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We are fully committed to ensuring that a Mills education is within reach for those who have the desire and the qualifications to attend. Our costs are competitive with other colleges of our caliber, and we provide access to a range of financial aid, including scholarships and loans. Some are funded by Mills directly, and others are state and federal programs. In 2009–10, Mills awarded 4 million in aid to 80 percent of the graduate student body.
To learn more about applying for financial aid at Mills and access downloadable forms and applications, visit the Mills graduate financial aid page. For tuition, fee, and payment information, visit graduate tuition and fees.
We recognize that financial considerations are an important part of your decision to apply to the School of Education and we make every effort to provide information about available resources. We hope the following is useful to our applicants:
For All School of Education Applicants
FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required in order to be considered for any form of need-based financial aid from Mills College; in addition, this application determines your eligibility for federal loan programs. Any applicant who plans to request financial aid should complete a FAFSA by our February 1 priority deadline See www.fafsa.ed.gov for application instructions.
Mills scholarships: The School of Education awards individual scholarships based on both merit and financial need. Applicants who complete a FAFSA by February 1 and indicate on the graduate application form their interest in a Mills scholarship will be considered.
Mills Assistantships: Assistantships at the Children's School are usually available to new students who are enrolled in our ECE programs. In addition, a limited number of assistantships are offered to new and continuing students in exchange for work under the supervision of a Mills faculty member. Applicants who complete a FAFSA and indicate on the graduate application form their interest in a departmental assistantship will be considered for such based on their qualifications and interests.
Federal Sources of Aid: There are two forms of Stafford Loans available to graduate students. Eligible students may borrow up to $8,500 under the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan program, and may apply for additional loan assistance under the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan program, up to $12,000. For more information, see Student Aid website and search under "graduate school" link.
Another federal loan program is the Graduate Plus Loan, a credit-based program from which students may borrow up to the full cost of attendance, less existing financial aid awards. Further information about this program is available at: Student Aid website.
For Teaching Credential Applicants
Additional Scholarships
A student who plans to teach math or science in high-needs schools may receive up to $15,000 from NSF and an additional $6,000 from Mills if selected as an Open the Gate Robert Noyce Teacher Scholar. In addition, these scholars will receive collegial support and professional opportunities while teaching. Use the Supplemental Application to apply. Students of color may be awarded additional funding by way of a Mills grant from the Flora Foundation. Applicants who complete a FAFSA by February 1 and indicate on the graduate application form their interest in this scholarship will be considered.
APLE Loan Forgiveness Program
Students who plan to teach at elementary or secondary levels in particular fields of study and/or in underperforming schools may qualify for the Assumption Program of Loans for Education (APLE), a loan forgiveness program with benefits up to $19,000 per student. The APLE application is due by November 1 during the credential year. Contact the M Center, 510.430.2000, or search for APLE at the California Student Aid Commission website for more information.
For Early Childhood Education Applicants
Applicants to the Leadership Program in Early Childhood may be eligible for special scholarship funding up to $32,000 through Alameda County First Five/Every Child Counts. Use the Supplemental Application form to apply.
Any ECE applicant may also be eligible for Mills grants from the Susan Lyon Scholarship Fund or an East Bay Community Foundation. Applicants who complete a FAFSA by February 1 and indicate on the graduate application form their interest in a Mills scholarship will be considered for these awards.
Additionally, the Marin Education Fund offers a "Building Better Teachers Scholarship" that provides awards of up to $5,000 per academic year to assist students who pursue a career in early childhood education.
Another external scholarship resource is Bright Horizons, a child care organization that offers scholarships for future teachers and directors.
Other Resources For All Applicants to the School of Education
Private sources of aid: Our students have been successful in acquiring loans from a variety of financial institutions and funding organizations. The following websites may be helpful in finding programs for which you may be eligible:
Other websites: The following websites may also provide useful information about financial aid:
FinAid!
Finaidfacts.org
FastWeb: Free Scholarship and College Searches
ScholarshipHunter.com
Students.gov
For further information: Please contact the Financial Aid Office at the Mills M Center for information about financial aid eligibility, loan information, debt counseling, and additional sources of financial aid: 510.430.2000 or finaid@mills.edu. For general questions about applying to the School of Education, please contact us at 510.430.3170, or education@mills.edu.
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