How Much Does High Point University Cost?

Last Updated on November 9, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, High Point University is a private liberal arts institution known for its robust academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive student experience. With small class sizes, high-caliber faculty, and unique offerings like the Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, HPU provides students with tremendous educational opportunities.

However, attending a private university also comes with a higher price tag than public schools. Understanding the full cost of tuition, fees, room and board, books, and other expenses at High Point is important for families planning and budgeting for college. This guide breaks down the main pricing components and available financial aid options using the latest data for prospective students.

How Much Does High Point University Cost?

Attending High Point University costs approximately $56,000 per year including tuition, fees, room and board, but the final total varies per student based on housing choices, meal plans, financial aid packages, and additional personal expenses. With early financial planning, budgeting, and wise use of available scholarships and grants, families can make a High Point education an affordable investment.

For families assessing their budget for college, the principal costs fall into three main categories:

1. Base Tuition

This is the core charge to attend the academic courses and program based on enrollment status:

• Undergraduate tuition: $42,480 per year for full-time students taking 12 or more credits per semester. This equates to $14,160 per semester.
• The rate lowers to $1,190 per credit hour for undergraduate students taking 1 to 11 credit hours per semester. So, a part-time schedule would reduce overall tuition.
• Graduate program tuition varies significantly by degree. For example, the online MBA program charges $705 per credit hour. The Physician Assistant master’s program costs $37,932 per 12-month year.

Tuition rates increase moderately year-over-year, typically between 3-5% annually.

2. Room and Board

Room and board include housing accommodations and meal plans. These costs are in addition to tuition.

• On-campus housing – High Point offers diverse living options from traditional dorms to suite-style housing to premium apartments with many amenities. Pricing ranges from $5,790 per year for a basic dorm to $8,790 or more for a luxury apartment.
• Meal plans – Options include unlimited dining hall access for $6,150 per year down to 150-meal block plans for $3,180 per semester. Plans with Dining Dollars provide flexibility to eat at campus cafés and restaurants.
• Off-campus housing – While pricier, HPU has partnerships with several affordable complexes within walking distance. Living off-campus can save money but reduces access to campus resources.

3. Fees

Students pay mandatory supplemental fees for campus services, activities, and technology:

• Student fee – $1,368 per year
• Technology fee – $612 per year
• Health & Wellness fee – $160 per year
• Recreation fee – $120 per year
• Athletic fee – $200 per year
• Transportation fee – $100 per year

Certain courses and labs require additional fees for supplies, materials, equipment usage, or transportation costs ranging $50-$500 per class.

For an incoming freshman living on campus in a standard dorm with a basic dining plan, total tuition, housing, meals, and fees comes out to approximately $56,500 for an academic year.

Beyond these set costs billed by HPU, students and families should budget for:

• Books and supplies – Estimate $1,000 to $1,200 per year
• Personal expenses – Budget $2,000 to $3,000 for transportation, entertainment, and other individual costs.

According to College Factual, the combined tuition and fees for the 2020-2021 academic year were approximately $39,752 for undergraduates. This figure includes tuition of $34,628 and fees of $5,124. It is important to note that High Point University does not offer in-state discounts, making this price applicable to all students.

Further information from U.S. News & World Report indicates that for the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition at High Point University is set at $46,548. This is slightly below the national average tuition cost of $47,999. When considering additional expenses such as room and board, which are estimated at around $19,128, the total cost of attendance can reach approximately $65,676.

A report from Niche provides a net price estimate of about $40,221 per year for students receiving financial aid. This figure represents the average cost after accounting for grants and scholarships. The average total aid awarded is reported to be around $18,930 per year, with 95% of students receiving some form of financial assistance.

According to another source, Appily.com, the average net price for students at High Point University is approximately $40,719. This figure reflects the costs after financial aid has been applied and highlights how financial assistance can significantly reduce the overall expense of attending the university.

On-Campus Housing vs. Living Off-Campus

One major factor impacting overall cost is the room and board decision – should you live on campus or off campus? High Point is praised for its comfortable, contemporary on-campus housing options that foster community. Here’s an overview of considerations:

On-Campus Housing

Living on campus offers many advantages:

• Great proximity to classes, campus resources/activities
• Avoid commute time and costs
• Flexible meal plan options
• All utilities, WiFi, maintenance costs covered
• Social community of fellow students

However, shared dorms and suites are the most budget-friendly. On-campus apartments with amenities add expenses comparable to off-campus rental rates.

Off-Campus Housing

Benefits of living off-campus include:

• Potential savings on rent and meals
• More independent living
• Kitchens to prepare own food

Tradeoffs are reduced access to classes and campus life. Most apartments require 12-month leases versus 9-month dorm contracts too. HPU’s off-campus partner properties offer discounted rental rates and shuttle service.

Ultimately, living on campus delivers convenience and student immersion, while moving off campus after freshman year can provide cost savings for some.

You might also like our articles about the cost of tuition at Boston University, Harvard University, or Keiser University.

