Central College Fall 2015

Central College has announced its annual price increase.

Total price for tuition, room and board next year will be 2.9 percent higher. This is the same percentage increase as last year, which is among the lowest in recent history. Tuition for 2016-17 will be $34,612, and $9,980 for room and board, which hasn’t gone up in three years.

Central College President Mark Putnam says the tuition increase reflects the increased costs of operation. Putnam said the college manages their expenses carefully, and that annual expenditures are down $3.6 million over the last four years.

“Central College takes its commitment to students, families and affordability very seriously,” said Central College President Mark Putnam in a statement. “Our board of trustees understands Central’s partnership with families and the great benefit of investing in students.”

The college says almost all students receive financial aid, including scholarships supported by alumni and donors.

At Central, 92 percent of graduates finish in four years or fewer, and 93 percent are employed in a field of their choice, enrolled in graduate/professional school or completing a year of service within a year of graduation.

Central remains committed to giving each student a world-class education, Putnam said in a statement.

“Zero classes at Central are taught by graduate assistants. Our renowned college faculty and our dedicated staff are all are committed to developing connections and networks for students,” he said. “We are here to support students, challenge them and launch them into their futures as well-prepared, lifelong learners.”