-campus and off-campus (renting) reflects the estimated costs for a student to travel from her home to Saint Mary’s a specified number of times each year. The transportation allowance for students living off-campus (with parents) reflects the estimated cost for a student to travel from her home to Saint Mary’s a specified number of times each week.

Tuition Insurance Is Available

Saint Mary’s students have the ability to protect their college investment by purchasing tuition insurance each semester. This optional coverage expands the scope of our refund policy by ensuring reimbursement for tuition, room and board and other fees for unexpected, covered withdrawals at any time during the semester. Learn more at GradGuard.com/tuition/saintmarys or call 877-794-6603.