Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance (COA) includes tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation and personal expenses. The Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) consists of the expected parental contribution and/or student contribution, based on the student’s status as a dependent or independent student.

The EFC is calculated in a consistent and equitable manner using Federal Methodology, a standard formula established by the U.S. Congress, which determines a family’s contribution based on the information provided on the FAFSA. The difference between the COA and the EFC is called the student’s “financial need.”

Cost of Attendance – Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need

A student’s financial planning should begin with an estimate of the total cost of attending MMC for one academic year. Direct costs include: tuition, fees, room and board charges. Indirect costs include: books, supplies, personal needs, and travel. The Office of Financial Aid establishes standard budgets, adjusted for such variables as enrollment status, dependency status, and whether the student lives at home or in MMC’s residence halls.