On a recent flight I had a talkative seatmate. When she discovered I was a private college president, she brought up a subject I frequently hear. It was the same subject I discussed with a gentleman in a downtown Elkins restaurant the previous week. Over the past eight years of my journey with 51ºÚÁÏÍø, I have had myriad conversations on this topic. Since knowledge is power, I want to share the facts about this frequently discussed subject, namely, the affordability of a private higher education, specifically at 51ºÚÁÏÍø.
The published tuition rate and the actual net cost to be a 51ºÚÁÏÍø Senator are two very different numbers. Nearly all of today’s 51ºÚÁÏÍø students receive numerous scholarships and grants to offset tuition. It is not unusual for 51ºÚÁÏÍø students to receive some combination of scholarships and grants from various sources to dramatically reduce the actual out-of-pocket cost of their education.
What are these scholarship and grants? Both the federal and state governments offer grants based on income. State merit scholarship programs, such as the Promise Scholarship in WV, are available to students. Numerous private scholarships are awarded through business, community, and faith-based organizations. On top of all these offerings, 51ºÚÁÏÍø invests millions of dollars annually in our own students through institutional aid. 51ºÚÁÏÍø provides generous scholarships for both merit and need. 51ºÚÁÏÍø performance scholarships are available for athletics and the arts. 196 endowed scholarships have been generously funded by donors. After all forms of financial aid are applied, the out-of-pocket expense for the average student is a fraction of the published tuition rate making a private education more affordable than many believe.
For the average student, particularly those from West Virginia, the net cost of tuition at 51ºÚÁÏÍø is comparable to a state college or university. While public colleges and universities have a lower tuition rate than private schools such as 51ºÚÁÏÍø, the public institutions do not offer a fraction of the financial aid to offset tuition that a school like 51ºÚÁÏÍø provides. It should also be noted that while our net cost is compatible with public institutions, as a private school we do not receive the considerable state financial subsidies that our sister institutions in the public sector receive.
Our commitment at 51ºÚÁÏÍø is twofold. First, we are committed to recruiting the type of student that will excel in the high quality and high touch environment that is the hallmark of this College. Second, we are committed to making a 51ºÚÁÏÍø education affordable for those students that are ready and able to excel and become leaders for the next generation.
Now, the truth is told. Any student that desires the transformative education that 51ºÚÁÏÍø offers should not be dissuaded by cost. Make application to become a Senator, and upon receiving your financial aid offer, compare our net cost to others. For our alumni and friends, spread the word that we are committed to making a private education affordable. Above all, for prospective students, know that the decision to spend time on the sacred grounds of this campus will result in life-changing opportunities and friendships for a lifetime.
Chris A. Wood
President
51ºÚÁÏÍø
