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"Online tour"

(Table of Contents)
Chpt 1: History of the MAC program
Chpt 2: Purposes of the MAC program
Chpt 3: MAC contrasted w/ other programs
Chpt 4: A proposed timeline for the program
Chpt 5: Instruction and MAC courses
Chpt 6: MAC program flexibility
Chpt 7: Employment options with MAC
Chpt 8: Credentials available with MAC
Chpt 9: Expected costs
Chpt 10: Financial aid

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology ("MAC")

The MAC "Online tour"
Chapter 9: Expected costs of the program

Higher education in the United States is an expensive process. However, it may be less expensive than you think. This web page may clarify some of the costs of pursuing a masters degree at Saint Martin's University.

The cost per credit hour in the MAC Program is higher than public

institutions of higher education (see the current MAC Graduate Catalog for up-to-date tuition prices). Perhaps a word about relative costs would be helpful in giving the tuition costs in the MAC Program some perspective. It is important to realize that the money to run Saint Martin's University is derived completely from student tuition, which is kept as low as possible. There is no fat to cut.

It should be noted, too, that the tuition at Saint Martin's University is generally lower than other similar private colleges in the Puget Sound region. It is still high, granted. However, it represents money well spent and a sound investment on your future. Many students have found a master's degree a wise investment of approximately 5 to 15 percent of their income for two or three years.

Specific instructions for payment of tuition and fees are generally mailed to students prior to the beginning of each semester. Typically, students have the choice of paying "up front" for their classes or selecting from several payment options designed to spread the financial burden over the entire semester, or longer. Call the Student Account's Office (360-438-4389) with any specific questions or problems.

Although tuition is clearly the largest cost associated with the MAC master's degree, there are a number of other associated costs. These costs include one-time fees for application into the program and for graduation. Books typically average under $75 per class, per semester (based on one major text and a secondary text or photocopied supplementary readings). There may be some additional expenses for registering late, removing an incomplete grade, making registration changes, and so on.

Students commuting long distances for two or more classes at a time may be interested in knowing that rooms in the Residence Halls, which include a meal pass, may be rented at an extremely reasonable rate on a per day or per week basis, based on availability. Call Jeromy Koffler, Direcor of Campus and Residence Life (438-4299) for more information.

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