Article written by Vanessa Bray (‘21).
Houghton College is set to become the best priced Christian college in the nation. On September 22, 2020 Houghton announced its plan to reset the college’s annual tuition price. This reset will take effect beginning in the fall of 2021 and every returning and incoming student will be eligible to receive the benefits of this plan. The college’s tuition will be $15,900 for the 2021-22 academic year ($7,950/semester). Under this plan Room, Board and Fee prices have been frozen and will not increase next year. The reset is said to reinforce Houghton’s mission “To provide high-quality Christian education to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds and life circumstances—including those impacted by COVID-19.”
Jason Towers, who worked alongside President Shirley Mullen, Dale Wright (Vice President for Finance), John Oden (Executive Director of Advancement Services and Operations), and Marianne Loper (Director of Student Financial Services) to develop this plan confirmed that they were working on this plan prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Towers said, “This work was started well before the pandemic. . . In looking at graduation trends, we saw a correlation between a student’s decision to continue for all four years at Houghton and finances. Some students with very high potential were unable to benefit fully from a Houghton education and we wanted to ensure that cost was not a barrier for students in their choice of education. The COVID-19 pandemic has created financial hardship for many families and accentuated the need for simplicity in the cost of college. . .This new published cost helps to remove confusion around what a student will pay and makes Houghton an option for more families.”
When asked if Houghton intends to honor this plan indefinitely, Towers had the following to say: “We are committed to this new level of transparency and affordability. Will future years’ tuition prices include small increases to compensate for inflation? At some point, that is certainly possible, but any changes will be based on the new tuition rate of $15,900.”
Responses to this announcement varied among the student body. An anonymous sophomore excitedly stated, “I think that the tuition reset is super generous especially when so many families are struggling financially due to the current state of global health. I strongly believe that as Christians it is our duty to care for the less fortunate, and this tuition reset is a fantastic way to provide a Christian Liberal Arts education to those who might come from families that are struggling financially during these times.”
Senior Phoebe Mullen stated, “I have to admit that my first response to hearing about the tuition reset was not ‘That’s great!’ but ‘What are they going to cut? Where’s the money coming from?’ If it’s going to benefit students overall, and there’s funding to cover the change, then I’m all for it. My friends are mostly seniors, though, and they’re annoyed we’re not still going to be here for the change!”
According to the statement released by Houghton College’s Public Relations, the college raised $41 million for student scholarships through the generosity of donors to the IMPACT Campaign for Greater Houghton. Returning students can expect the new tuition rates to be partnered with a revised financial aid process.
Marianne Loper, Director of Financial Services, shared her excitement for the future financial packages that will be available to students,“I cannot even express how thrilled I am to share it with everyone and talk through the math of how it will truly save families money. I have had the opportunity to walk a few students through what their packages will look like for 2021-22. Every student has been surprised and animated about the numbers. It is not just the numbers but it is [the] ease and ability to comprehend it. Students will be able to clearly see how the math worked and could follow every step. It has been so encouraging to me and confirms this move was the right thing for the college and students.”
With the 2021-2022 FAFSA being available as of October 1st, both Towers and Loper encourage students to start applying early.
What are your thoughts on the impending tuition reset? Thrilled? Suspicious? Comment below or get in touch with us via Instagram, Twitter, or email (editor@houghtonstar.com)!