Tuition Freedom Day
Here you will find the breakdown of Gordon College expenditures, as shown on the graph provided at the Tuition Freedom Day Chapel. While not all expenses can be precisely shown, we have included expenditures making up more than 2% of the College's overall spending.
Salaries and Benefits – 50%
This portion of the budget pays salaries for 98 full-time and 74 part-time faculty, and 254 full-time and 106 part-time staff. The College also provides an array of employee benefits including health, dental and life insurance, a retirement plan, a retiree health insurance program, and tuition remission and housing assistance programs.
Student Financial Aid – 25%
More than $14 million in financial aid was awarded to new and returning students through Gordon’s need-based and merit-based financial aid programs in 2011–12. Gordon also participates in all available federal and state financial aid programs. Over $10 million was awarded from these sources in 2011-12.
Bond Payments – 5%
The College has had bonds issued to pay for building new residence halls, and each year pays back principal and interest on these bonds.
Supplies and Equipment – 4%
This category of expenditures includes office, computer, athletic, mechanical and electrical supplies, equipment such as copy machines, computers and vehicles, and repairs and leases on equipment.
Recruitment, Marketing and Travel – 3%
Getting the word out about Gordon requires recruiting trips, marketing communications and attendance at academic and other conferences.
Utilities – 3%
Heat, electricity, water and sewage for all campus buildings, including dormitories, classrooms, faculty and staff offices, the A. J. Gordon Memorial Chapel and the Bennett Athletic and Recreation Center. Gordon is committed to energy-saving measures that are friendly both to the environment and the budget.
General Institutional – 3%
This includes legal fees, audit fees, some taxes, membership fees and contingencies.
Professional Services – 3%
This category of expenditures includes the services of the College physician, honoraria for chapel and convocation speakers and all other outside contracts of a professional nature.
Phone, Postage, Printing – 2%
Conducting College business requires phone calls, letters and many documents, including STILLPOINT, departmental brochures and the admissions Viewbook.
Other – 2%
Miscellaneous expenses include student organization fees, professional development workshops and participation in the America Reads program.
Source: Gordon College 2011 Audit and Operational Budgets; all numbers rounded up to the nearest full percent.
On Wednesday, April 11, 2012, all members of the Gordon College community are invited to celebrate "Tuition Freedom Day 2012!"
Tuition Freedom Day (TFD) represents the last day that the students "pay" for their education in the school year. It is an awareness day to show how important donors (alumni, parents, friends, corporations, foundations, etc.) are to the College. Did you know that 42% of the College’s operating budget comes from sources other than the student?
What is the purpose of Tuition Freedom Day?
The purpose of Tuition Freedom Day is to create awareness within the student body of the necessity of the College's fundraising endeavors. Without outside funding, the tuition for many students would dramatically increase. We hope to educate students about the importance of giving back to the College and how they directly benefit from the generosity of others.
It Pays to Say "Thank You"
Wednesday, April 11, is the day Gordon College will be celebrating Tuition Freedom Day by having a chapel service especially prepared for the day. We will also have a table set up in Gillies for students to write thank you notes to donors.
How much of tuition is covered by donors?
At Gordon, only 58% of the total annual cost to attend is covered by tuition. So, the remaining 42% of the cost for the school year is contributed by sources other than the student.
How many students on campus receive some type of financial assistance each year?
About 90% of students receive some form of financial assistance. Approximately 1,400 students are currently receiving financial assistance at Gordon.
Why do people give to Gordon?
Alumni give back to Gordon because they had a life-shaping experience while they were students here. Because there were donors helping to pay the costs of their education, they are now returning the favor for students today. Alumni giving also helps the College receive grants from foundations. When those closest to an organization give back, like alumni, foundations are more apt to give to those institutions as well.
Why is it important to say thanks to donors and what is the ultimate goal of Tuition Freedom Day?
Donors want to know that their donations are making a difference in the lives of students. Gordon relies on active and involved alumni who view Gordon as part of their stewardship plan. Foundations look at our College’s alumni giving percentage when determining whether they will give money to us. Our hope is that Tuition Freedom Day will foster a sense of stewardship and philanthropy within the students that participate and that eventually the students will join our community of donors who will give back to Gordon College. Join those who give to Gordon like the many before you!