Loyola is celebrating its upcoming 100th birthday in a big way – offering all eligible prospective students a $1,000 tuition-credit if they tour the school before May 1. But not all current students are happy with this party favor.

According to the Office of Admissions Web site, this one-time award will be credited to the eligible prospective student’s fall 2008 and spring 2009 tuition – $500 each semester.

The Fall 2008 incoming class will be the centennial class of 2012. Heather Gitlitz, mass communication senior and publications intern for the Office of Admissions, said the $1,000 is just another incentive for freshmen to come to Loyola.

She said the information is not specifically mentioned on the tours given by the Office of Admissions, but all prospective students at the time of the tour are required to meet with an admissions counselor, and are made aware of the different financial opportunities offered by the university.

Many current students have expressed concern that they have not been included to receive the $1,000 tuition-credit. Samira Jones, psychology sophomore, said she’s glad incoming freshman have an opportunity like this, but it isn’t fair to current students.

“I have a pretty good scholarship, but it still doesn’t cover everything,” Jones said. “Tuition here is ridiculous.”

Office of Admissions interim dean Lori Zawistowski strongly cautions students that this is not a scholarship, but a tuition-credit, which means $1,000 is being deducted from their tuition, not being given to them.

There are certain requirements prospective students must complete before receiving the tuition-credit. Aside from visiting the university before May 1, all prospective students must have an official meeting with an admissions counselor.

Additionally, the credit is not allowed to surpass the cost of tuition, and has no cash value.

Jauné Jackson can be reached at [email protected].