Lake Erie College freezes tuition

PAINESVILLE -- Lake Erie College has decided to freeze tuition for the 2009-2010 academic year. The school calls it a "glimmer of hope for those interested in attending a small, private college."

"We know that families are facing financial challenges but wanted to maintain affordability for our current students and send the message to prospective students that a quality Lake Erie College education is attainable," said Robin McDermott, vice president of enrollment management and student affairs in a news release.  

"As families consider a public versus private education, it is our hope that they see Lake Erie College as the veritable bargain it is," added McDermott. "Students can expect to receive continued support through our many scholarships and grants. Currently 95 percent of our student body receives scholarships, grants or other financial aid."

Tuition will remain flat at $23,950 and room and board fees will be adjusted accordingly to meet the rises costs of heating and cooling, energy and food.

To help offset these costs, room and board fees will increase slightly from $7,650 to $8,072 to remain affordable.  To date, the College has received a record number of applications for this time of year, for an estimated new student class of 400 in the fall. Currently, 1050 applications have been received, a 35% increase over this same time last year.  

Founded in 1856, Lake Erie College is an institution of higher education that serves nearly 1,200 undergraduate and graduate students. The College offers 29 undergraduate majors, including new programs in entrepreneurship and human resource management.

The College is transitioning into NCAA Division II for athletics and is on course to gain full membership for the 2009-10 academic year. Lake Erie College is the first institution in Northeast Ohio to make the move to NCAA Division II, while becoming only the fifth school in the entire state to make the upward progress into that competition level.