The Challenge of Affording College

Much of Catholic Higher Education is built on an unsustainable financial model.

• The tuition is too high, but for those with very high incomes.

  • Average tuition discounts of more than 50% are clear indicators of this.

• Even with discounts, families must borrow heavily to afford college.

  • Evidence indicates that the average family can afford something between $10,000-$13,000/year.*

  • Families must borrow the difference between their net (discounted) cost and what they can afford.

  • The result is that the average student loan debt now approaches $30,000.

• The model requires

  • Ever-increasing tuition, with ever-increasing tuition discounts;

  • Ever-expanding development;

  • Ever-expanding enrollments.

 

The Solution

The Collegium has developed a model, rethinking higher education from the ground up with a view toward long-term sustainability.

• Lower tuition up front (little or no discounting)

• Supporting revenue from auxiliary enterprise(s)

  • Students participate in these as part of a Benedictine model of ora et labora

• Keeping facility and faculty needs limited:

  • Small student body (maximum of 120)

  • Singular liberal arts focus.

• Faculty and staff hired within a framework of sacrificial work.  Administrative overhead kept to a minimum; all administrators also teach.  Salaries will be adequate; housing may be part of compensation.

• Gifts from benefactors committed to the mission and vision of The Collegium.

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​* See How America Pays for College, at https://www.salliemae.com/plan-for-college/how-america-pays-for-college/.