Why is Hendrix lowering its tuition?
In short, because we’re listening. Hendrix has one of the most generous financial
aid programs in the country. Nevertheless, we know that there are students who
would thrive at Hendrix but don’t apply because they’re concerned about the
published price. We want to offer a more accessible, affordable
path to the quality educational experience Hendrix College provides.
In
the 2021 Best Value Schools list from U.S. News & World Report,
Hendrix claimed the #32 spot in its category (nationally ranked liberal arts
colleges). The Best Value list considers the ratio of academic quality to price,
the percentage of students receiving need-based financial aid (84% for Hendrix
during 2019-2020), and the average institutional aid those students receive. But
it can take time for a prospective student to receive the financial aid information
that gives them an idea of their actual contribution. This reset provides a way
to convey a better sense of that affordability up front.
Does lowering tuition lower the quality of a Hendrix education?
Absolutely not. In addition to affordability, Hendrix
continues to be recognized for leading the way academically. Hendrix regularly
appears on the U.S. News & World Report Most Innovative Schools list
and is the publication’s only top 100 nationally ranked liberal arts college in
Arkansas. The
Hendrix Odyssey Program is nationally recognized among leading liberal arts
colleges as a model for engaged learning; and the College continues to develop
new curricular initiatives, including Career Term for sophomores, and other
opportunities that enhance the educational outcomes of Hendrix graduates. But being
one of the country’s most innovative colleges doesn’t mean we have to be one of
the most expensive.
What is the current cost of tuition at Hendrix? What is the new cost of tuition at Hendrix after the reset?
The
published tuition at Hendrix in 2020-2021 is $49,140. The published tuition
for new students beginning in the 2021-2022 academic year will be around $33,000.
When does it take effect?
The tuition reset will
begin with students entering Hendrix College for the first time in the Fall
2021 semester.
What other scholarships and financial aid programs are available?
While
we are pleased to communicate this tuition reset as a way to offer greater accessibility
and affordability of the Hendrix experience, we recognize that Hendrix is still
a significant investment. Hendrix will continue to offer competitive academic-
and need-based scholarships and financial aid to students who apply and are
accepted.
What is the total published cost
to go to Hendrix?
The published total cost for new
students beginning in the 2021-2022 academic year will be around $46,550 (including
tuition, a double occupancy residence hall room with full meal plan, and
student fees).
Does Hendrix offer other
programs to defray the cost of attendance?
To be considered for
academic-based scholarships, simply apply for admission, preferably by our
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 has a variety of ways to assist families in paying for education,
including installment plans and access to loans.
Even after this tuition reset, doesn’t the flagship public university in my home state cost less than Hendrix?
It
is true that state-funded universities have lower published costs than private
colleges. If a student feels that the smaller residential environment is the
best college fit, we don’t want cost to get in the way. That’s
why Hendrix offers the Tuition Advantage program, which assures
qualifying students that they will not pay more tuition to Hendrix than the
published tuition rate at the flagship public university in their home state.
Does this change affect admission criteria or standards?
As
a nationally ranked college, Hendrix College attracts a population of
high-achieving students and we expect that to continue. A lower cost does not
equal a lower quality experience. In fact, we believe it will create a higher
quality experience because of the increased range of students who will have
access to Hendrix College.
Is the tuition reset for new students only, or will tuition reset for returning students too?
The
tuition reset applies to students entering Hendrix College for the first time
in the Fall 2021 semester. Returning students will continue under their current
cost schedule, which negates the need to recalculate financial aid packages,
scholarships, and total cost. Returning students who first entered Hendrix between
Fall 2017 and Spring 2021 also will receive the option for a tuition-free fifth
year.
Does the tuition reset apply to the M.A. in accounting program?
Yes, the tuition reset will apply to the M.A. in accounting program for students who enter in Fall 2021.