Westminster College announced its latest tuition increase for the 2021-22 academic year, noting it’s the lowest increase the school has implemented in over 20 years. The board of trustees approved a 1.9% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, a steep decline from the 8.5% increase announced last November.
As a result, the standard cost for tuition and fees for the 2021-22 academic year will be $38,680, according to an email sent out to the student body Tuesday.
“We recognize the strain of living through this pandemic and the extraordinary financial challenges that some of our families face,” said interim Dean of Students Glenn Smith and President Beth Dobkin in a statement.
In addition to the tuition increase, the board of trustees also approved a 3.9% increase for the cost of room and board. The exact price will vary depending on each student’s housing type and meal plan.
The average cost for room and board at Westminster is $11,097 a year, according to the college website. With the 3.9% increase, the average cost will jump to roughly $11,529 a year — a $432 difference.
The room and board increase is consistent with those in the past, according to data sets found on the school website.
Over the last few years, room and board costs at Westminster have typically increased 3 to 4%, according to the financial aid office. The 3.9% increase expected for next academic year is slightly below the 4% increase that was implemented for the current semester.
“We understand that any increase may be difficult for some of our families and, as we have done in the past, we will continue to increase our financial aid resources to address some of the unique circumstances that may arise for our students and families before next fall,” the administration said in an email sent out to the student body. “Applications for continuing student scholarships for 2021–22 will be available after Thanksgiving and due early in 2021.”
