The cost to attend Hamilton College next year will increase by the lowest percentage since 1967-68 when fees remained the same as the previous year.
Effective this fall, Hamilton's comprehensive fee will be $49,860, or 3 percent more than the current fiscal year. Charges include $39,370 for tuition, $5,520 for room, $4,580 for the full board plan and $390 for the required student activities fee.
"In light of difficult financial constraints for the college and our students, I am pleased that next year's budget successfully protects the quality of the academic and residential programs while providing additional scholarship aid for students," said Acting President and Dean of Faculty Joseph R. Urgo.
In a letter to parents announcing next year's fees Urgo said, "The growth in the financial aid budget is larger than the increase in the comprehensive fee to reflect the greater need that we anticipate many of our families may demonstrate during these difficult times. We remain firmly committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of every Hamilton student."
Hamilton currently provides need-based aid to about half of its student body. The average financial aid package is $30,500. Next year's operating budget allocates $24.4 million for student scholarships.
The college is also trimming operating costs in 2009-10.
"To limit expenses," Urgo wrote, "we are holding open some non-academic and non-student services positions, reducing travel budgets and some operating budgets, and providing only minimal salary increases for employees. The president and members of the senior staff will not receive raises this year.
"These adjustments," Urgo continued, "will help offset the revenue shortfalls inevitable in the current economic climate, as we anticipate declines in fundraising, endowment spending, and interest we earn from the College's operating cash."
Hamilton's $133.5 million budget for 2009-10 was approved by the Board of Trustees on February 28. Trustees also voted to pursue bids for a renovation and expansion of the former Emerson Literary Society building into a student center. Final authorization to move forward on that construction project will be made in June pending a review of the bids.
Effective this fall, Hamilton's comprehensive fee will be $49,860, or 3 percent more than the current fiscal year. Charges include $39,370 for tuition, $5,520 for room, $4,580 for the full board plan and $390 for the required student activities fee.
"In light of difficult financial constraints for the college and our students, I am pleased that next year's budget successfully protects the quality of the academic and residential programs while providing additional scholarship aid for students," said Acting President and Dean of Faculty Joseph R. Urgo.
In a letter to parents announcing next year's fees Urgo said, "The growth in the financial aid budget is larger than the increase in the comprehensive fee to reflect the greater need that we anticipate many of our families may demonstrate during these difficult times. We remain firmly committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of every Hamilton student."
Hamilton currently provides need-based aid to about half of its student body. The average financial aid package is $30,500. Next year's operating budget allocates $24.4 million for student scholarships.
The college is also trimming operating costs in 2009-10.
"To limit expenses," Urgo wrote, "we are holding open some non-academic and non-student services positions, reducing travel budgets and some operating budgets, and providing only minimal salary increases for employees. The president and members of the senior staff will not receive raises this year.
"These adjustments," Urgo continued, "will help offset the revenue shortfalls inevitable in the current economic climate, as we anticipate declines in fundraising, endowment spending, and interest we earn from the College's operating cash."
Hamilton's $133.5 million budget for 2009-10 was approved by the Board of Trustees on February 28. Trustees also voted to pursue bids for a renovation and expansion of the former Emerson Literary Society building into a student center. Final authorization to move forward on that construction project will be made in June pending a review of the bids.
