MSSM is a public “magnet” school. What does it cost to attend?
We are funded directly by state appropriations and supplemented by Room & Board (R&B) fees. Although there is no tuition for Maine residents, these families are responsible for paying the R&B fee ($6,400 for 2008-09). Our few non-resident students pay higher, non-resident fees ($23,500 for tuition and R&B for 2008-09).
When are payments due? Is there a payment plan for Room & Board?
Statements for admitted students are issued in July. Full R&B payment may be made on Move-In Day in mid-August. A $100 discount applies if full R&B payment is made on or before that day. An alternative is to make 10 equal but undiscounted payments starting on Move-In Day and then each month through May.
Some Maine towns which do not have a high school or are not part of a district will “tuition” their students to other communities. If this is the case, your town or municipality may be willing to cover the 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. They will also appear on your statements. For example:
Students are required to have a writer’s reference manual (usually less than $50 new)
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.
There is no charge for incoming or local calls, but students must pay for chargeable outgoing calls (calling cards recommended).
Is “financial aid” available?
For R&B financial aid consideration, we ask families to complete a financial aid application with the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).
The NAIS “School and Student Service” (SSS) application process is very similar to the college financial aid process and provides an “Estimated Family Contribution” (EFC) dollar figure, a calculation of the amount the family should be able to contribute toward R&B.
To initiate the process, go online to www.nais.org or call the MSSM business office at 207-325-3303, for paper forms and information. Processing fees should be paid to the processor. The MSSM school code for this financial aid application is 4789.
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.
Financial aid applications should be complete by the 1st of July.
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