Grove City College announced that it is continuing its long-standing practice by holding down tuition and costs for the 2016-2017 academic year. The College values affordability as a central element of its identity as one of the country’s greatest higher education values.

“I am pleased to report that at Grove City College tuition for next year will remain less than half of the national average for private liberal arts colleges with room and board at one-third less than the national average for four-year private institutions,” College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 said. Recently, Grove City College was named a top choice on U.S. News & World Report’s list of “Liberal Arts Colleges Where Accepted Students Usually Enroll.” 

Rates announced by the College reflect the smallest tuition increase at the selective private liberal arts school in nearly two decades. A 2.95 percent increase for the next academic year puts per-semester tuition at $8,315 and on-campus room and board at $4,531. The per-year investment for most students is $25,692 before scholarships and financial aid.

“We are keenly aware that attending college is a major financial commitment. Students and families should know that  Grove City College is routinely recognized as a great return on investment for its graduates. Grove City College students continue to be blessed with remarkable success, enjoying a 97 percent placement rate after graduation. Most importantly, they leave us equipped to be educated and engaged  citizens at a time when our country surely needs them,” McNulty said.

Since 1876, the College’s mission has been to provide students with a rich academic experience at an amazing value and anchored in the Christian tradition. That has paid off for  graduates on both a personal and professional level.  They  see higher than average starting salaries and mid-career earnings, according to Payscale.com, where return on investment has been calculated at nearly $400,000 over 20 working years. According to Princeton Review, Grove City College earned a place as one of 200 schools included in “Colleges That Pay You Back: The 200 Best Value College and What It takes to Get In – 2015 Edition.” 

The College does not accept any federal funding, which allows it to maintain independence and avoid the unnecessary costs of complying with government mandates. Instead, the College offers its own financial aid program, including an extensive scholarship program providing need- and merit-based assistance and a privately managed loan program.

Careful financial stewardship has enabled the College to thrive while keeping costs down and avoiding significant debt. At Grove City College, each student’s tuition covers their own education and, unlike other colleges and universities, is not used to subsidize discounts which other schools routinely offer to attract  students.

“We remain committed to being a Christ-centered, academically excellent, and affordable institution of higher learning,” McNulty said.