CONWAY, Ark. (October 2, 2020) — This fall, U.S. News
& World Report listed Hendrix College on its 2021 Best Value Schools
list among nationally ranked liberal arts colleges. For students
entering Hendrix for the first time in the Fall 2021 semester, it will be an even better value. The College
announced today that it will reduce tuition by 32%.
“Hendrix
has one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country,” said
Hendrix President Ellis Arnold. “Nevertheless, we know that there are students
who would thrive at Hendrix but don’t apply because they’re concerned about the
published price.”
In
recent years, costs have risen dramatically at institutions across the country,
including Hendrix. While rising costs are concerning, families rarely pay the
full published cost of tuition after financial aid and scholarships are
awarded, making the actual cost of attending college difficult to discern.
“By
lowering our tuition, we want to let those students and families know that we
hear their concerns and, most importantly, they can come to Hendrix,” said
Arnold, adding that the College is able to offer generous need- and merit-based
financial assistance thanks to philanthropic support from alumni and friends.
Hendrix
will continue to offer competitive academic- and need-based scholarships and
financial aid to students who apply and are accepted.
“We recognize that Hendrix is still a significant
investment,” said Ryan Cassell, vice president for enrollment. “Reducing
tuition is part of a comprehensive commitment to keeping Hendrix within reach
for students and families.”
Among
the available financial aid and scholarship opportunities is the Hendrix Tuition Advantage program, which
matches the published in-state tuition and fees at the flagship university in a
student’s home state, Cassell said.
State
and federal grants, as well as outside scholarships, may further reduce tuition
at Hendrix. In addition, the College offers a variety of ways to assist
families in paying for education, including installment plans and access to
loans.
With
COVID-19 causing increased financial uncertainty for many households, it is a perfect
time for Hendrix to be responsive to families’ cost concerns.
“For
students who seek a high quality residential liberal arts experience, now is the
time for us to assure families that Hendrix is within reach,” said Cassell.
Lowering
tuition does not mean lowering quality, Cassell added.
Not only is Hendrix among the U.S. News & World Report Best Value Schools, the College is the
publication’s only top 100 nationally ranked liberal arts college in Arkansas
and continues to appear on the Most Innovative Schools list among national
liberal arts colleges “making the most innovative improvements in terms of
curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities.”
“The
Hendrix Odyssey Program is a nationally recognized model for engaged learning,
and the College continues to develop new curricular initiatives and other experiences
that enhance the educational outcomes of Hendrix graduates,” said Cassell. “These
opportunities increase the value of a Hendrix education, even as we lower
tuition.”
To
be considered for academic-based scholarships, students simply need to apply
for admission, preferably by the November 15 non-binding Early Action I deadline.
Families wishing to be considered for need-based aid should complete the
2021-2022 FAFSA by the selected admission application deadline. Families can
begin submitting the 2021-2022 FAFSA in early October 2020.
Hendrix
will also reduce tuition for its M.A. in accounting program for students who
enter in Fall 2021.
Current
students enrolled at Hendrix will continue under their current financial aid, scholarships,
and tuition. Hendrix will further offer current students the option of a
tuition-free fifth year (ninth and tenth semester). The College will provide returning
students more information on this option in mid-October.
“We
understand that it has been a challenging year,” said Arnold. “While we cannot
undo the disruption created by COVID-19 for our current students this year, we hope that a tuition-free fifth year will allow them the
opportunity to have a richer residential and learning experience at Hendrix.”
For
more information, visit www.hendrix.edu/tuitionreset.
For prospective students and families interested in Hendrix, the
College is currently offering in-person and virtual visit experiences. To learn
more, see www.hendrix.edu/visit
or contact Associate Director of Campus Visitation & Administrative
Services Jenn McKenzie at mckenziej@hendrix.edu
or 501-450-1362.
About Hendrix College
A
private liberal arts college in Conway, Arkansas, Hendrix College consistently
earns recognition as one of the country’s leading liberal arts institutions,
and is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will
Change the Way You Think About Colleges. Its academic quality and rigor, innovation, and
value have established Hendrix as a fixture in numerous college guides, lists,
and rankings. Founded in 1876, Hendrix has been affiliated with the United
Methodist Church since 1884. To learn more, visit www.hendrix.edu.