Closing the gap between cost and price
When in doubt... apply
Parents can make a mistake by assuming they are not going to qualify for need-based assistance.
It is true that colleges with higher prices generally offer closer working relationships with faculty, better access to equipment and facilities, smaller classes, and enhanced research opportunities - the hallmarks of a rich educational experience. However, these colleges are often not the highest cost colleges.
Tuition is a college's 'sticker price.' The actual cost, under Union's need-based aid policy, will vary from family to family depending on their financial circumstances. Some families are able to pay full tuition; those that cannot are covered by a financial aid package consisting of grant, loan, and work. (Please note that no one pays the real cost of a Union education; tuition covers only 72 percent of what it costs to provide each student's education, with the difference made up by gifts and endowment income).
We believe that it is each family's responsibility to provide funding for their children's education according to their means. Beyond that, we are proud to offer significant assistance to close the gap when it exists.
The following estimated budget is for a dependent student living on campus:
| 2008-2009 | |
| Tuition/room/board/fees | $48,552 |
| Books/Personal (estimated) | $1,508 |
| Total Price (estimated) | $50,060 |