Seton Hill University announced that tuition for 2009-10 will increase by only two percent, the lowest tuition increase in the last ten years. This is far less than the national average.

“Seton Hill has experienced strong enrollment growth over the past ten years. However, we realize our current and new students’ families are feeling the effects of the recession. Students and their families make sacrifices every day in order to invest in Seton Hill’s high quality academic programs and participate in classes that are intimate and challenging. The Board of Trustees approved a modest tuition increase of two percent for 2009-10 so our students may continue their academic study at Seton Hill,” said JoAnne Boyle, president of Seton Hill University.

In order to offset the small increase in tuition, internal reductions have taken place in each department’s budget.

“I directed that all cost reductions be done with two strategic commitments in mind: students come first and the quality of their education and university experience will not be compromised,” said Boyle.

According to the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the average tuition at four-year private, non-profit colleges and universities will increase by an average of 4.3 percent in the upcoming 2009-10 academic year. This tuition rise is the lowest recorded increase by the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities since 1972-73.