Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid
Preparing for the 21st century requires a plan, which is why we offer our students financial assistance. At Menlo, 88% of our students receive some form of financial aid through college, state, and federal funds in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and on-campus employment. We offer two basic types of assistance: merit-based financial aid (scholarships) and need-based financial aid (grants, loans, work-study).
| Tuition | $33,150 |
| Room and Board | $11,330 |
| Health Fee | $550 (estimated) |
| Student Body Fee | $400 |
Financial Aid
There are many ways to pay for college. Please read our guide, Starting the Financial Aid Process.
Early Financial Aid Estimate
By answering a few questions, you can receive a financial aid estimate before you apply. Learn more here.
An Affordable Choice and a Good Value
During these rough economic times, financial concerns will be a key factor in determining which college a student will choose to attend.
Without even filing for financial assistance, students entering Menlo for the 2010-11 school year may qualify for scholarships and awards up to $14,000 per year upon admission based on academic achievement and SAT/ACT scores.
For those seeking additional funds, Menlo requires filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once a student has filed, it is possible that a student may receive the following free annual funding from all sources (federal, state and institutional).
| Expected Family Contribution (EFC) | Cumulative GPA of 3.1 and Above | Cumulative GPA of >2.6 to 3.09 |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 4,356 | $29,900 - $35,300 | $22,700 - $31,800 |
| 4,357 - 6,922 | $27,800 - $31,700 | $17,100 - $26,300 |
| 6,923 - 12,278 | $25,800 - $30,800 | $11,200 - $25,700 |
| 12,279 - 27,275 | $14,100 - $25,100 | $ 7,600 - $23,600 |
| 27,276+ | $11,000 - $12,000 | $ 5,000 - $10,000 |
In addition, the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program guarantees student loans based on class level:
| Dependent Undergratuate | Independent Undergraduate | Amount That Can Be Subsidized | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman | $5,500 | $ 9,500 | $3,500 |
| Sophomore | $6,500 | $10,500 | $4,500 |
| Junior | $7,500 | $12,500 | $5,500 |
| Senior | $7,500 | $12,500 | $5,500 |
Subsidized Direct loans are need-based. The federal government pays the interest on the loan while you're in school, during the grace period before repayment begins, and during periods of approved deferment. Monthly payments begin six months after you graduate, drop below half time or withdraw from school. At least half-time enrollment is required.
Unsubsidized Direct loans may be taken out by all qualified students, regardless of their income or assets. You must meet the same requirements as those for subsidized Stafford loans, except you don't have to demonstrate financial need. Interest accrues from the time the loan is disbursed, and interest payments begin immediately but can be deferred. It's to your advantage, however, to pay the interest while you're in school. This way, your debt will be the principal amount only when you start repayment. At least half-time enrollment is required.
As of July 1, 2009, the interest rate on new Direct Loans is fixed at 5.6 percent.
Parent PLUS loans enable parents or stepparents to borrow up to the total cost of attendance, minus any other aid their child may receive. PLUS loans are for undergraduate study only and are not based on your family's income or assets. These loans are always unsubsidized. Parents must go through a credit approval process to qualify. If a parent is not approved by a lender for the PLUS loan, the student may receive additional unsubsidized Stafford loans at a level of $4,000 for freshmen and sophomore and $5,000 for junior and senior. At least half-time enrollment is required.
As of July 1, 2006, the interest rate on new PLUS Loans is fixed at 7.9 percent.
Scholarships and Awards
Menlo Merit Scholarships
Menlo College is deeply committed to preparing men and women for leadership positions in a wide variety of career fields. With this in mind, our financial aid programs are designed to provide future leaders with an outstanding educational experience. Scholarships are given to those outstanding students who have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and leadership both inside and outside the classroom.
Eligibility for Menlo College merit scholarships is initially determined and awarded by the Office of Admissions. Generally, the type of merit scholarship students receive is the scholarship they keep and may renew in subsequent years, provided that certain renewal requirements are met as outlined in the student's scholarship letter. Merit scholarships can range as high as $14,000 per year, depending on the student's prior academic performance. For scholarship purposes, a student's Grade Point Average will be recalculated based on completed academic coursework. This means that the cumulative GPA which appears on a student's transcript may differ from the GPA Menlo uses to arrive at merit award decisions.
Menlo College merit scholarships assist students with tuition and fee costs. Students must maintain the required cumulative grade point average and earn a minimum of 12 units per semester at Menlo College to be considered for a renewal of these scholarships. Participation in community service is also considered for some scholarships. Incomplete courses and withdrawals will not be counted. Students awarded a scholarship must be enrolled full-time at Menlo College and be paying the traditional tuition costs. Scholarships are normally awarded annually. However, new students who enter Menlo for the first time during the Spring Semester will be considered for a one-semester scholarship. Students in the Professional Studies Program are not considered for these scholarships and awards.
International Scholarships
Merit scholarships are also available to all international students who qualify, signifying Menlo College's strong commitment to educating students from all around the world.
Need-Based Grants
Grants are need-based awards that do not need to be repaid. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for the programs described here.
Menlo Grant
For qualified students, the amount varies and is applied toward tuition costs for the academic year, and is based upon demonstrated federal financial need. Full-time enrollment is required to receive this grant.
Federal Pell Grant
This grant is up to $5,500 for the 2010-11 academic year. Individual awards depend upon enrollment status and Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
This grant program is awarded on behalf of the federal government. FSEOG grants of up to $1,000 are awarded to students with the lowest expected family contribution (EFC). Priority is given to students who receive Federal Pell Grants with the lowest EFCs.
Cal Grants (A and B)
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is the state agency that administers and awards Cal Grants, which are need- and merit-based awards. California residents are required to file their FAFSA and GPA Verification Form before March 2nd to be considered for a Cal Grant for the upcoming academic year. CSAC notifies students of their eligibility or ineligibility, usually by the end of May. In recent years, the maximum amount of Cal Grant A has been $9,708, and for Cal Grant B, $11,259. At least half-time enrollment (6 units) is required to receive a Cal Grant, and the amounts are prorated accordingly.
If you are a transfer student who has received a Cal Grant previously, please contact CSAC at 1-888-CA-GRANTS to inform the agency that you will be attending Menlo College. CSAC will then notify Menlo College if your Cal Grant can be renewed.
Federal Work Study
This campus-based federal program, which requires completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), is offered to full-time students with demonstrated federal need. Students usually work on campus, averaging about 10 hours per week, and wages are paid by a combination of federal and college funds. Students may earn up to $1,000 per year.
Student Budget for Financial Aid
A student's total financial aid package cannot exceed his or her total budget or cost of attendance. In addition to actual tuition charges, federal regulations require that the cost of attendance include standard allowances for other expenses, such as books and transportation.
Below are the 2010-11 Menlo College budget figures for a full-time undergraduate day student living on campus and attending the standard academic year of fall and spring.
Direct costs are actual costs that are charged to your student account at the Finance Office.
| Tuition and Fees | $33,550 |
| Room and Board | $11,330 |
| Subtotal of Direct Costs | $44,880 |