RIO GRANDE, Ohio, Dec. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Rising tuition is prompting more colleges and universities to work together to keep higher education affordable. Only the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College accomplishes that through a one-of-a-kind partnership between a private university and a public community college.

Rio Grande has kept college costs down since 1976 by offering most of its students the advantages of attending a private university for the price of a community college during their first two years.

"Ohio residents who are first- and second-year Rio Grande students, including those in associate degree and baccalaureate programs, are considered community college students and are charged the community college tuition," explained Rio Grande President Barbara Gellman-Danley.

Tuition rises for juniors or seniors, but 63 percent of Rio Grande students are eligible for Pell Grants that make their costs much lower. Many other forms of financial aid also are available.

A student who stays four years (paying full tuition, which most don't) will pay $43,984 for a bachelor's degree, averaging $10,996 per year, quite a bargain for a degree from a small, private, liberal arts campus, President Gellman-Danley said. 

Eric Fingerhut, vice president for education and STEM learning at Battelle and former Ohio Board of Regents chancellor, said the arrangement uniquely creates a smooth pathway from two-year to four-year degree programs while addressing two critical issues.

"The Rio model addresses both our pressing national priorities in higher education: affordability and intensive educational experiences that raise up a student's aspirations and attainment. Everyone in higher education should watch Rio's progress and root for their success," he said.

Rio Grande students paying community college rates enjoy the benefits of a private university: more academic programs, college sports, dormitory living and Greek life. They attend small classes and work closely with professors who help them succeed.

The model makes sense to Rio Grande student Quinci Teer of Cleveland.

"When I was looking at schools, cost was a major concern," she said. "The University of Rio Grande is not only cost-efficient, but helps each student achieve his or her goals. I will graduate in May confident that I'm academically prepared to be an outstanding math-science teacher and globally productive citizen."

For more information about Rio Grande, e-mail admissions@rio.edu or log onto www.rio.edu.

SOURCE University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College

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http://www.rio.edu