Loyola Marymount - how bad's the damage?

Loyola Marymount caught my eye, but I'm pretty money-conscious. Can anyone give me an idea of the total cost I'd be looking at? Tuition, room and board, whatever hidden fees they have? Does financial aid make a decent dent in it?

Loyola Marymount University has a total cost of attendance that includes not just tuition but also fees, room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses. For the 2024-2025 academic year, here's a rough breakdown:

- Tuition and Fees: These are around $61,867 per year. This fee typically includes student activities and various services, but be sure to check for any additional fees that may be particular to your program of study.

- Room and Board: On-campus living expenses including meals generally cost about $22,000, so if you plan to live off-campus, make sure to estimate your costs accurately. Living off-campus can either be more or less expensive depending on your living arrangement and the cost of living in the area.

- Books and Supplies: On an annual basis, these can run up to around $1,000, though this can vary greatly based on your specific course requirements.

So all in, you're looking at approximately $89,500 per year, not considering personal and travel expenses.

That said, Loyola Marymount has a fairly good record with financial aid. Around 91% of undergraduates receive some sort of financial aid, and the average grant or scholarship award is close to $25,000. When applying for financial aid, don't forget to fill out the FAFSA to see if you qualify for grants or federally-subsidized loans and consider applying for external scholarships as well. If you've been admitted, you may also want to negotiate your financial aid offer.

Remember that each student's financial situation is unique, so the amount of aid you'll receive would depend on your family's financial circumstances, your academic profile, and the university's financial aid policies. It's always a good rule of thumb to apply broadly for scholarships and other financial aid opportunities to reduce the burden of college costs.