Excellent Education. Humane Tuition.
Planning for the financial cost of higher education can be daunting. From estimated tuition cost, to grant eligibility, to financial aid opportunities, this section is designed to give parents and potential students the information they need. A complete description of all financial policies and information can be found in the Catalog.
How much does college “actually cost,” and how does Gutenberg compare?
To understand the cost of college, parents and students should consider not just the prices that colleges publish, but the real, total price that a student must ultimately pay to complete a degree. These real costs of college vary widely depending on three factors: (1) tuition and fees, (2) financial aid, and (3) housing costs. Another statistic to keep in mind is the cumulative loan debt of students who borrow money to complete their education: this cumulative loan debt is significantly higher for most college students than for Gutenberg students. Lastly, it is worth noting the amount of time actually spent enrolled in college. A shorter time in school has an impact on a student’s ability to earn income.
Some helpful information can be gained by looking at averages. The charts below are compiled from the College Board, National Center for Education Statistics and the National Student Clearinghouse (data chart at the end).
Gutenberg stands out above other college options in three critical areas. First, the total cost per year at Gutenberg is, on average, less even than that of a public college. (It is worth noting, for instance, that the cost of on-campus room and board for a double room at the University of Oregon is greater than tuition at Gutenberg College.[1]) Second, the average cumulative loan debt for students taking loans is around a third of the debt from other schools[2]. And lastly, the total time enrolled for Gutenberg students is significantly less than other schools allowing students to earn income while not in school[3].
[1] We keep our costs down by focusing on education, not grand buildings, expensive extracurriculars, bloated administration, famous scholars, or research. Gutenberg is interested in ministering to students, not chasing reputations.
[2] Gutenberg College does not participate in Title IV federal loan programs. All of our loans are managed by the college and are interest free, a huge savings in itself. We also are committed to limiting student debt to a maximum of $3600 per year so that families are not burdened by more than an average used car.
[3] At Gutenberg, we carefully watch students’ progress through the academic program, providing assistance to those that fall behind over the four years (12 “quarters”). That assistance and their strong social ties helps them stay with their class cohort. At larger universities, students sometimes have a hard time getting the classes they want as underclassmen. In deciding on a major, many students switch after a year or two, also increasing their time. Students at Gutenberg face neither of these impediments.
Average Published Charges for Full-Time Undergraduates 2023-24
| Gutenberg College | Public In‑State | Private Nonprofit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition and fees | $14,500 | $11,260 | $41,540 |
| Housing and Food (Not living at home) | $5,500 | $12,770 | $14,650 |
| Grant aid per student | $6,550 | $8,530 | $25,630 |
| Total cost | $13,450 | $15,500 | $30,560 |
| Average cumulative loan upon graduation for those taking loans | $9,400 | $27,400 | $33,600 |
| Percent of students taking loans | 82% | 50% | 54% |
| Average number of “quarters” to graduate for students who start under the age of 20 | 12.8 | 18.4 | 18.0 |
Click one of the tiles below for more details on specific costs and aid opportunities at Gutenberg College.
