How many students receive financial aid?

More than 90% of our students receive extensive financial aid for their education.

How much financial aid can an independent student get?

For U.S students who are independent (24 years or older), the aid package normally covers 100% of the tuition, fees, housing, and meals. Contact us at finaid@mum.edu or 641-472-1156 for more information.

The sample below is based on a first year on-campus. single, independent student who has limited assets:

Independent Students (24 years or older) — Academic Year 2008–09
Income	N/A
Grants and scholarships	$20,530
Long-term low-interest loans	$9,900
Total award	$30,430
Total charges (see table at bottom)	$30,430
Your payment	$0

How much financial aid can a dependent student get?

For U.S. students who are dependent (under 24 years) and from middle or lower income families, the aid normally covers 90-100% of the tuition, fees, housing, and meals.

Below are sample first-year on-campus awards for U.S. students, based on family size of four with one student in college, no student assets, and limited parental assets. Family size and assets can alter the estimate — contact us at finaid@mum.edu or 641-472-1156 for more information.

Dependent Students (under 24 years) — Academic Year 2008–09
Family income	Grants and scholarships	Long-term low-interest loans	Total award	Total charges (see table at bottom)	Your family’s payment
$55,000 or less	$20,530	$7,500	$28,030	$30,430	$2,400
$60,000	$16,930	$7,500	$24,430	$30,430	$6,000
$70,000	$15,930	$7,500	$23,430	$30,430	$7,000
$80,000	$13,930	$7,500	$21,430	$30,430	$9,000
$90,000	$8,930	$7,500	$16,430	$30,430	$14,000
$100,000	$6,930	$7,500	$14,430	$30,430	$16,000
$110,000	$3,000	$7,500	$10,500	$30,430	$19,930
$120,000 or more	N/A	$3,500	$3,500	$30,430	$26,930

What are the University’s charges?

Total charges for 2008–09 academic year
Tuition	$24,000
Housing (single room) & meals	$6,000
Fees	$430
Total	$30,430

• Personal expenses, travel, and books are not included in the charges above.
• All students who have not yet learned the Transcendental Meditation^® technique will learn upon arrival at the University. New undergraduate students will receive a scholarship covering the full tuition for the University’s TM course.

How do I receive grants and scholarships?

File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible, using our school code of 011113.

We will receive your FAFSA results within two weeks and determine your eligibility for federal and state grants. This is free money for your education that does not have to be repaid.

Maharishi University offers a substantial Trustees scholarship program that is supported by contributions from alumni and friends of the University. Scholarships based on financial need will be automatically packaged into your award based on the FAFSA results.

You may also apply for free aid through one of the free online scholarship search services.

How can I cover the rest of the expenses?

Low-interest, long-term student loans will often bridge most of the gap between free aid and the cost of the education. You can repay these loans with income earned after college.

Your parents may also be asked to make a contribution based on their ability to pay. If your parents cannot pay and are turned down for a parent loan, you may borrow more student loans yourself.

How do I know I can repay loans?

Your income is likely to be much higher if you have a college degree. Borrowing for college is a wise investment for your future. Studies have found that the average income of people with a college degree is 76% higher than people who did not go to college.

Many creative repayment options are available for federal student loans, such as interest deductions, extended repayment, and income contingent repayment. Loans can be deferred during periods of unemployment and economic hardship, even if you go back to college later to get a graduate degree.

What merit-based scholarships are available?

In addition to providing as much need-based aid as possible, the University also offers a number of generous merit-based scholarships to recognize outstanding academic achievement:

• National Merit Scholarship. National Merit Scholars receive full tuition when combined with any available government grants (if on campus). National Merit Finalists receive $20,000 gift aid (if on campus).
• Margaret Ann Calvert Scholarship. Awarded to an outstanding female student in Maharishi Vedic Science.
• DeRoy C. Thomas Scholarship. Open to outstanding African-Americans.
• Shelley Hoffman Scholarship. Awarded to students with cerebral palsy and/or outstanding creative writing skills.
• Ray Pratt Scholarship. Awarded to musically talented students.
• Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship. Recipients receive a $1,500 renewable scholarship toward tuition.

For more information about financial aid, contact us at finaid@mum.edu or 641-472-1156.

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