For the fifth consecutive year, Central College has announced its smallest price increase in nearly 50 years. Total price for tuition, room and board next year will be just 2.9 percent higher. The increase is identical to last year — and less than the previous 3.5 and 3.95 percent increases.
Tuition for 2017-18 will be $35,930, with room and board remaining at $9,980. The minimal tuition increase covers increased costs of operation.
“As part of Central College’s ongoing commitment to affordability, we continue to do all we can to limit costs and to partner with students to ensure that a Central education is accessible to all,” said Central College President Mark Putnam. “We’ve reduced annual expenditures more than $3.1 million over the last four years and are committed to reducing costs further, without compromising the quality of a Central education.”
In addition to limiting tuition increases, Central offers strong financial aid awards to ensure the college is affordable. More than 99 percent of students receive financial aid, including scholarships supported by alumni and donors. Financial aid packages awarded may include scholarships, gift assistance, work study and student loans.
Donor support of students and Central’s mission extends beyond scholarships, too. Central has raised nearly $31 million since fiscal year 2012. These donations support many strategic initiatives, including academic and student development, faculty development, athletics and global experiential learning, as well as student aid and the Journey Scholarship Fund.
- Central has raised approximately $11 million for the Forever Dutch initiative to enhance the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex — an area used by more than 94 percent of students on a weekly basis — including an expansion and renovation of P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium.
- The college received an additional $500,000 gift from The Maytag Foundation to complete renovation of the Maytag Student Center, building on their earlier $3.6-million gift.
- Central again raised nearly $1.7 million for the Journey Scholarship Fund goal to support student scholarships, while also increasing the alumni participation rate for the first time in three years.
- The college received an estate gift of $1.5 million from the estate of Helen J. Hislop, Central class of 1950.
- The class of 1965 contributed $122,000 for its 50-year reunion gift, which will make possible a minimum of 122 Journey Scholarships.
- Many additional gifts of support for Central students were given this year, including endowed scholarships, student research stipends and funds for an organic garden classroom and kitchen.
The college also makes sure each student can graduate in four years — an important factor for determining cost. If students fall behind at other colleges, they pay more tuition and lose wages they would earn after a timely graduation. At Central, 92 percent of graduates finish in four years or fewer, and nearly 100 percent are employed in a field of their choice, enrolled in graduate/professional school or completing a year of service within a year of graduation.