The Bloomberg segment "Cash-Strapped Colleges Are Draining Their Endowments to Survive" features Amanda Albright and Michael McKee discussing the financial struggles faced by numerous private colleges. According to the report, around 200 private institutions are actively drawing down their endowments to sustain operations. This financial strain is primarily attributed to a combination of declining student enrollments and reduced income streams, forcing these colleges to tap into their reserves to cover ongoing expenses.
The discussion underscores the critical role that cost plays in students' college selection processes, a sentiment echoed by institutions like Purchase College—SUNY. Purchase College emphasizes its commitment to affordability and academic excellence, aiming to provide accessible education to a broad range of students. For the 2026-2027 academic year, in-state tuition and fees at Purchase College—SUNY are $8,953, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $18,863. These figures are lower than the national averages of $9,843 for in-state and $19,613 for out-of-state tuition.
The total cost of attendance at Purchase College—SUNY, which includes tuition, fees, food, housing, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses, amounts to $30,379 for in-state students and $40,289 for out-of-state students. The institution also highlights that 59% of its first-year students receive need-based financial aid, with the average net price for federal loan recipients being $19,598. This focus on affordability and financial aid directly addresses the cost considerations that are increasingly influencing student and family decisions regarding higher education.
