Estimating Costs For Attending Mt. Hood Community College

How Your Budget Is Determined:

Financial Aid budgets are based on averages and do NOT reflect your actual costs for attending college or for all your living expenses. At MHCC, your budget can be increased for childcare costs, for program costs, or for unusual medical or disability expenses necessary for your student responsibilities. Adding these costs may not result in full payment for those expenseseven with student loans. The amount of aid we can give you is determined by a Financial Aid Coordinator on a case-by-case basis. But adding your special expenses into your budget does allow us to see a more accurate picture of your school-related costs. Many times, students must borrow, taking out student loans to meet above-average educational costs. Please realize that we cannot add your monthly debts to your budget, such as house payments, car payments insurance, etc. You are still responsible for those, over and above school costs, and financial aid will not help you pay for them.

How Our Costs Compare:

Most community colleges cost less than other colleges and our costs are about the same as other state-funded community colleges. Four-year public universities cost more but are fairly equal to each other. Private schools generally have the highest cost per credit hour. Room and board differs between a student living at home and a student living away from home. This difference is clearly reflected in the increased amount of room and board for students who pay rent versus students who live with a family member or significant other.

How We Determine Your Aid:

Analysis of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines how much you (and your parents if applicable) are expected to contribute toward your education (EFC: Expected Family Contribution). Financial aid can help pay the difference between your cost of attendance and what the Federal Processor said that your family or you could contribute toward your education and living expenses. You do not pay your EFC to anyone; its a calculation that helps determines what type of financial aid you are eligible for.