Cedarville's Response to Rising College Costs

The popular media has made college costs a national conversation, and the issues are real and personal for many families. Unfortunately, the sound bites on the evening news are unable to explain and address the myriad of complex issues that have brought us to this point.

So, how does Cedarville University fit into the college cost conversation?

First, you should know that Cedarville's tuition rate is less than the current private college national average. We have been pursuing a long-term strategy to hold the line on college costs without reducing our competitive financial aid. In fact, we've significantly increased our academic scholarships, making a Cedarville education more affordable than ever.

Last year we also announced three-year completion options for 13 of our popular majors, with more coming! This a great way for students to save up to $15,000 on overall college costs and start earning a salary one year sooner.

And, we have done everything we can to keep tuition as low as possible. Our room and board remains among the very lowest of any college or university your student may be considering.

Second, we have made decisions – proactively – to reduce operating costs because we know we must take affordability seriously. For us, it is not just an economic issue. More importantly, it is a Kingdom issue. We believe that Cedarville University is equipping the next generation of Christian leaders who will make a difference for Jesus Christ around the world. A Cedarville education is well worth the investment (our outcome data supports that!), but it must also be affordable to students who have a passion to advance the Gospel through their professional calling. That is our driving priority!

Third, we want to encourage you to prayerfully seek God's wisdom and His provision as you and your family move forward in the college decision process. We believe that God providentially leads students to Cedarville, and He also provides the resources that are needed – often through traditional options like family resources, work opportunities, donor scholarships, and financial aid. But, we could also tell you exciting stories of how God has provided for students through unique means that can only be explained by His very direct and special provision. For those of us who work with students and their financial situations, it is humbling to be a part of that process!

If you value a Christian college education for your student but are wondering how it can ever be affordable, please contact us! We would love to begin a conversation and help in any way that we can.