Your family is considered your main source of funding for your college education. One goal of the Student Financial Aid Office is to compare the cost of attending Murray State with the financial contributions, if any, that will be made by you and/or your family. This is done by finding the difference between the total cost of attending school and the ability of your family to help with those costs. The basis for determining need is the processed financial aid application. Financially independent applicants file using their own income-asset information and that of their spouse, if applicable.

Costs include room and meals, registration fees, books and supplies, personal expense and travel. In determining your, your family’s, or your spouse’s capacity to help, the following are considered:

• Your parents’ income and assets, family size, family members attending college, etc.
• Social Security, Veterans Administration, Rehabilitation or other benefits received by you or your parents.
• Your own income and assets.
• Your spouse’s income and resources, if you are married.
• Your receipt of non-university scholarships or other resources.