Parent Prep

Choosing a college for your son or daughter is a significant decision. For families considering Christian higher education, the investment involves more than tuition alone.

You are evaluating the total cost of earning a degree, the financial aid available to your student, the quality of the education, preparation for a future career, and the kind of intentional discipleship and Christian community your student will experience.

These five questions can help you think carefully about college costs and affordability as you compare Cedarville with other colleges and universities.

Is Cedarville affordable?

Cedarville works to make a Christ-centered education affordable through scholarships, grants, and other financial aid. Students from families at a wide range of income levels attend Cedarville, and the amount each family pays depends on their individual financial situation.

All new incoming residential freshman receive scholarships, and students in recent years have been awarded an average of over $26,800.

When comparing colleges, look beyond published tuition and consider your estimated cost after financial aid. Learn more about Cedarville scholarships and financial aid. Families can also explore ways to save on college costs, including scholarships, grants, and other strategies that can help make a college education more affordable.

How are tuition dollars used?

At Cedarville, decisions about cost are connected to our mission to transform lives through excellent education and intentional discipleship in submission to biblical authority. We seek to equip graduates to glorify God, think broadly and deeply, communicate effectively, develop academically and professionally, and engage for Christ.

Cedarville puts approximately two-thirds of tuition dollars into instruction and academic support. We work hard to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us while providing students with an academically excellent, Christ-centered education.

For parents considering an investment in Christian higher education, an important question is not simply, “What does this college cost?” but also, “What will my student receive from this investment?” Consider how each institution approaches academic excellence, career preparation, biblical integration, spiritual growth, mentorship, and Christian community.

What is Cedarville doing to make college more affordable?

Cedarville places a high priority on affordability, and that commitment is reflected in our financial aid and budgeting decisions. Scholarships and grants can significantly reduce the amount a family pays compared with the published cost of attendance.

Because financial aid varies by student and academic year, families should review Cedarville's current tuition and cost information and available financial aid rather than relying on tuition alone when comparing colleges.

Once your student receives an aid offer, understanding the numbers is just as important as knowing the published price. Learn how to evaluate scholarships, grants, loans, and estimated costs in Making Sense of Your Student's Financial Aid Offer.

If my student needs a loan to close the gap, how much debt is reasonable?

The right amount of borrowing is different for every student and should reflect careful thought and prayer. Consider your student's expected career path, anticipated earnings, total cost of earning the degree, and the amount of debt required to graduate.

One commonly used rule of thumb is to avoid borrowing more for college than your student reasonably expects to earn during the first year after graduation. Families should also consider what monthly loan payments could look like after graduation and how those payments may fit within a graduate's expected budget.

Before borrowing, make sure you understand the type of loan, interest rate, repayment terms, total amount that will eventually be repaid, and who will be responsible for the debt. FAFSA, Student Loans, and College Costs: A Parent's Guide to Financial Aid provides additional guidance for evaluating financial aid and developing a plan for paying for college.

Why invest in Cedarville when there may be a less expensive alternative?

The college with the lowest published tuition is not necessarily the college that will cost your family the least. To understand the true investment, compare the total cost of earning a degree rather than tuition alone.

Consider tuition, scholarships and grants, housing and food, fees, travel and other expenses, and the number of years your student is likely to need to complete a degree. An additional semester or year of college can add substantial costs while also delaying entry into a full-time career.

For families pursuing Christian higher education, value also extends beyond financial calculations. Consider what your student will experience during these formative college years. Will Scripture be integrated throughout the curriculum? Will professors invest personally in your student? Will the academic program prepare your student to excel professionally? Will your student be surrounded by a vibrant Christian community that encourages spiritual growth, discipleship, and lifelong friendships?

At Cedarville, Scripture is the foundation for every academic discipline. Students are challenged academically, supported by faculty who care about their success, prepared for their careers, and encouraged to use their vocations to honor Christ and share the Gospel.

As you evaluate that investment, explore Cedarville's academic programs, residence life, and career and graduate school placement. You can also use this checklist for choosing a college to consider the academic, spiritual, financial, and practical factors that matter to your family.

Questions To Ask When Comparing the Cost of Christian Colleges

As you compare colleges and universities, asking each institution the same questions can help you make a more meaningful comparison:

• What is the total annual cost, including tuition, housing, food, fees, and other expected expenses?
• How much scholarship and grant aid does my student qualify for?
• What is our estimated cost after scholarships and grants?
• Which expenses are not included in the published cost?
• What percentage of students graduate in four years?
• How much debt would my student likely need to complete the degree?
• How will my student's academic program prepare him or her for a career or graduate school?
• How is a biblical worldview integrated into academics and student life?
• What opportunities will my student have for discipleship, mentorship, and Christian community?

A wise college decision considers both cost and value. Look carefully at what your family will actually pay, what your student will receive from the experience, and how those college years will prepare your son or daughter for a lifetime of professional excellence, faithful service, and impact for Christ.

Have questions about Cedarville's costs or financial aid? Call 1-800-CEDARVILLE to speak with our Admissions team.