At a time when most universities and colleges in Indiana have increased tuition and fees, Ancilla College is dramatically lowering tuition while also offering more degree choices at its campus near Plymouth.

In a meeting Monday, the college board of trustees voted to approve a 4 percent across-the-board tuition reduction for the 2013–2014 year. The move lowers tuition at what is already the state’s least expensive private college. The new tuition lowers the cost of full-time enrollment at the school to $6,500 per semester, for students enrolling in 15 credit hours for the semester.

“This is a strategic move on our part,” said Ancilla’s president Ron May. “While most colleges and universities have raised their tuition each year over the past decade Ancilla is moving to reduce the cost of higher education.”

“In 2012 Ancilla College froze tuition costs. By lowering tuition for full-time students today we are trying to open the doors for more students to get a college degree,” May said.

“Lowering tuition and offering more degree program options is in keeping with our mission and the mission of our founding order, the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ,” May said.

“This is about providing greater access to education. Our tuition reduction is a way to reach more students and offer a high quality Associate’s Degree at a reasonable price,” said board chair John Chandler.

“It’s important and very exciting to be able to offer Ancilla’s high-quality degree programs to students at a lower price,” said board member Jessica Oliver.

“Ancilla already offers tutoring and student support services to all of its students at no extra cost. With new, lower tuition the college can now reach more students with its flexible, student centered educational degree programs,” Oliver said.

The Board of Trustees also approved a Computer Information Systems degree bringing the number of degree programs at the college to 18. The new Associates of Applied Science degree will provide courses in website design and computer systems security.

“The new CIS degree is really a game-changing degree for students interested in earning a college degree in one of the fastest growing fields in the economy. Students can take courses leading to skill-based certificates in computer information and web design while earning credits toward the degree,” said Eric Wignall, Ancilla’s Interim Executive Director of Admissions.

“Computer information systems tie together every aspect of modern life, from banking to business to healthcare. Ancilla’s CIS degree offers students fundamental training in computer technology, programming, app development and computer security. In two years a student can earn a degree that will provide them a launching pad for a career that has no limit,” Wignall said. 

The Board approved promotions for four Ancilla faculty. Rev. Dr. Sam Boys was promoted from Associate to Full Professor, Chelsea Chalk from Instructor to Assistant Professor, Sr. Dr. Judith Diltz from Assistant to Associate Professor and Kristen Korcha from Assistant to Associate Professor.

Ancilla also honored Trustee Emeritus Dr. Otis R. Bowen who turns 95 on Feb. 26. The board resolution cited Dr. Bowen’s military service in World War II, his service to Ancilla College on the Board of Trustees from 1971-1973, his tenure as Governor from 1973-1981, and his role as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services from 1985-1989.

“Dr. Bowen has served his country and our college consistently and admirably for decades. Even in retirement he continues to support the college, its fund-raising efforts, and serves as an inspiration to all of us,” President May said.