Cedarville Magazine Summer 2022

Many students take college courses for high school and college credit at a reduced cost (may be free for Ohio students through the state’s College Credit Plus program). Cedarville offers 14 popular degrees that provide a three-year pathway to graduation, cutting costs and speeding graduates into their careers. Cedarville offers accelerated completion plans that allow students to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, saving thousands of dollars on the cost of two degrees. High school students can earn up to 40 semester credits through the Advanced Placement (AP) program or earn college credit by passing examinations where they possess college-level knowledge. SAVING CREATIVELY Beyond financial aid, Cedarville parents and students have many options for reducing the total cost of a Cedarville education. Consider these creative options, and remember our helpful admissions counselors are here to help you find the best solution for you and your family. DUAL ENROLLMENT cedarville.edu/dualenrollment THREE-YEAR COMPLETION OPTIONS cedarville.edu/3yearoption MASTER’S DEGREE ACCELERATED PATHWAYS cedarville.edu/gradpathways AP AND CLEP TESTS cedarville.edu/AP 25% < $79,000 25% > $171,800 50% $79,000–171,800 Family Income Reported by 2021–22 Freshmen Students Affordable for All Kinds of Families FUNDING THE BALANCE After scholarships and grants (also known as gift aid because they do not have to be repaid) are applied to a student’s account, students cover the balance through many sources. For 56% of last year's graduating class, that included federal student loans, averaging $20,939. Loans must be considered carefully. The answers to “Should I take out a loan?” or “How much college debt is wise?” will be unique to each student and should reflect careful thought and prayer along with an understanding of future career plans and anticipated earnings. One rule of thumb we share with families is to borrow no more than you expect to earn the first year after graduation. Other financial experts recommend limiting total student borrowing to an amount that will keep loan payments below 8 to 10% of pretax income. Here's what we know to be true: With one of the lowest default rates in the U.S. ( 1.7% ) and career placement rates well ahead of national averages ( 98.4% last year), Cedarville graduates appear to be wisely managing their financial obligations. SUMMING IT UP Thanks to a combination of Cedarville donor and institutionally funded scholarships, federal aid, and state grants — not to mention the diligent work and careful financial planning of Cedarville families, students from all income levels are finding Cedarville to be an affordable option. Student and Family Contributions Donor and University- Provided Scholarships For Some: Carefully Considered Loans God's Unique Provision + + + = A Life-Transforming Cedarville Education Within Reach Cedarville Magazine | 11