Merrimack One of Few Freezing Tuition, Room & Board

Out of hundreds of colleges in the United States, Merrimack is one of only a few freezing tuition, room and board rates. In Massachusetts, Merrimack is one of only two freezing rates – the College first made the announcement in December 2008.

In recognition of the financial challenges facing college students and their families, the College decided to keep 2008-09 tuition, room, and board rates the same for 2009-2010. Returning students and incoming freshmen will not experience an increase.

In addition, Merrimack has increased the amount of financial aid it will provide next year by nearly $1 million dollars. Over 80% of Merrimack students receive financial aid.

According to the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (www.naicu.edu), nationally, less than a dozen colleges are freezing rates for next year.

How can Merrimack afford to do this?

Unlike other colleges and universities, Merrimack is not endowment dependent; only 2% of the annual operating budget is covered by endowment income. After modeling the College’s capacity to offer the lowest possible price increase while sustaining essential services and producing a balanced operations budget, Merrimack determined that, with cost control and program efficiency, the College could avoid an increase in next year’s tuition, room and board.

“With students and families doing all they possibly can to pay for a college education, we strongly believe that Merrimack College must do its part to make an education as accessible as possible for them,” said Dr. Champagne. “We are committed to educational opportunity for all and want to be sure that next year’s incoming freshmen continue to have the choice to attend Merrimack if they so wish.”

Read comments from the campus community on the tuition freeze.