Have you made assumptions about how expensive Friends University is? Go beyond your assumptions.

While a quality education may cost a little more, we go above and beyond other institutions to help you find ways to pay for it. Because of this, many of our students and alumni have told us it is comparable or less expensive for them to attend Friends University than a public university. But don’t just take our word for it; check out what they have to say here.

Below are some things you should know about the affordability of a Friends University education.

The average Friends University education costs slightly more per day than a daily jolt of upscale coffee.
$7.36 a day! That’s what it costs per day based on the average Friends University student debt spread out over a 10-year repayment period for a low-interest Stafford Loan. That’s slightly more than a daily jolt of coffee with the extras at your favorite upscale coffee shop. In addition, your investment in a Friends University education will likely increase your earnings throughout your lifetime — something your daily coffee habit can’t do. Because of differences in programs and financial aid, your cost per day may vary slightly. So come in, and let us do the math for you!

We have more money to give to fewer students

• Friends University undergraduate students received an average amount of $6,456 in institutional grants in 2006-07 compared to less than $3,000 at many state institutions. For the 2009-10 academic year, we estimate our average institutional grant per student will be about $7,600.
• We distributed $6.2 million in institutional scholarships and grants for 2008-09. This is more than most public universities distribute on an annual basis.
• Our traditional undergraduate students received more than double the average amount of institutional grants than students at Wichita State University and more than three times that of Kansas State University students.

More of our students receive financial aid
Ninety-nine percent of Friends University full-time traditional students received some form of financial aid for the 2008-09 year.

Friends University gave institutional scholarships and grants to 83 percent of full-time traditional students in 2006-07. Wichita State University and Kansas State University gave these awards to 57 percent and 47 percent of full-time traditional students respectively.

Our out-of-pocket costs can be lower than at public universities
How can this be? Unlike large public universities, we meet with every student individually to learn about the student’s unique situation, needs and qualifications so we can maximize aid packages. We won’t leave you on your own to find outside scholarships and grants. We partner with you to find those opportunities that will make your Friends University education more affordable.

We are awarding scholarships at the same levels despite a faltering economy
While other universities are cutting back the scholarships and institutional grants they award, we have made a commitment to continue our current scholarship award levels despite the recent economic downturn. Twenty years of outstanding fiscal management have allowed us to build a strong endowment so we can successfully weather a slow economy, keep tuition increases low, and limit the economic impact on our students.

Our adult education programs lock in tuition costs
Tuition for adult degree completion and graduate students is locked in when students enroll in a program. If students complete their coursework within the expected timeframe, their tuition will not increase.

Many of our students’ employers help pay for tuition
Many employers help pay for their employees to complete their associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees at Friends University.

Adult degree completion students with professional/technical credits can save costs
Adult degree completion students may be able to receive college credit for professional and technical credits they have completed through their jobs and other activities. While there are fees for the evaluation and recording of this credit, the cost is usually less than taking additional courses to round out the credit requirements for a degree.

The lenders we work with are secure and stable
Financing a degree at Friends University is rarely a problem. The banks and lending institutions we work with are secure, stable and committed to helping our students make an independent college education affordable.

We are committed to maintaining reasonable, moderate tuition increases
Nearly 20 years ago, we were the third most expensive independent university in Kansas. Today we are in seventh place in a ranking of undergraduate tuition among 17 other independent universities and colleges in Kansas. We will remain committed to keeping a Friends University education affordable.

Living at home while attending Friends University may be less expensive than living on campus at a state institution
To better manage costs, some of our traditional undergraduate students live at home with their parents while attending Friends University. This can be less expensive than living on campus at a state university. And unlike large universities, students who commute to Friends University are actively involved in a vibrant campus life.

Find out for yourself how affordable a Friends University education can be. Contact us today!