Curator: Jesika Kasch
Through the course of Fontbonne’s history, the world around the college has had many changes. Changes that have been reflected in the college – now university – itself. These snippets of college life at Fontbonne show foremost, the changing price and value of the average private college tuition. However, in the pages of the catalogues, we also see the changing social mores, values and expectations – first for the women who attended Fontbonne and then for the co-ed population that has since joined the rank and file. With this exhibit, take some time to reflect on your own personal connection and experience with Fontbonne, as well as those of the ones who walked these halls before you had.
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Tuition & Fees, 1926-2000
Through the course of Fontbonne’s history, the world around the college has had many changes. Changes that have been reflected in the college – now university – itself. These snippets of college life at Fontbonne show foremost, the changing price and value of the average private college tuition. However, in the pages of the catalogues, we also see the changing social mores, values and expectations – first for the women who attended Fontbonne and then for the co-ed population that has since joined the rank and file. With this exhibit, take some time to reflect on your own personal connection and experience with Fontbonne, as well as those of the ones who walked these halls before you had.
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Tuition & Fees: Fontbonne College Bulletin, 1926-1927
While expenses didn’t differ too much in this year, this bulletin notes that “A social, as well as business reference, is required from strangers making application for the entrance of students.”
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Tuition & Fees: Fontbonne College Bulletin Supplement, 1933-1934
While the tuition remains steady, music lessons get condensed – individual types of lessons are no longer listed.
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Tuition & Fees: Fontbonne College Catalog, 1956-1957
The postwar years of 1956-57 doesn’t change much. Students are still able to get private music lessons, but the fees list begins to get longer.
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Tuition & Fees: Fontbonne College Catalog, 1963-1964
This catalog shows us the rates for refunds/tuition adjustments. Withdrawing within the first two weeks gets you 60% of the $425 (per semester) back, while the third week nets you 40% and anything after the fourth week is 20% refunded to you.
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Tuition & Fees: Fontbonne College Catalog, 1971-1972
The 1971-72 year sees us with all three of our current residence halls in full swing. St Joseph’s for $500, Medaille at between $525-$575 and Southwest at $500-$540 per semester rates.
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Tuition & Fees: Fontbonne College Catalog (The Overall Look), 1978-1979
In what is arguably the most fashionable catalog Fontbonne has ever offered music lessons are still being offered, even in the changing times of the 70’s, as it is still thought a good solid contemporary choice for students (particularly women). The lessons are still for piano, violin, organ and voice – one hour per week per semester for $175.00. Additionally, the graduation fee for professional services are listed for both baccalaureate and masters as $50.00. Guests in the residence hall are still allowed but jumps to $8.00 per night.
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Tuition & Fees: Fontbonne College Catalog, 1981-1983
The following in the footsteps of other institutions at this time, the 80s takes a step towards the progressive and there are more options for students in the form of evening classes.
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Tuition & Fees: Fontbonne College Catalog, 1998-2000
Finally, our celebratory 75th anniversary catalog gives us a slightly more contemporary look at what is offered. Audit classes are now available, as well as tuition discounts for senior citizens.
