Make and keep copies of this information . D irect C ost vs. Direct cost is, by definition, the amount a college charges for tuition, room, board, and fees. Actual cost, on the other hand, is the amount of money a family must actually pay from their own resources to meet the direct cost of the institution. The actual cost to a family may be essentially the same at several institutions, even if the direct cost is considerably different at each institution.
Financial aid awarded is subtracted from the direct cost to determine actual cost.
The financial aid process is designed to make the actual cost of all colleges and universities affordable. Methodist College financial aid packages are awarded with consideration given to both financial need and academic performance. The following sample illustrates our ability to meet the demonstrated financial need for the Doe family.