Jan 26, 2009 -- Expressing sensitivity to the growing challenges presented by the current economic downturn both institutionally and to families of its current and prospective students, Yeshiva University announced today that it will not raise tuition at the undergraduate level for the 2009-2010 academic year. Moreover, YU will increase the amount of scholarship support it awards annually. “Like much of the educational world, we are experiencing some painful belt-tightening. But we cannot waver in our mission to offer the finest academic enterprise and an experience steeped in Jewish values and tradition,” said President Richard Joel. “Despite the fact that many universities are raising tuition, we’re mindful of the unique pressures on our undergraduate parents, who are also paying private Jewish day school and yeshiva tuition for multiple children in addition to college. As a result, we must do everything we can in these challenging times to make our unique undergraduate experience affordable and accessible.” Watch a video of President Joel talking about the tuition freeze here. Unlike other colleges and universities, at YU undergraduate students are required to participate in a dual academic program combining a full complement of college-level Jewish studies courses with a traditional liberal arts and sciences or business education. President Joel said that base undergraduate tuition at YU will remain at $31,594 for the 2009-10 academic year for all incoming and current students. Room and board fees will increase only $250 per semester. In addition, the level of both academic and need-based scholarship aid will increase over last year. YU provides approximately $31 million in assistance each year, with about 70 percent of students receiving some form of financial aid. Moreover, the University has instituted a new supplemental scholarship program for students who enter in fall 2009 after a first year in Israel, which will provide a 50 percent reduction in tuition for their last year if they have committed when they enter to a fourth year on campus. “We prepare our students not just to make a living, but to live a life worth living,” said President Joel. “Our students not only receive an excellent education but are also ready to make significant contributions to the betterment of the Jewish people and society. This is our compact with the Jewish community. Now, more than ever, this is of paramount importance.” Simply stated, he said, “our children – and our community – cannot afford to do without a YU education.”