University of Bridgeport promises lower tuition for residents

Under Connecticut Promise, a new initiative launched by the University of Bridgeport, tuition fees for first-time freshman living on campus as well as commuters will be drastically reduced.

“We know that in today”™s society, the overwhelming cost of higher education can hinder a student”™s options for choosing the best college for their studies,” said Karissa Peckham, associate vice president for enrollment. “At the University of Bridgeport, we want to make it possible for incoming students to experience the benefits of a private institution without having to pay exponentially more than an in-state public school. UB firmly believes that a solid education should be both accessible and attainable.”

According to the university, with the nation”™s current student debt crisis, it is becoming increasingly difficult for students to have access to quality higher education without a cumbersome financial burden.

The Federal Reserve states total education debt reached $ 1.3 trillion in 2015.

To address the growing issue, beginning Fall 2016 no in-state freshman living on campus will pay more than $18,500 per year for tuition, fees and room and board including any grants or scholarships they receive as part of financial aid.

For example, if a student plans to live on campus, the sticker price would be $43,840. If the student initially receives a financial aid award that includes $18,000 in scholarships and grants, then their total cost would be reduced to $25,840. Through the Connecticut Promise program the student would be awarded an additional $7,340 to cover the difference and bring the total down to $18,500, according to the university.

For commuter students the maximum cost per year would be $12,000.

The tuition reduction will remain as students progress through their education.

The initiative will be directly paid for by the university, though the school intends to off-set the cost  by attracting more students for whom cost is an issue, according to a university representative.