Best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell has publicly released his Revisionist History
podcast episode, “A Good Circle,” about Hope College and Hope Forward. Bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell hosted a dynamic keynote presentation at Hope
College’s Catalyst Summit, which provided an energizing exploration of how to improve
access to college. College will never be free. The question we need to ask is: who should pay for it,
and when? The current model — used throughout higher ed — forces students to pay a
lot at the poorest point in their lives, burdening them with debt for decades. But
a bold new way called "Hope Forward" flips the current model on its head. Every student who takes Economics 101 learns the concept of supply and demand—specifically,
how a decrease in the supply of a good or resource drives up its cost. Can supply-and-demand
theory also explain the rising cost of attending college? This op-ed is the third in a series in which President Matthew Scogin from Hope College
will be exploring the ways that the economics of higher education influence the decisions
students make about their education—and what we (as a country) can do to improve access
to higher education. This op-ed is the second in a series by President Scogin.
"The discussion around improving access to higher education -- specifically due to
the decades-long price increase of a four-year degree -- is typically framed as whether
or not college should be free." This op-ed is the first in a series in which President Scogin be exploring the ways
that the economics of higher education influence the decisions students make about
their education—and what we (as a country) can do to improve access to higher education.
Hope College Featured on Malcolm Gladwell’s Podcast
A Catalyst for Hope
College Without Tuition | SXSW EDU 2022
Follow the Money: How Student Loans Derailed American Higher Education
Why the Four-Year Degree is Still the Best “Pathway Program”
Rethinking the Economic Model of Higher Education
To Preserve the American Dream, Improve Access to Higher Ed
A College Education is too Expensive
Hope is going to change that. Hope Forward is an entirely new funding model that will provide fully-funded tuition for every student at Hope College.
Instead of charging tuition before receiving a transformative Hope education, this “pay it forward” approach will ask students to give to the college after they graduate — providing the same opportunity for future students. And because they will graduate free from the burden of debt, they’ll be better positioned to pursue lives of impact, not just income to pay the bills.
A college funding model based on generosity and giving? We believe that could change everything.
About Hope ForwardGive to Hope ForwardHelp Us Move Hope Forward

About Hope Forward
Based on a pay-it-forward approach, the Hope Forward tuition model represents an entirely new way of thinking about funding college. It’s built on three pillars: Access, Generosity and Community.

Student Experience
Hope Forward students join a cohort — a community of learners — on a journey to explore what it means to live a life of positive impact rooted in gratitude and generosity.

Catalyst Summit
The Catalyst Summit, hosted by Hope College and Malcolm Gladwell, was a day to explore the possibilities of a future where college education is affordable and accessible to all. Watch videos from the Catalyst Summit.

Media Coverage
Hope Forward is making headlines. View videos, read opinion pieces by President Matt Scogin, and catch the latest national and local news celebrating Hope’s cutting-edge approach to higher education.
Hope Forward: Three Pillars
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Being transformed by Hope should not come with a price tag.
Accessibility -
Graduates give out of gratitude for the gift they have received.
Generosity -
Hope Forward will transform our relationship with students and alumni.
Community