1996-1997 Cedarville College Annual Report

Student Casi and Sebols~ hip ne of the most encouraging developments of 1997 was the significant increase in the College's student aid endowment. Through lifetime and estate gifts, donors provided more than $1.4 million for new scholarships. These gifts are particularly important to Cedarville due to our distinctive budget and financial aid policies. Many colleges base tuition and fees on the cost of providing the education plus an estimate of what discounts are required to ensure ample enrollment. Those who can afford the total cost often end up paying it; some of what they pay is redistributed to others as scholarships, grants, and other financial aid. Ironically, some schools find even those who can pay the full price are now refusing to do so. College choice has consequently become, to some degree, a process of shopping for discounts. It is not difficult to see that competing for students through discounting is a losing proposition. It erodes the institution's financial base and effectively prohibits colleges from using resources to advance educational quality. Once begun, however, discounting is extremely traumatic to stop, for reductions in student aid pose a significant threat to enrollment. Cedarville College has chosen a different course. We chose to build and compete on the basis of compelling programs, rather than on discounts. Institutionally-funded financial aid is consequently comparatively small, and tuition and fees are based on the actual cost of providing the education. Financial aid funding is not masked by inflated tuition. The result is a total cost that ranges $4,000 to $ 7,000 less than colleges with comparable programs and reputations. Cedarville's policy results in a more fiscally stable college and allows us to move aggressively into areas such as our nationally-prominent computer network. Offidals from other colleges report they could not attempt such a venture, in spite of their high tuition, because they are strapped by high discounting. Many of our students need financial aid. But, rather than generating the necessary aid by inflating other students' bills, we rely on those who donate for this purpose. Those who give to the Annual Fund help keep tuition and fees low. Capital project donors assure students access to state-of-the-art facilities without the costs of construction and equipment being added to students' costs. Friends who include Cedarville College in their estate plans help assure an affordable education for future students. And those who give to scholarship funds have a direct impact on the ability of many students to complete their education. Scholarship funding is a high priority for 1998 and beyond. Interested persons may donate to a general scholarship fund or may establish a separate, endowed, named scholarship. Separate scholarships require certain funding levels. For more information, please contact David Bartlett, Director of Planned Giving at 1-800-766-1115 or "bartletd@cedarville.edu ". Cedarville College is committed to keeping costs as low as possible for all. Inflating fees for some to provide discounts to others is unfair. Providing discounts to current students and weakening the college's ability to serve future students is unwise. Providing scholarships to deserving students through designated gifts assures more students the opportunity of attending, keeps Cedarville on a firm financial basis, and gives donors a great sense of satisfaction through investing in the lives of some of this world's finest young people. Giving Programs Celebrate Milestones in '97 T he continued growth and enhanced reputation of Cedarville College is a tribute to our loyal circle of prayer and financial partners. During the 1996-97 academic year, almost 4,000 individuals and 200 churches generously invested in the College. Of these supporters, hundreds of individuals are involved in three Annual Fund gift programs which bridge the gap between what students pay and the true cost of providing their education. The Torch Club, observing its 25th anniversary this year, recognizes those who give $10 a month or $120 a year. It is 625 members strong. The Charter Society, comprised of about 70 members giving $500 a year, celebrated 10 years of influence. Member friends and alumni of these two programs have invested over $1.4 million to assure the quality and value of a Cedarville education. For 20 years, members of The President's Associates have been providing $1000 or more to the Annual Fund each year. Currently numbering 327 individuals (177 fami lies), President's Associates have given more than $2 million to the Annual Fund and more than $14 million to capital projects and scholarships. Cedarville is grateful for all who make the College and our students a part of their stewardship plans. To learn more about these giving programs, please contact: Jeff Brock Annual Fund Office P.O. Box 601 Cedarville, OH 45314 1-800-766-1115 brockj@cedarville.edu