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Find Out the Total Saint Mary’s College of California Costs

How much does it cost to go to SMC?

On this page you'll get a better understanding of what college costs you'll actually have to pay out of pocket, which can vary widely based on where you live and your income level.

Why is Net Price Important?

Few students will pay the full advertised sticker price of SMC. The Net Price is an estimate of how much the average student actually pays to attend college for one year.

To calculate this number we take the total cost of attendance of Saint Mary's College of California including tuition, fees, room, board and other expenses. Then we subtract out the average amount of aid awarded per student.

What is the Average Net Price for All SMC Undergrads?

The average student will pay a total net price of $44,319.

$44,319 is the average net price across all students. Your price may differ depending on your family income level.

The average net price of $44,319 is based on estimates from 2020. This number represents the overall average net price of all undergraduate students, including those that did not receive any financial aid.

Breakdown of College Costs for Freshmen

Grant and scholarship aid was given to 99% of freshman students.

The average amount awarded was $30,395.

When subtracted from the total cost to attend SMC and live on campus, the average annual net price for freshmen receiving aid was $39,985.

The following table explores the likelihood that you too will receive some common price-reducing aid, based on percentages.

Net Price by Aid GroupOn CampusOff CampusAt Home
627 Total Freshmen
5 (1%) did not receive any grants or scholarships.$70,380$72,944$56,375
622 (99%) split a total of $18,905,690 for an average of $30,395 each$39,985$42,549$25,980

The above refers to grants and scholarships from the college and/or the state, federal or local governments. Other sources of grant aid such as private scholarships are not included.

College Cost Estimator

Use the College Cost Estimator to get an idea of how much money you may have to spend out of pocket to attend SMC, and how many loans you may have to take on.

Select the factors that are true for you.

I Currently Live:
I Plan to Live:
Grants and Scholarships:
Loans:
Estimated Cost for You

This is what the college will likely charge you in this scenario.

$70,380
Aid (Grants and Scholarships)

Money given to you to offset the cost of college.

$30,395
Estimated Net Price

This is what you can expect to pay (or pay back).

$39,985
Loans

Money you borrow to cover the cost of college. You will have to repay this eventually.

$7,312
Out of Pocket

Money you need to come up with each year to attend college.

$32,673

How much will you be relying on loans to finance your education?

Research the average amount of loan debt students take on from this school.

Net Price Based on Family Income Level

Family income can have a large impact on the amount of aid you receive, and thus, your net price.

The table below shows the average net price freshmen paid based on income level. Note that if the school offers in-state tuition, the lower in-state tuition has been used in the calculation.

Net Price by Family Income LevelNet Price
0-30k$25,057
30k-48k$25,737
48k-75k$27,873
75k-110k$29,077
110k +$41,121

The above table only includes the calculated net price for students that received some form of Title IV aid.

What is Title IV?

Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 establishes general rules that apply to the student financial assistance programs covering grants and loans.

Freshmen Receiving Aid Net Price Trend

Over a period of six years, the average net price paid by all freshmen at Saint Mary's College of California has increased by an average of 2.6% per year.

Net Price Trends at Saint Mary's College of California

How Does SMC Net Price Compare to Average?

An overall best case average net price of $39,985 puts Saint Mary's College of California well above the national average of $20,398.

Financial Aid Packages Vary From Year to Year

Many schools offer more aid to first year students (freshmen) than they do to other undergraduates. Is that the case with this school?

Net Price Comparisons at Saint Mary's College of California

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