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Affording a Mills Education

Mills College is preparing to merge with Northeastern University, and we are not accepting admissions applications at this time. Please visit our merger website for the most current information on the merger process.

36% Tuition Reduction graphic

A Mills education can change your life, and we want to make it as affordable as possible for you and your family/support system.

In fall 2018, we reduced our undergraduate tuition by 36% to help ensure that a Mills education is within your reach. In addition, Mills recognizes that many students have faced financial hardship and uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in response, we have frozen tuition for the second year in a row. When you complete your admission application, you'll also be considered for scholarships and can apply for need-based financial aid to further lower your costs. Why are we doing this? Learn more about how we are leading California private colleges by eliminating barriers to a great education.

Let’s Get Started.

Financing your education is a partnership between you, your family/support system, and Mills. Here are the steps each of us can take to help make your educational dreams a reality.

  1. Graphic showing a student earning good grades so they can qualify for merit scholarships.
    YOU
    1. Earn good grades so you can qualify for scholarships.
    2. Research and apply for scholarships using websites such as www.fastweb.com or www.scholarsnapp.org.
    3. If you live in California, submit the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form to your school’s Registrar.
    4. Get part-time work to save for college expenses.
  2. Graphic showing a student's family and/or support system helping them to afford Mills College.
    YOUR FAMILY/SUPPORT SYSTEM
    1. Start a tax-free educational savings account as early as possible.
    2. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available October 1.
    3. After your FAFSA is processed, review the Student Aid Report to learn your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) for your student’s education. The EFC is what the federal government expects your family/support system to contribute toward your college expenses. It’s used to determine how much financial aid a student is eligible to receive for any college.
  3. Graphic representing the financial aid support (scholarships, grants, loans, work-study) that Mills College provides to students.
    MILLS
    1. Review your FAFSA and Cal Grant (California residents only) data and academic information.
    2. Create the best possible financial aid award package for you (after you have been admitted) that includes:
      1. Merit scholarships (based on your academic achievements)
      2. Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study (based on your financial need)
    3. Contribute nearly $10 million to help undergraduate students like you afford a Mills education (as we did in 2021-22).

How Much Will it Cost to Attend Mills?

  • Price tag graphic representing the direct costs (tuition, room and board, and fees) of attending Mills.

    Here are our direct costs:

    Tuition $29,340
    Room and Board
    (if you live on campus)    		 $14,369
    Fees (estimate) $  1,610
    Total Cost $45,319

    (all costs based on the 2021–22 academic year)

Here are ways you can reduce our already reduced tuition cost:

  • Cut price tag graphic representing how merit scholarships can lower a Mills student's cost of attendance.

    Mills offers merit scholarships based on academic achievement that can lower your costs.

    First-year students can earn up to $14,000/year in renewable merit scholarships. You can renew these scholarships every year as long as you are in good academic standing.

  • Cut price tag graphic representing how state and federal grants can further reduce cost of attendance.

    You may also qualify for renewable state and federal grants.

    If you are a California resident, you may qualify for up to $9,084/year in 2021-22. Federal need-based aid includes the Pell Grant which helps students with up to $6,495/year in 2021-22.

  • Cut price tag graphic representing how need-based scholarships, student loans, and work-study can help cover costs.

    Need-based scholarships, student loans, and work-study can help make the difference.

    Depending on your financial situation, you may qualify for a range of need-based scholarships, low-interest student loans, and on-campus work-study jobs (which also provide great work experience).

  • Cut price tag graphic showing that attending Mills College may cost significantly less than you expect.

    Your actual cost will be less than you expect for an exceptional education.

Fact: 90% of Mills students received some form of financial aid in 2021-22.

How Do I Pay for the Rest?

  • Outside Scholarships
  • Educational Savings Plans
  • Working
  • Family/Support System & Friends
Piggy bank graphic representing additional ways to fund your college education, such as outside scholarships.

The bottom line is different for every student. While the direct costs from Mills remain the same, the contributions from you and your family/support system will vary. Check out our online calculator to get an estimate of financial aid specifically for you.

Net Price Calculator

What Do I Get for My Money?

  • Top-Ranked Academics
  • Personal Attention from Renowned Faculty
  • Small, Interactive Classes
  • Hands-On Learning & Research
  • Inclusive, Diverse Community
  • Women’s Leadership Skills
  • Internships and Jobs in the SF Bay Area
  • Global Network of 25,000+ Alumnae
  • A Life-Changing Education

Life After Mills

Mills students graduate with the skills, experience, and confidence to lead in any field they choose. Here’s what our Class of 2019 was doing within nine months after graduation.

Chart showing that 97% of the Mills Class of 2018 are employed or pursuing further education.

are employed or pursuing further education

Chart showing that 79% of those in school are seeking master's or doctoral degrees.

of those in school are seeking master’s or doctoral degrees

Top Five Career Areas
  1. Education
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Healthcare, Medicine & Biotech
  4. Nonprofit Administration
  5. Tie: Communications, Media & Publishing AND Fine & Performing Arts

With a Mills education you’ll be equipped to forge a distinctive path, emboldened to transform the world, and empowered to make a statement. Contact us today to learn more about your financial aid options.

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