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We are fully committed to ensuring that a Mills education is within reach for those who have the desire and the qualifications to attend. Our costs are competitive with other colleges of our caliber, and we provide access to a range of financial aid, including scholarships and loans. Some are funded by Mills directly, and others are state and federal programs. In 2009–10, Mills awarded 4 million in aid to 80 percent of the graduate student body.
To learn more about applying for financial aid at Mills and access downloadable forms and applications, visit the Mills graduate financial aid page. For tuition, fee, and payment information, visit graduate tuition and fees.
We recognize that financial considerations are an important part of your decision to apply to the School of Education and we hope the following is useful to our applicants:
FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required if you want to be considered for any form of need-based financial aid from Mills College; in addition, this application determines your eligibility for federal loan programs. Although the FAFSA deadline is in March, any applicant who plans to request financial aid should complete a FAFSA by February 1.
For All School of Education Applicants
Mills Sources of Aid: The School of Education awards individual scholarships, based on both merit and financial need, to most students. Applicants who submit a FAFSA by February 1 and indicate on the supplemental application form their interest in a Mills scholarship will be considered for any type of scholarship for which they are eligible. A limited number of research assistantships are offered in exchange for work under the supervision of a Mills faculty member; these are usually awarded to continuing students in our programs.
Federal Sources of Aid: There are two forms of Stafford Loans available to graduate students. Eligible students may borrow up to $8,500 under the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan program, and may apply for additional loan assistance, up to $12,000, under the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan program. Another federal loan program is the Graduate Plus Loan, a credit-based program from which students may borrow up to the full cost of attendance, less existing financial aid awards.For more information, see Student Aid website and search under "graduate school" link.
For Teaching Credential Applicants
Additional Scholarships
A student who plans to teach math or science in high-needs schools may receive up to $15,000 from NSF and an additional $6,000 from Mills if selected as an Open the Gate Robert Noyce Teacher Scholar. In addition, these scholars will receive collegial support and professional opportunities while teaching. Use the Supplemental Application to apply.
Students of color may be awarded additional funding by way of a Mills grant from the Flora Foundation. This scholarship funds supports a seminar program that meets several times a year with faculty to discuss academic work and student teaching.
Please use the Supplemental Application form to indicate your interest in being considered for either of these opportunities.
Loan Forgiveness Program
Students who plan to teach at elementary or secondary levels in particular fields of study and/or in underperforming schools may qualify for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and/or the APLE Loan Forgiveness Program. Contact the M Center, 510.430.2000, or the individual websites for these programs.
Federal Grant Program
The TEACH Grant Program provides grants of up to $4000 per year to students whose intention is to teach in schools that serve students from low-income families. Please see the website for further information.
For Early Childhood Education Applicants
Mills Assistantships
Assistantships at the Children’s School are usually available to new students who are enrolled in our ECE programs. Applicants who complete a FAFSA and indicate on the graduate application form their interest in a departmental assistantship will be considered for such based on their qualifications and interests.
Additional Scholarships
Applicants to the Leadership Program in Early Childhood may be eligible for special scholarship funding up to $32,000 through Alameda County First Five/Every Child Counts. Use the Supplemental Application form to apply.
The Marin Education Fund offers " Building Better Teachers Scholarship" that provides awards of up to $5,000 per academic year to assist students who pursue a career in early childhood education. Another resource is Bright Horizons, a child care organization that offers scholarships for future teachers and directors.
External Financial Aid Resources
Our students have been successful in acquiring grants and loans from a variety of financial institutions and funding organizations. While we do not endorse individual organizations or websites, the following links may be helpful in finding programs for which you may be eligible:
For further information: Please contact the Financial Aid Office at the Mills M Center for information about financial aid eligibility, loan information, debt counseling, and additional sources of financial aid: 510.430.2000 or grad-finaid@mills.edu. For general questions about applying to the School of Education, please contact us at 510.430.3170, or education@mills.edu.
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