Affordability Measures Undertaken by Private, Nonprofit Colleges and Universities, Academic Year 2008-09 to Present
Since the 2008 Great Recession, private, nonprofit colleges and universities have worked creatively to keep the out-of-pocket costs of a college degree as low as possible for students and families. Below are examples of affordability initiatives that are part of a growing campus affordability trend that has accelerated over the past decade..
Measures such as these are making a difference. The average net tuition and fee price at private, nonprofit four-year institutions is lower in 2016-17 ($14,190) than it was in
2006-07 ($14,900), according to the College Board's 2016 Trends in College Pricing. The average net tuition and fees and room and board price is $26,080 in 2016-17, an increase of six percent ($1,500 in 2016 dollars) over the last decade.
Despite the predictions of many experts at the onset of the economic downturn, most private, nonprofit colleges continue to meet, if not exceed, their enrollment targets, largely because of their efforts to enhance affordability and value. Nevertheless, more must - and will - continue to be done by colleges to stay affordable and within reach of families from all backgrounds.
Please note: These are the examples NAICU knows of; it is likely other private, nonprofit colleges introduced similar measures.