HU announces low tuition increase, highest enrollment
FOR RELEASE: Monday, February 16, 2009
Huntington, Ind.-The Huntington University Board of Trustees has approved a 4.9 percent increase for full-time traditional undergraduate tuition and fees in 2009-2010, administrators announced today. The news comes as the university realizes the largest spring semester enrollment in its history. The total student body is 1,114, comprised of 893 traditional undergraduate students, 125 EXCEL Adult Degree Programs students and 96 graduate students. The total for the spring 2008 semester was 1,080, an increase of 34 students for the 2009 spring semester.
"In light of the current economy, Huntington has worked diligently to moderate tuition and fees increases for 2009-2010 to make college more affordable for students and their families," said Tom Ayers, vice president for business and finance. "We believe this effort, combined with Huntington's continued commitment to providing scholarships and grants to students, will enable more students to pursue their college goals at HU."
For the 2008-2009 academic year, the cost for a Huntington University education is $20,300 in tuition and fees, $4,843 less than the national average. According to College Board's 2008-2009 Annual Survey of Colleges, four-year private institutions charge an average of $25,143 in tuition and fees, a 5.9 percent increase of $1,483 over 2007-2008.
In the fall of 2008, Huntington University was recognized by three institution-ranking organizations. U.S.News & World Report ranked Huntington No. 5 among the 2009 "Best Values in Baccalaureate Colleges" in the Midwest and No. 7 among the Midwest's "Best Baccalaureate Colleges." Huntington ranked in the same positions in both categories on the 2008 lists. The 2009 edition of the magazine's guide to America's Best Colleges marks the 14th consecutive year that Huntington University has been listed among the top-tier schools in the region.
The "Best Values" ranking is based on the percentage of students receiving need-based grants, the average cost of tuition after receiving those grants and the average discount from the total cost. Approximately 90 percent of Huntington University students receive financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans or work-study assistance.
"Huntington University has maintained its position on the 'Best Values' in the Midwest list as a result of intentional strategies on our campus," said Jeff Berggren, vice president of enrollment management and marketing. "One is to continue to increase the academic value that comes from a Huntington education, and the second is to work to moderate the cost incurred by our students. Huntington was also pleased to be included in a new U.S.News category called 'Economic Diversity.' Essentially, it features schools that have students on campus from a variety of economic profiles who are, in the words of U.S.News, not colleges just for 'rich kids.' This is true at Huntington where 40 percent of our students come from households with total incomes of less than $50,000 per year."
Forbes.com also listed Huntington University as one of America's Best Colleges. At No. 65 on the national list, Huntington was third among Indiana public and private colleges and universities. Huntington was the top-ranked member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, an international association of Christ-centered schools. Additionally, Princeton Review, the New York City-based education services company, selected Huntington as one of 159 institutions it recommends in its "Best in the Midwest" section on its Web site feature 2009 Best Colleges: Region by Region.
In addition to institution-ranking organizations, Huntington University also receives high marks from its students. Each year, the university participates in the Student Satisfaction Inventory - a national survey of college students.
"According to survey data, Huntington students believe the tuition they pay is a better investment than students who participated in the Student Satisfaction Inventory at other public and private schools," Berggren said.
.png?w=472&h=472&fit=crop-center)