By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Students who enroll at Rockford University next fall will lock in their four-year tuition rate at $37,230 annually.
University leadership said the move is designed to provide students with consistency as they plan for the cost of college. They also hope it makes education more affordable and helps attract new students to the university.
“Pursuing a higher education is a substantial investment into someone’s future, and the University is committed to making sure that investment is accessible to as many people as possible,” said Megan Frankfother, associate vice president of enrollment management at Rockford University.
Frankfother said the annual tuition at Rockford University is comparable to other private, four-year colleges and universities in the state. All incoming Rockford University students also receive a merit scholarship at a minimum of $10,000 for transfer students and $12,000 for incoming freshman, further reducing the cost to attend.
“In addition to locking in that rate and creating that sense of financial security, the university offers significant institutional aid. Students can be recipients of federal and state grants to also assist in helping that education be more affordable,” Frankfother said.
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The university also offers its Horizon Grant, which lowers the out-of-pocket tuition cost for students who qualify to $5,000. They can apply for federal loans to cover that remaining amount.
“We are on track currently to be able to award $14 million in institutional aid for the current year,” Frankfother said. “We are also on track to award $6.5 million in federal grants as well as $4.8 million in state grants.”
University leaders announced the tuition program Friday morning at the campus, 5050 E. State St., and via Facebook live.
“Rockford University is taking a proactive approach to make the college experience more affordable and more transparent,” Rebecca Epperson, chairwoman of the board of trustees, said during the news conference. “The decision to lock in tuition for fall 2024 for incoming students means that students and their families and the parents who stand alongside them can plan their educational experience with much greater confidence than they had in the past.”
The ability to lock in tuition doesn’t apply for students who are already enrolled. However, Frankfother said the University will meet with students to help them manage the cost of tuition. There are roughly 1,200 enrolled at Rockford University.
“We have the ability to meet with students one-on-one, understand their financial situation and see what we can do to help ensure that they can continue on and finish their degree here with us,” Frankfother said.
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Prospective students can call Rockford University’s Admission Department at 815-226-4050 or email admissions@rockford.edu.
You can find more information about applying to RU here: rockford.edu/admission.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas