Wabash President Scott Feller announced Tuesday that the College will freeze tuition and fees for the 2021-22 academic year.
“The negative economic impact of COVID-19 is unprecedented and shows no signs of abating,” Feller said. “Families in all income brackets are struggling and we’re hoping that freezing our tuition and fees at this year’s rates will bring some relief. We will also continue to offer generous merit scholarships and need-based financial aid so that an exceptional liberal arts education is affordable.”
Tuition for 2021-22 will again be $45,000 and fees are $850. Wabash has the third lowest tuition in the 13-member Great Lakes Colleges Association, and about 98% of all Wabash students receive merit scholarships and/or need-based financial aid.
“Wabash is able to offer so many scholarships and grants because of our long history of philanthropy,” Feller said. “We have the nation’s top-ranked alumni network and our alumni attribute much of their success to the education they received at Wabash. We are grateful to our alumni and friends for paying it forward for future generations.”
Wabash has received national attention for its transparency in its merit scholarship program, as well as the Wabash Promise, which is a need-based financial aid program for students from Indiana and greater Chicagoland.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, the College remained focused on supporting its students,” said Chip Timmons, Dean for Enrollment Management. “With today’s announcement, that support extends to those students considering joining our community next year. For most families, the cost of a college education remains a concern. By freezing tuition and fees for the upcoming year, we will provide relief for families of current and future Wabash men.”
Wabash wrapped up the fall semester Nov. 24 when final exams concluded. The College offered a fully in-person, residential experience during the fall semester, and 97% of all enrolled students were on campus. The majority of classes were taught in-person, though some were taught outside and in non-traditional locations, including the Pioneer Chapel and Goodrich Ballpark.
The College’s nationally ranked Schroeder Center for Career Development also announced that 97.6% of the 2020 graduates had settled into first destination employment, graduate school, or service — more than 30 percentage points above the national average. Over the last four years, Wabash boasts a first-destination rate of 98, 100, 99, and 97.6% within six months of graduation. “The placement of our 2020 graduates is the most striking success story of the year, especially given the current job market and the uncertainty brought on by COVID, and its additional proof of the value of a Wabash education,” Feller added.
