Board of Trustees Approves Zero Tuition Increase for 2020-2021 Year

President Dennis J. Murray informed returning students that the Marist College Board of Trustees approved a zero tuition increase for the 2020-2021 academic year in an email on Monday. 

“We know that the global health pandemic has caused widespread disruption and hardship, and many families are struggling. The College is committed to assisting students during this time and to helping keep a Marist education within reach,” Murray said. “In light of this, the Marist College Board of Trustees has established the tuition rate for the 2020-21 academic year, and I’m pleased to share the news that Marist will have a zero tuition increase.”

Across the country, college students made the abrupt transition from in-person education to online classes this spring. Following this unprecedented switch, many experts are predicting a shift in higher-education. Not only are universities now required to provide a high level of online education, they also must prepare for a decrease in enrollment. Since COVID-19, unemployment in the U.S reached 14.4 percent in April. According to the Pew Research Center, unemployment increased more during three months of COVID-19 than it did in two years of the Great Recession. 

Due to mass unemployment, the cost of college may be out of reach for many students and families. In 2019, the average cost for attending a private university was $53,980. At Marist, the cost of attendance for incoming freshmen, including room and board, is $61,810. According to the college, 90 percent of students do receive some form of aid. 

Murray reassured students in his email that he considers a Marist education worth the large investment. “We believe wholeheartedly that a Marist education is a good investment, and this belief has been borne out by numerous national accolades,” Murray said, highlighting the numerous recognitions that Marist has received from organizations like The Princeton Review. 

Murray also underscored Marist’s internship opportunities, the study-abroad program and career resources. “We’re proud that Marist students thrive here and go on to highly successful careers, competitive fellowships, and prestigious graduate schools,” Murray said. “This is the ultimate return on your investment in higher education, and we will continue to focus our efforts on preparing our students to excel in today’s globalized and interconnected world.”