Kansas City, Mo. (Sept. 5, 2017) – Avila University today announced an exciting new tuition pricing model as part of The Avila Promise – an intentional effort by the University to bring clarity and transparency to students and families as they navigate college planning.
During a special announcement to students, faculty and staff, University President Ron Slepitza, Ph.D., CSJA, shared the four cornerstones of the Avila Promise, a set of new initiatives designed to give students a clearer, more affordable path to their futures. Those include: 1) Lower Tuition Pricing including a 33 percent tuition reduction in list price; 2) Guaranteed Graduation in Four Years; 3) Guaranteed Internship/Research Experience and 4) a monetary Travel Award.
“During a time where traditional tuition pricing follows a high-price, high-discount model, Avila University wanted to break the mold. Not only are we lowering our tuition rate and moving to a new tuition model, we’re also going to protect our students’ tuition from unexpected hikes,” said University President Ron Slepitza, Ph.D., CSJA. “We believe that you should expect to graduate in four years, on time, on-budget and be prepared to make a real difference in the world. That’s what a great university like Avila delivers.”
Following the announcement, students were provided with specific details regarding the Avila Promise and their individual tuition savings. Incoming freshmen in 2018 will see the full benefit of opportunities available with the Avila Promise, however, all students receive a reduction in tuition pricing under the new tuition model. The truer tuition model begins with the 2018-19 school year, and students will know the exact amount they can expect to pay for each year of their degree program. In addition, Avila’s tuition pricing now includes the cost of books and campus fees.
“I almost crossed Avila off my college list based on their tuition price,” said Tyler King, sophomore majoring in music. “This announcement is another example of the incredible experiences you’ll find at Avila. It’s everything you should expect from your university. A great education can be affordable.”
In addition to reducing tuition, the Avila Promise includes a commitment to students that if they do their part, they can expect to graduate in four years. This can amount to an incredible savings for students and families, and enables students to start earning an income earlier.
“By setting students on a path to complete coursework in four years, we can assist families in accurately planning for all the costs associated with the completion of their degree,” said Sue Willcox, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “In addition, when students move into graduate studies or the workforce in a timely manner, they are able to capitalize on earlier earnings and less student debt. We are deeply committed to helping Avila students along this path to the degree.”
Additionally, the Avila Promise includes a Guaranteed Internship or Research Experience, which means every Avila undergraduate student, in every major, will be engaged in an internship or research project, helping them earn valuable real-world experience in their area of focus. The final cornerstone – the Travel Award – focuses on inspiring students to gain a broader perspective. Beginning in their junior year, students are eligible to apply for up to a $1,000 Travel Award – financial support to help students get experience at the national and international level. The Travel Award can be used toward international travel programs, or to support travel within the United States for research and other approved experiences.
For more information on Avila University’s new truer tuition pricing model and the four cornerstones of the Avila Promise, visit www.Avila.edu/Promise.
Avila University, a Catholic University sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, is a values-based community of learning providing liberal arts, professional, undergraduate and graduate education to prepare students for responsible, lifelong contributions to the global community. Our approach to education brings out the best in our students, so they can bring out the best in others.