What is "tuition" and why is it $39,850 per year?

In short, tuition pays your tutors. This is the “sticker price” of 12 to 18 units (approx. 4-6 classes) per semester, a full-time student status. It’s usually billed as $19,925 per semester and can be broken down into ten annual payments. Tuition dollars primarily go to pay faculty. This money also pays for all your student services (Career Services, Health Services, Security, Coaches, etc) and amenities (facilities, chapel, fitness center, library, etc). At TMU, administration is very lean. Most administrators and executives are also professors, adjunct teachers, or serve in multiple functions – so you are not paying for administrative bloat as we strive to be excellent stewards of your resources.

TMU is competitively priced among private colleges in Southern California (see our chart above), one of the most expensive locations in the US. While the cost of operating in Southern California is very high, the many job prospects for graduates also come with higher salaries. And, of course, the experience of studying in SoCal is unbeatable!

Will you pay $39,850/year? Yes, if you do not apply for any scholarships, grants, or aid or take advantage of promotions like the early application scholarships. However, 98% of students receive aid.

All TMU scholarships are applied towards reducing tuition. So, receiving a $10,000 scholarship is usually counted towards your tuition, reducing it to $29,850. Scholarships and aid can stack up, and a “full-ride tuition scholarship,” like the Steadfast Scholarship, would cover 100% of this cost.

Typically, tuition increases by a small percentage (2-4%) in most academic years to compensate for inflation, the cost of living, salary increases, and the costs of operating the campus. While scholarships usually increase proportionally to tuition increases, budgeting for a slight year-over-year increase is wise.

What is "room" and why is it $8,400 per year?

This is $4,200 per semester for your on-campus dorm room. Each semester is 16 weeks (4 months), translating to roughly $1,050/month for “rent.” This includes all your utilities, amenities, and essential furnishings.

For most students, this is the most affordable and enjoyable option. In Santa Clarita, the average rent in 2024 is $2,250 for a one-bedroom apartment ($2,750 for a two-bedroom; $3,650 for a three-bedroom rental), excluding utilities, fees, necessary vehicle expenses – and a rather low inventory of available housing.

Living on campus is an unforgettable experience with many possible housing options, endless social benefits, fun dorm events, discipleship and mentorship from your RAs and RDs, and the unbeatable convenience of living on campus to optimize your university experience and focus on your education and spiritual growth.

What is "board" and why is it $7,450 per year?

“Board” is food/meals. For what translates to about $930/month, students enjoy unlimited premium dining with no restrictions. Visit the caf anytime and as often as you like, where our Executive Chef crafts a wide array of meals throughout the day, catering to a range of dietary preferences. Enjoy the convenience of self-serve and cooked-to-order stations tailored to meet various nutritional, health, and dietary goals. Bon appétit!

For most students, this is the most affordable and enjoyable option. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that individuals in California allocate approximately $1,300 monthly for groceries, making it one of the highest grocery spending states in the nation.

Is college "worth it"?

Yes! TMU is worth it.

As a residential undergraduate student, you are invited to enjoy a vibrant campus life in one of the most beautiful and exciting locations on the planet, including:

• Classroom instruction with full-time professors (not with teaching assistants) who are all uncompromisingly committed to Christ & Scripture.
• Unlimited top-tier all-day dining options on campus.
• High-quality student housing.
• Student activities, services, resources, and access to all campus amenities and facilities.
• The full range of academic coaching, mentorship, spiritual guidance, career services, and more.
• A unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience with other students that share your love for Christ, as TMU only admits believers.

After you graduate, you’ll likely reap a lifetime benefits:

• A comprehensive biblical liberal arts education.
• A significant job market advantage.
• A significantly higher income potential.
• A strong and engaged alumni network that proactively hire TMU graduates.
• A sought-after and highly respected reputation.

What about student debt? According to 3rd party graduation debt surveys in 2019 and 2021, most traditional undergraduate students graduated with zero or minimal loan debt. Specifically, 67% of TMU students completed their studies with less than $20,000 in debt, while 42% graduated debt-free. $20,000 of student debt is an average payment of about $200/month over 10 years after graduation.

What about living and dining off campus to save money? If the student lives at home with family, then there are certainly cost savings. However, the average rent in Santa Clarita and surrounding areas is significantly higher than the cost of residential options on-campus, not factoring in the costs of utilities, transportation/gas, etc.

A formative experience! TMU is a community of intentional mentorship and discipleship. This is a unique period in a student’s life where you build friendships and relationships for life. Your experience with faculty, peers, coaches, and mentors is an invaluable experience that cannot be had anywhere else!