"A high-quality private education can be affordable," said Stephen Varvis, FPU vice president for enrollment management. "Fresno Pacific has the faculty, academic programs, facilities and financial aid to make this happen."
FPU also has the room. The university is still accepting applications for the spring 2012 semester. Check the Admissions page for more information.
Traditional undergraduate tuition for 2012-2013 will be $24,960, less than the 2011-2012 national average for independent colleges of $28,500. Even with the increase in room and board, the first in three years, combined expenses for a student living on campus will go up no more than 2.9 percent.
Graduate tuition, including Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, will not increase for 2012-2013. Bachelor's degree completion tuition will go up $5-10 per unit, depending on the program. These programs represent the largest segment of students at FPU.
The 1.8 percent traditional undergraduate tuition increase, which starts in August, compares to average 2011-2012 hikes of 8.3 percent at public colleges and universities, 4.5 percent among independent schools and 8.7 percent at community colleges, according to the College Board, an association of 5,900 colleges, universities and other educational organizations. California's tuition increases last year—21 percent at public four-year colleges and 37 percent at two-year colleges—were the highest in the nation.
Housing and room and board next year will be $3,450 per semester, up 7 percent. This compares to more than $5,000 and higher at area public universities; higher yet in many parts of California. "Students can pay less to come to FPU and live on campus than at a state school in a major metro area," Varvis said.
Fresno Pacific has a history of academically challenging programs and financial affordability. In 2009-2010 FPU was one of six universities nationwide to freeze tuition, and in 2009 it introduced a four-year graduation guarantee. The 3.7 percent raise in 2011-2012 remained below the national average for independent college and universities, while increases were made in financial aid, the number of faculty, educational technology and academic services.
That practice continues for 2012-2013. The university will continue to renovate residence hall rooms and increase need-based financial aid. "We have set aside $12,350,000 in institutional aid—that's what FPU gives in addition to state and federal programs—for 2012-2013. That's $1,000,000 more than we offeredin 2011-2012," Varvis said.
Other improvements to the main campus include adding two student houses, a commuter-student lounge in East Hall, a study area and technology lab in AIMS Hall of Mathematics and Science and improved security cameras. A 12,000 square-foot expansion of the North Fresno Center is to open early in 2012, with several new classrooms, offices and a student lounge area. A section of the master's degree in marriage, family and child counseling, the most popular seminary program, begins in August at the Visalia Center. This is the first seminary program to be offered at a center.
"At Fresno Pacific University, we work very hard to serve academically qualified students of all ages. And today, more than ever, we're doing that with an eye toward value in today's economy," Varvis said.