UNDERGRADUATE FINANCIAL AID

COSTS:

Undergraduate tuition and fees for one year (2007 - 2008 school year) is $20,660.00.

Beyond tuition and fees, we estimate a student’s budget for one year based on payment of room and board, personal expenses such as transportation, clothing, and books/art supplies.

Our budget estimates are based on the higher end resident housing costs and other miscellaneous costs. You may spend less than our estimates.

UNDERGRADUATE BUDGET (2007 - 2008):



Other than tuition costs, expenses will vary greatly depending on personal preference and restraint.

Tuition and fees for one year
$20,660
Art supplies and books (estimated)
$1,600
Housing (cost of MCA’s most expensive housing facility)
$5,760
Food (estimated)
$2,040
Personal expenses (estimated)
$2,840
 
________
TOTAL
$32,900


HOUSING COSTS (per year):

At the Park – shared apartment for 2 students
$4,200
Overton House – shared apartments for 2 students
$3,990
Metz Hall – Suite-style housing with single rooms and shared common spaces for 4 students
$5,760
Parkside – shared apartments for 2 students
$3,780
Parkside Efficiency – single apartments
$5,250

 

How to apply for Institutional and Federal Aid:

To apply for MCA merit awards a student need only submit all required application materials to be considered for institutional scholarships, grants, and work study. Students will be notified of merit/portfolio awards along with acceptance replies. MCA awards are determined by the admissions review ranking.

Eligibility for Federal Aid is determined upon receipt of a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Student and parent information is required on this form if the student is dependent (usually younger than 24). Only student information is needed if the student is considered independent. Memphis College of Art’s institutional need grants are based on information from the FAFSA application as well.

The U.S. government offers Federal Pell Grants of up to $4,310 (for the 2007 - 2008 school year) per year. Federal SEOG grants and Federal Perkins loans, as well a Federal student and Federal parent loans, are other forms of aid available to qualified students. Federal Work Study can be an option as well. Also, many lenders offer alternative educational loans.

Tennessee offers a state grant (TSAA) and Lottery Scholarship (TELS) to qualifying residents. Early applicants who qualify for a Federal Pell grant may also qualify for a TSAA grant and/or TELS grant. The TSAA budget is usually exhausted early in the year. Tennessee residents should submit a FAFSA before March 1, 2008 to be certain of qualifying.

Lottery Scholarship recipients must complete the FAFSA by August 1 and have a 21 ACT, 980 SAT or 3.0 GPA and graduate from a Tennessee High School. For more information on Lottery Scholarships you can go to www.state.tn.us/tels.

Students may also be awarded Federal or College Work Study through the admissions and financial aid process. An average yearly allotment of $1,000 is usually awarded allowing the student to work during the academic year and in some cases during the summer months. Work Study is paid in the form of a paycheck at a rate of $7.00 per hour.

To complete and file the FAFSA form, students should go online to www.fafsa.ed.gov. Additional information is available at www.ed.gov. Applications are also available from the MCA Financial Aid Office or your high school guidance counselor. The MCA required federal code is 003507. International students are not eligible for federal or state aid.

Special Circumstances:

If you have a unique financial situation, please contact our Financial Aid Office at 1-800-727-1088 or locally at 901-272-5136. We’re happy to provide assistance.

MCA Scholarships:

The Portfolio Scholarships that a student receives entering MCA are renewable each year based on maintaining a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 for freshmen (0-29 credits); 2.25 for sophomores (30-59 credits); 2.50 for juniors (60-89 credits); 2.75 for seniors (90+ credits) to renew these awards after the first year. These awards are based on full-time attendance and will be pro-rated for part-time enrollment. Renewal is evaluated each May. Scholarships that are not renewed will be re-awarded the semester after achieving the required GPA.

MCA Admissions Portfolio Awards:

J.R. Hyde Sr., Foundation Full-tuition Scholarship
$20,100
Portfolio Awards
$3,500-$11,000 off tuition each year
Saul & Mildred Brown Half-tuition Scholarships
2 @ $10,500
National Scholastic Art Award
2 @ $10,500
Mid-south Scholastic Art Award
6 @ $9,000
Edscholar Scholarship (for TN resident)
$7,000


MCA GRANTS:

Transfer Grant
$1,000
Governor’s Honors Grant
$1,000
Rust Need Grant
determined based on FAFSA Information




MCA Special Merit Awards:

Once a student attends Memphis College of Art there are continuing opportunities for merit awards based on the student’s performance in classes. Special Merit Scholarships are awarded for excellence each year by faculty nomination. These one-year awards range from $50 cash awards to $6,000 per year tuition discounts. Some awards are based on criteria set by the donor and others are open to all students.


Outside Scholarship Opportunities:

MCA recommends that students do some research to find outside scholarships that can be available through organizations and companies that help students go to college. The best method for locating scholarships is via the internet where students can do free online searches. Parent’s employers, churches, or other organizations that a family might be active in are also potential resources. MCA distributes scholarship application information received by the financial aid office to eligible enrolled students.