tuition and financial aid

Tuition and Financial Aid

Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

MSSM is a public “magnet” school.

What does it cost to attend?

We are funded directly by a state appropriation, supplemented by a Room & Board (R&B) fee of $7,900 for academic year 2010-11.

Although there is no tuition for Maine residents, families are responsible for paying R&B. Non-resident students pay non-resident fees (tuition plus R&B) set at $38,750 for academic year 2010-11.

When are payments due? Is there a payment plan for Room & Board?

Initial invoice Statements for admitted students are first issued in July by Facts Management Company. Payment plans are listed on the website www.factsmgt.com.

Some Maine towns which do not have a high school or are not part of a district/RSU will “tuition” their students to other communities. Your town or municipality may be willing to cover some or the entire MSSM R&B fee. Parents should ask their local officials about making such an arrangement with our business office.

Are there any other expenses?

In addition to R&B, there are miscellaneous fees or charges during the academic year which may be reflected on monthly statements. For example:

•  A hand-held calculator (see math department specs)

• Various exams have fees (e.g., PSAT, SAT, AP, etc.); check with the College Counselor for fee waivers/assistance.

• Personal computers must be configured with a network card and robust virus protection (consult IT department). Ethernet and phone jacks are available in each dorm room at no additional charge. Students should bring their computers and phones.

• There is no charge for incoming or local calls, but students must pay for chargeable outgoing calls (calling cards recommended).

• US Cellular provides a strong U.S. (vs. Canadian/international) cellular signal to the campus, subject to rare outages due to weather or maintenance. Roaming charges may apply, depending on your carrier, plan, and cell phone settings.

Is “financial aid” available?

Financial aid at MSSM applies to the R & B fee. We ask families to complete a financial aid application with Facts Management Company. The Facts Grant & Aid assessment process, very similar to the college financial aid process, provides the amount the family should be able to contribute toward R & B. We review these reports to determine appropriate R & B billing, making every attempt to keep family financial obligations to a minimum. Families should discuss financial aid concerns with the school business office or Executive Director.

To initiate the process, go online to www.factstuitionaid.com or call the MSSM business office at 207-325-3303, for a paper application. Select school (MSSM) and enter zip code 04750.
This application should be completed by June 30th for enrollment in the upcoming academic year.