Understanding Dordt University Tuition and Costs

Dordt University, affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church of North America and located in Sioux Center, Iowa, offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the costs associated with attending Dordt University, including tuition, fees, and other expenses, as well as financial aid options and student loan information.

Tuition and Fees

Undergraduate Tuition

The median undergraduate tuition at Dordt University is $35,360. The cost of tuition at Dordt University is $6,080 more than than the overall (public and private) national average for Baccalaureate Colleges ($29,280). For the academic year 2025-2026, the tuition and fees are projected to be $38,050. This "sticker price" covers the basic cost of instruction and access to university resources. Fees may cover library services, gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and campus health centers.

Total Cost

Beyond tuition, students should also consider the total cost of attendance, which includes:

Food and Housing: For 2025-2026, the estimated cost for food and housing is $12,010. In 2023, the average yearly cost of room and board at Dordt University was $11,160. The cost of room and board increased by 1.41% between 2022 and 2023.
Books and Supplies: The average yearly cost of books and supplies was $1,010. The cost of books and supplies decreased by 1.94% during the same period.
Other Expenses: Personal expenses and transportation costs should also be factored in.

Therefore, the total cost for 2025-2026 is projected to be $50,060. At Dordt University, the total cost is $53,400.

Net Price and Financial Aid

Average Net Price

The average net price, which is the price paid after factoring in grants and loans, was $27,925. Between 2022 and 2023, the average net price of Dordt University grew by 2.01%. This figure is calculated from full-time beginning undergraduate students who were awarded a grant or scholarship from federal, state, local governments, or the institution.

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Financial Aid Availability

Dordt University is committed to making education accessible. More than 98% of students receive financial aid, with the average financial aid award being $36,000.

In 2023, 91% of undergraduate students attending Dordt University received financial aid through grants. Comparatively, 43% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans. This represents a decline of 1.09% with respect to 2022, when 92% of undergraduate students received financial aid.

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.

Types of Financial Aid

Grants and Scholarships: These do not need to be paid back. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Dordt University was $26,849. Additionally, 48% of first-year students received need-based financial aid in fall 2023.
Loans: These must be paid back with interest. Federal Stafford Loans can be borrowed without a credit check or co-signer.
Work-Study: This allows students to earn money through campus jobs.

Financial Aid Application

To apply for financial aid, students need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The FAFSA determines eligibility for federal aid programs, and many colleges use it to award institutional aid as well.

Student Loan Debt

Median Debt

At Dordt University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $21,500. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is $228.

Private Loans

Additionally, 12% of graduating students at Dordt University took out private loans. Students with private loans had an average of $24,001 in private loan debt at graduation.

Total Indebtedness

Average Total Indebtedness of 2024 Graduating Class is $29,516. Graduating students who have borrowed (any loan type, 2024) 68%.

Other Financial Considerations

Net Price Calculator

Dordt University offers a Net Price Calculator on its website to help prospective students estimate their individual cost of attendance after financial aid. This tool considers the student's financial situation and provides a more personalized estimate.

Payment Plans

Monthly payment plans and Plus Loans (for parents) or credit based private/alternative educational loans are available to help pay these expenses.

Additional Resources

Dordt University uses ACI for collection of online payments. In an effort to make graduate education at Dordt available to as many people as possible, program costs are kept as reasonable as possible. Financial aid in the form of federal loan programs is available. Students who wish to apply online should go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.Most Dordt students receive some form of financial aid; many receive several. These include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities.

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