This
fall, students at Colorado Christian University will enjoy an extra hour --
should they choose to take a full 18 hour course load. In an effort to better
serve its student population, CCU has redefined a full-time student as someone
who can take 12 to 18 credit hours, up from the maximum of 17 a year ago. With
most courses at CCU being three credit hours, the change will allow students to
take six courses rather than five.
"This is one of several recent
developments here at CCU that makes a quality Christian education more
affordable," said Dan Cohrs, Vice President for Business Affairs at CCU. "Since
it will now be no additional cost to take another three hour course each
semester, a student can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to earn
a degree."
"This reduces the cost of the degree, minimizes debt upon
graduation, and allows for faster entry into the work force."
Cohrs
emphasized this is part of an ongoing strategy at CCU to make higher education
more affordable. Most notably, CCU has also focused on reigning in tuition
costs. Compared to last year, the comprehensive tuition cost at CCU -- counting
room and board -- will increase by only 3.3%. This stands as one of the lowest
tuition increases among Front Range universities, and some public schools are
raising tuition near or over 10% for the 2012-13 school year.
Other
facets of the strategy to keep costs low include a larger range of co-op
education offerings, an array of paid internship opportunities, dual credit from
approved high schools, and increases in merit scholarships that outpace the rise
in tuition.
This multifaceted approach by CCU, which is exactly what
many families have to do to send children to college, helps the University meet
various strategic objectives -- including attracting top students and serving
the Church.