Determining Financial Need
Many financial aid resources, especially those from federal and state governments, are distributed based on financial need. This means that colleges must determine the financial need of each student in order to distribute financial aid.
Financial need is the difference between how much it costs to attend college and what
you and your family are expected to contribute. This expected amount is called your
Student Aid Index (SAI). Your SAI is calculated when you submit your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application.
When you take the cost of attendance and subtract your SAI, the result is your financial need.
Your SAI is determined through a process called need analysis, which is based on a few key ideas:
鈥� Parents are expected to help pay for their dependent student鈥檚 education when they鈥檙e
able.
鈥� Students are also expected to help cover some of their own costs.
鈥� Your family鈥檚 current financial situation is what matters.
鈥� Financial aid staff must evaluate everyone fairly and consistently, while still
considering special circumstances that might affect your ability to pay.
Determining Your Cost of Attendance
Net Price Calculator
The net price of college is the actual amount a student pays after financial aid is applied. It鈥檚 the cost of attending Mt. SAC minus the financial aid you may qualify for. Our Net Price Calculator can help you estimate your real cost to attend Mt. SAC and gives you an idea of the types of financial aid you might receive.
Mt. SAC's Standard Budget
When you complete the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application, the federal government or the California Student Aid Commission uses a standard student budget for Mt. SAC to determine your cost of attendance. This cost of attendance is then used to calculate your financial need. Mt. SAC鈥檚 standard budget is based on statewide survey information from the California Student Aid Commission and the California Community Colleges Chancellor鈥檚 Office. It reflects the average cost of attending Mt. SAC for most students. There are different budgets depending on your situation:
鈥� Living at home
鈥� Living away from home
鈥� Attending less than half-time (used only to determine Federal Pell Grant eligibility)
Non-resident students will also have non-resident tuition added to their budget when determining loan eligibility.
Example of 2025-2026 Standard Student Budget
| Budget Components | Living with Parents | Living away from Home | Less than Half-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Books & Supplies | $1,479 | $1,479 | $1,479 |
| Room & Board | $11,835 | $26,352 | $0 |
| Transportation | $1,818 | $1,989 | $1,989 |
| Personal | $4,140 | $5,067 | $0 |
| Enrollment Fees | $1,288* | $1,288* | $1,288* |
| Health Fee | $46 | $46 | $46 |
| Service Fee | $30 | $30 | $30 |
| Total | $20,636 | $36,251 | $4,832 |
*Non-California Resident Students: add $8,708