The Mount Holyoke Commitment

The Mount Holyoke Commitment covers full tuition. Students may qualify for additional financial aid to help cover other expenses, including housing, food and books, based on demonstrated financial need.

Yes, our commitment to affordability extends throughout your Mount Holyoke education. You will need to reapply for financial aid each year, but as long as your family's financial circumstances remain relatively stable, you can expect a similar level of support throughout your four years. If your family's financial situation improves or declines, your aid package may be adjusted accordingly.

Mount Holyoke is committed to making our education accessible to talented students from around the world. While the specific terms of the Mount Holyoke Commitment are designed for U.S. families, we meet 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students, including international students. International applicants should complete the CSS Profile and provide required documentation to be considered for financial aid.

Your family contribution is determined through a holistic review of your financial circumstances, including income, assets, family size, and other factors. We use information from the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and tax documents to create a complete picture of what your family can reasonably afford to pay. Our approach is personalized, not formulaic, ensuring that your Mount Holyoke education will be affordable for your specific situation.

We take a reasoned approach to considering home equity and other assets. We understand that home equity is not a liquid asset, and we cap its consideration in our calculations. For families with incomes up to $150,000, we place limitations on how home equity factors into your expected contribution. Our goal is to ensure that your family contribution reflects what you can reasonably afford.

We understand that financial circumstances can change. If your family experiences a significant change in financial situation after receiving your aid package or during your time at Mount Holyoke, you can request a review of your financial aid. Our student financial services counselors will work with you to adjust your aid package based on your new circumstances.

The Mount Holyoke Commitment is a public message that describes what Mount Holyoke already provides for students with family incomes up to $150,000 who have typical assets. Current students continue to receive financial aid based on this same institutional methodology, which considers family income, assets, and financial circumstances each year. The message is intended to clarify our existing commitment for prospective families.

The Mount Holyoke Commitment applies to undergraduate U.S. students only. This includes Frances Perkins Scholars and transfer students. A student must have been admitted to the college through the undergraduate Office of Admission for a program that leads to the awarding of the student’s first bachelor’s degree. The commitment does not apply to graduate students, students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree, visiting students or non-degree students.