Houghton College has changed its tuition model, which the administration says will save students money while also making the whole process more transparent.
That college in Allegany County said that beginning in the fall of next year, the new tuition rate will be $15,900, which is a 53% reduction from the current academic year.
Officials said the move will save students at least $500 on their academic bill next year. Houghton College president Shirley Mullen says the college is trying to make it more obvious to students what they will actually be paying.
“We just wanted to be very clear to families that are looking at Houghton, at first glance, that they can afford Houghton, that they don’t have to do lots of digging to find out what’s the difference between actual cost vs. sticker price.” Mullen said that with the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more difficult for families to meet face-to-face with financial aid counselors, and that’s one reason why Houghton wants to make the entire process more transparent.
Next year, the college will also freeze the costs for room, board and fees.
Houghton officials said that the new tuition rates will also be partnered with a revised financial aid process to make more scholarship funds available to students who need them most.