With the rising cost of living and a rapidly changing job market, choosing a university can be an anxiety-ridden financial decision. When you introduce words like “private” and “Christian,” many assume that affordability is out of the picture. With the help of its generous donor community, Redeemer is committed to affordable tuition, likely more affordable than most may think.
Less than the cost of many private Christian elementary and high schools, the university maintains a competitive pricing model that keeps tuition affordable so that many students can choose an education that prepares them to share the love of Jesus Christ in every career and calling.
Five years ago, Redeemer announced its commitment to affordable Christian university education with an unprecedented 42 per cent tuition reduction, followed by a four-year tuition freeze. After an increase of less than two per cent for the current school year, Redeemer is freezing tuition once again for the 2024-2025 academic year despite inflationary pressures.
Prospective students and their families can be confident that an exciting, relevant and accessible Christian university education is here to stay.
In comparison to other public universities in the Greater Hamilton Area, Redeemer University is a reasonably priced choice. Tuition at nine nearby universities, in programs for which Redeemer offers an equivalent, ranges from $5,800 to $13,000 per year. Redeemer’s tuition is the same for all domestic undergraduate students, at $9,987 per year.
When factoring in additional costs such as fees, housing and food, Redeemer’s unique, communal living residence program is at the more affordable end of the post-secondary cost spectrum.
| Nine nearby universities in southern Ontario | Redeemer University | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition for comparable programs | $5,800 – 13,000 | $9,987 |
| Fees | $0 – 1,967 | $1,392 – 1,454 |
| Housing | $6,450 – 18,164 | $6,972 – 8,022 |
| Meal Plan | $2,920 – 7,208 | $2,226 – 3,392 |
| Total | $15,170 – 40,339 | $20,577 – 22,855 |
“We believe that every student who wishes to pursue Christian higher education should be able to,” says Redeemer president Dr. David Zietsma. “Affordability is a critical priority as Redeemer innovates for the future, building on a Christian liberal arts and sciences foundation with relevant programming and new delivery models and degrees. Prospective students and their families can be confident that an exciting, relevant and accessible Christian university education is here to stay.”
Many other local public universities make tuition higher for programs in high demand or with specific career outcomes, such as business administration. Redeemer is unique in setting a single tuition price for all of its liberal arts and sciences programs. This pricing is reflective of a liberal arts and science philosophy where students study across disciplines and have the opportunity to choose from a variety of courses, encouraging the development of critical and innovative thinking.
By removing affordability as a barrier, students are more free to choose a university learning environment that prioritizes the authority of Scripture and their spiritual growth.
For commuter students living in the area, a bachelor of arts tuition that is slightly higher than average is offset by financial aid and savings on housing and transportation. When everything is factored in, a transformative educational experience at Redeemer is financially similar to public universities in southern Ontario.
Furthermore, Redeemer has a variety of financial aid options available, such as automatic merit scholarships, and discipline- or interest-related scholarships and bursaries, based on financial need. Nearly all Redeemer students—89% per cent—receive financial aid to lessen the cost of their education. Thanks to the support of Redeemer’s generous donor community, the university gives out nearly $700,000 annually in scholarships and bursaries.
“By removing affordability as a barrier, students are more free to choose a university learning environment that prioritizes the authority of Scripture and their spiritual growth,” says Zietsma. “Through learning that is academically rigorous, practical, and spiritually engaged, these students become graduates prepared to be the Christian leaders, critical thinkers and innovative changemakers that will share the hope of the Gospel so desperately needed in our world. Redeemer is privileged to be part of God’s Kingdom work in this way.”