Costs & Aid

How Financial Aid Works

We’re working to make financial aid as simple and straightforward as possible for students and families.

Understanding and applying for financial aid can feel like a long and complex process, but it becomes much simpler when you understand the language that’s used and the steps to follow.

Four Things to Remember

Start with the FAFSA

To be considered for aid at MassArt, the only application you need to complete is the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA). March 1 is the priority deadline for filing the FAFSA at MassArt.
Deadlines and Details Matter

You may be asked to provide information and documentation at different points in the process. Providing incomplete information, or submitting it late, can impact whether you receive an award.
There are Many Options Available

In addition to loans, scholarships, and grants, you may be eligible for tuition waivers, work-study jobs, and many other options.
We’re Here to Help!

The team at the Office of Student Financial Assistance is here to answer your questions, and you can also reach out to a member of the Admissions staff.

Determining Financial Aid Awards

Your financial aid eligibility is based on the information you provide in your FAFSA. The key factors are:

Financial Need = Cost of Attendance (COA) – Student Aid Index (SAI)

Your SAI measures your and your family’s ability to pay for college expenses each year. Typically, the lower your SAI, the more types of aid you’re eligible to receive.

Your COA, meanwhile, is an estimate of the cost of one year of college. It includes direct costs like tuition and housing and food, and indirect costs, which are things you aren’t billed for, such as art supplies, books or personal living expenses.

Need-Based Aid is awarded based on your financial need. Generally, a lower SAI means more aid eligibility.

Non-Need-Based Aid is awarded separately and takes into account all financial aid you’ve received, including private scholarships.

FAFSA – The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the application you will use to apply for aid. It is the only aid application that we require at MassArt.
Student Aid Index (SAI) – A measurement of your and your family’s ability to pay for college.
Cost of Attendance (COA) – An estimate of the cost of one year of college, including both direct costs and indirect costs.
Direct Costs – Costs that are billed to you directly from the College, like tuition and housing and food.
Indirect Costs – Costs associated with earning your degree that you aren’t billed for by the College, like art supplies, books, or personal living expenses.
Net Price Calculator – A tool available to undergraduates that estimates your financial contribution to attend MassArt. Net price is calculated by subtracting any grants or scholarships for which you may be eligible from your COA.
Grants – A grant is gifted aid that typically doesn’t need to be repaid.
Scholarships – A scholarship is another type of gifted aid that doesn’t need to be paid back. Scholarships are usually (but not always) awarded based on merit.
Merit-Based Aid – Financial aid that is distributed based on your academic and creative achievements.
Need-Based Aid – Financial aid that is distributed based on your level of financial need.
Subsidized vs Unsubsidized Loan – Subsidized loans are based on financial need while unsubsidized loans are not. Over time, loans accrue interest in addition to the full sum of money borrowed. The federal government pays the interest on a subsidized loan while you are enrolled in school for at least six credits per semester and during authorized deferment periods. You are responsible for all accrued interest from an unsubsidized loan.

Appealing Financial Aid Decisions

If your financial situation changes due to special or unusual circumstances, you may appeal your financial aid decision.

Special Circumstances

A special circumstance is a financial situation that impacts your ability to cover college costs, such as a loss of income, unanticipated expenses (e.g., medical/dental, home repair, etc.), or the separation, divorce, or death of a parent.

To appeal, submit a financial appeal form with supporting documents (e.g., termination letters, unemployment notices, bills). Clearly explain the changes in your financial situation. The Director of Student Financial Assistance will review your appeal and may request additional documentation.

Unusual Circumstances

An unusual circumstance refers to a condition that requires changing a student’s dependency status (e.g., human trafficking, refugee or asylum status, parental abandonment, incarceration, etc.) and is more commonly referred to as a dependency override.

To submit an appeal for unusual circumstances, please review the dependency override policy and book a meeting with the Director of Student Financial Assistance.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The 2025–2026 FAFSA form is now available for all students and contributors.

Do I Qualify?

Explore the general eligibility requirements for receiving financial aid.

Important Deadlines

Here are some important dates and deadlines for Financial Aid.

Important Forms

Find essential financial aid forms for MassArt. Submit required documents to complete your FAFSA and financial aid application.