Grants, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

While the costs of private colleges often surpass public universities, expanding access to financial assistance helps reduce the net price families pay:

• Scholarships – Both need and merit-based aid to reduce tuition burden. HPU provides generous academic and extracurricular scholarships.
• Grants – Need-based aid that does not need repayment. Filing the FAFSA determines eligibility.
• Federal student loans – Offer favorable rates and flexible repayment. File the FAFSA to qualify.
• Work-study programs – Part-time jobs to earn tuition money while taking classes.

Academic and Merit Scholarships

High Point offers substantial renewable academic scholarships, including:

• Presidential Scholarship – Valued at over $200,000, this prestigious award covers full tuition costs and is renewed annually for 4 years. Extremely competitive based on academics, activities, service, and interview.
• Dean’s Scholarship – Awards up to $25,000 per year ($100,000 total) for outstanding students based on GPA, test scores, extracurricular involvement. Renewable annually.
• Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship – Up to $15,000 per year for transferring community college students who were part of the Phi Theta Kappa honors program.

Grants and Need-Based Aid

By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students can qualify for federal and state grants that do not require repayment. Aid is issued based on calculated financial need.

• The Federal Pell Grant provides up to $6,895 annually to students with exceptional need. Does not require repayment.
• The North Carolina Need-Based Scholarship averages $5,100 per year for NC residents attending private colleges in-state. Awards vary based on need and funding.

HPU’s financial aid office helps students apply and secure available grant assistance.

Student Loans

Federal student loans offer affordable rates and flexible repayment:

• Direct Subsidized Loans – Up to $5,500 per year. Interest does not accrue while enrolled. Need-based.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans – Up to $7,500 per year. Interest accrues immediately but payments optional while enrolled. Not need-based.
• PLUS Loans – Additional funds available to parents to supplement college costs. Requires credit check for approval.

Filing the FAFSA each year determines specific federal loan eligibility. Students should exhaust this aid before exploring private loans.

Work-Study for Additional Income

Students can offset costs by participating in work-study programs that provide part-time employment:

• On-campus jobs in departments like the library, fitness center, dining hall, administrative offices etc. Average 10-15 hours per week.
• Earn up to $3,000 per academic year.
• Gain professional experience and skills.

Smart Payment and Budgeting Options

• High Point offers resources to help students and families budget tuition payments over time while building financial skills:
• Payment Plans to Spread Costs
• Rather than one lump tuition payment each semester, HPU provides monthly payment plans to disburse academic charges over 5-6 manageable installments. Cost is $60 per semester and auto-drafts from a checking account. Offers convenience for budgeting cash flow.
• Peer Financial Coaching Program
• This innovative initiative trains upperclassmen as peer financial coaches to mentor new students on money management, budgeting, saving, and reducing debt. Valuable counseling on financial wellness from fellow students who understand the challenges firsthand.
• In-House Credit Union
• The HPU Student Choice Credit Union – run by students, for students – provides full banking services plus financial literacy education. An on-campus resource for money skills.
• Through tools like these, High Point University empowers students to build healthy financial behaviors.

Comparing Costs

To put the price tag for High Point University in context, it is instructive to compare with similar private colleges in the state:

School	Tuition + Fees	Room & Board	Total per Year
High Point University	$42,480	$11,940	$54,420
Wake Forest University	$57,586	$14,478	$72,064
Elon University	$41,735	$16,482	$58,217
Duke University	$60,960	$15,978	$76,938

While among the pricier options, High Point remains competitive for a private university with its robust offerings and generous scholarships.

And when compared to in-state costs at public NC schools:

School	Tuition + Fees	Room & Board	Total per Year
High Point Univeristy	$42,480	$11,940	$54,420
UNC Chapel Hill	$9,018	$11,938	$20,956
Appalachian State	$7,867	$9,608	$17,475
NC State	$9,101	$11,540	$20,641

Here the difference in base tuition fees becomes very apparent. But financial aid can help reduce the net price difference.

Final Words

The cost of attending High Point University covers far more than just tuition. From room and board to books, fees, and personal expenses, families should account for these additional costs during the planning process. Connecting with HPU’s Financial Aid Office early for guidance can help prospective students make informed decisions when budgeting and weighing their options.

Answers to Common Questions

How does High Point University have so much money?

High Point University has invested significantly in its campus and programs thanks to strategic budgeting, donations, and astute management of financial resources and endowments. Generous alumni giving and partnerships with industry and community partners have provided funding for new facilities and offerings. The university also operates efficiently to control costs while maximizing resources available for students.

Does High Point University offer full ride scholarships?

Yes, High Point’s prestigious Presidential Scholarship provides select incoming freshmen with a full tuition scholarship covering the complete cost of tuition for four years. This highly competitive scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and community service. Students pay room and board but attend tuition-free.

Is a degree from High Point University respected?

Yes, a degree from High Point University is well-respected due to the school’s strong reputation, variety of program offerings, accreditation, and high graduate employment rates. HPU graduates gain valuable skills, knowledge, and experiences that make them attractive candidates to employers and graduate programs. The value of an HPU degree comes from the quality education and opportunities for growth it provides.