University keeps promise to not raise tuition and fees

The college guarantees student tuition and fees won't change for four years.
HIRAM -- Hiram College won't raise the cost of tuition, room, board or fees for students entering the institution this fall.
That's not an offer that most colleges and universities are prepared to make.
Hiram said it's another effort to keep college costs affordable and follows the 2004 pledge the college made to its students guaranteeing that their tuition and fees wouldn't increase during their four years at the liberal arts institution.
Hiram was the first Ohio college to make that promise.
While each entering class paid a slightly higher rate for tuition than the previous class, its tuition and fees were locked in, making college costs predictable, and Hiram has experienced a 28-percent increase in applications since the inception of the Tuition Guarantee.
Increases
Last year tuition increased, on the average, 6 percent at private colleges and universities and 11 percent at public institutions.
"Nationally, college costs are spiraling out of the reach of many families. Additionally, in Ohio, far too few of our residents pursue a college education because of rising and unpredictable annual increases in costs. We're pleased to be in a position of strength and to take steps to make our costs both affordable and predictable," said Hiram President Thomas V. Chema.
Hiram's tuition will remain at $23,510 for students entering next fall.
The college enrolls 900 students in its traditional program and 300 students in its Weekend College, which offers working adults an opportunity to earn their degrees by taking classes on alternate weekends.
Hiram is experiencing what may prove to be a record year in applications. The College also recently completed a $54.2 million fund-raising campaign, which included the $12.2 million Coleman Sports, Recreation and Fitness Center that opened last fall.