Ferrum College - The Ferrum Newsstand

High school students and their families are invited to participate in Virginia Private College Week at Ferrum College during the first week of August. Students who visit three colleges during the week will receive special application fee waivers, making it possible to apply to any three institutions for free.

“Personal, affordable, and quality – these are the words I hope families will associate with a private college education,” explains Robert Lambeth, President of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV). “Our students are successful because their education is customized to meet their goals both in and out of the classroom.”

A private college education is more affordable than many families think. Last year, Virginia private colleges gave students more than $200 million in scholarships and grants. In addition, in-state students attending a Virginia private college are eligible to receive a state grant –Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) – for a maximum of four years. This year’s grant is $2,700 and will increase to approximately $3,000 in 2007.

Campus tours during Private College Week may include informational sessions on how to apply for admission and financial aid. Sessions at most colleges will be offered at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 5 (exceptions are noted on www.privatecollegeweek.org).

Last year, CICV colleges reported over 2,000 visits during Virginia Private College Week, with students and families visiting from 33 states and the District of Columbia. Private College Week is not an organized bus tour. Rather, students will visit the colleges on their own and must arrange their own transportation. Students are also encouraged to call the colleges beforehand and make an appointment.

More information about Virginia Private College Week and the application fee waivers can be found at www.privatecollegeweek.org or by contacting any of the participating colleges.

With 25 member institutions, CICV was founded in 1971 to promote the interests of nonprofit, private colleges and universities in Virginia. CICV was also instrumental in starting the state's Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) program.

Ferrum College is a four-year, private, co-educational, liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Ferrum offers a choice of nationally recognized bachelor’s degree programs at a cost well below the national average for private colleges. For more information on Ferrum, visit www.ferrum.edu.