Saint Mary’s vice president for strategy and finance Dana Strait announced tuition costs for the 2021-2022 academic year in an email Thursday.
Changes to cost of attendance were given close consideration due to external factors brought upon due to the pandemic, such as financial stress on families and upgraded technology for remote learning, according to the email.
Undergraduate tuition and fees for the upcoming year will increase 5% to $48,010, Strait said.
“This figure covers all expenses related to student government, technology, facilities, the yearbook, and — new this year! — access to 24/7 telecounseling services through SMC Care,” the email said.
Strait said the College plans to mitigate these costs plan through the “over $39 million in scholarships for students next year.”
Because room and board charges are not eligible for Saint Mary’s scholarships, there will be no change in room and board costs from the 2020-2021 academic year.
Additionally, the College is adopting two new billing processes for room and board charges.
“First, room charges will be simplified in an effort to level the affordability playing field for students,” the email said. “What used to be 10 different price points for different types of rooms is now one, more equitable base price with upcharges only applied to three optional upgrades: a single, an en suite bath and an apartment. Second, room and board will now be charged as a single line item.”
The new change in costs will be considered in determining financial aid eligibility, according to the email.
