FOREST CITY – Students attending Waldorf College’s residential programs had one less worry as they began their spring semester this week. The college has announced a tuition freeze for the 2014-2015 school year, meaning current students will not see the standard rise in tuition costs that is common across the country.
“The cost of higher education is still very much a concern for our students and their parents,” said Waldorf College President Dr. Robert Alsop. “One of our goals at Waldorf is to provide a private, faith-based education that is affordable to all students.”
Waldorf’s current tuition is $19,266, one of the lowest in the region, and is, despite nationwide trends in higher education, even lower than its tuition in 2009-2010. Last year the average increase in tuition at private colleges slowed to 3.8% per The College Board.
“A tuition increase of 4% in one year can create a financial hardship on students,” explained Waldorf College’s Director of Financial Aid Duane Polsdofer.
“While the economy is improving, families are still struggling to find ways to send their children to college,” Alsop said. “Our tuition freeze will place Waldorf College as one of the most affordable private liberal arts institutions in the state.”
Both Alsop and Polsdofer encouraged prospective students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to get a clearer picture of the true cost of college.
“Once a student has completed their FAFSA, it’s much easier for the schools they are interested in to give them a financial aid package,” Polsdofer said. “As you compare packages, you’ll see that Waldorf’s final cost is often quite lower than similar private colleges and very competitive with state schools.”
In addition to Waldorf’s low tuition, all residential Waldorf College students receive a scholarship, and according to a report by the Institute for College Access & Success’ Project on Student Debt, Waldorf graduates also typically owe $5,000 less than the national average in student loans.
“Students can receive a personal, meaningful, and transformative education at Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa without going into a huge amount of debt,” Alsop said.
