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Welcome to Donnelly College, located in the heart of Kansas City, Kansas. Donnelly is an independent, coeducational, Catholic institution founded by the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica and sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. The College was established in 1949 to offer affordable Catholic higher education to urban immigrants and the working class, with particular focus on "those who might not otherwise be served." Today, Donnelly continues that proud tradition of increasing access to those most under-represented in higher education within a culture that promotes student success. Donnelly College is a Catholic institution of higher education that seeks to continue the mission of Jesus Christ in our time by making the love of God tangible in our world. Specifically, the mission of Donnelly College is to provide education and community services with personal concern for the needs and abilities of each student, especially those who might not otherwise be served. The vision of Donnelly College is to advance the common good by being the most accessible and transformative Catholic College in the country. Donnelly College began in 1949 with a bold vision: to create a Catholic college with a particular focus on expanding access to higher education. At Donnelly, access means more than affordability. It also means an urban core location, an open admissions policy, program options to meet students' needs, and an opportunity to explore faith. Donnelly serves a diverse array of students who benefit from our small, faith-based campus and intensive academic supports. However, we especially seek to increase access for low-income and first-generation students who are significantly less likely to complete College. Research shows that nationally, only 1 in 10 bachelor degree graduates come from households earning less than $35,000/yr. Donnelly students are 81% first-generation college students with an average household income of $27,000. To help reverse these trends in our community, Donnelly works hard to keep tuition affordable, especially in other private, Catholic colleges. Donnelly's commitment to access means that tuition must remain low. However, tuition payments do not cover the full cost of educating students, and as a private institution, we do not rely on government support that public institutions receive. Instead, we seek generous donors to invest in our mission to provide quality academic programs and critical student supports. Cost alone should not keep anyone from going to college, but it does. Our low tuition rate increases accessibility and helps students graduate promptly with minimal debt. Whether you are looking to start your education at Donnelly through our Associate or Nursing programs or looking to pursue a Bachelor's degree in one of our study areas, we can help you get to where you want to be. Pursuing an education at Donnelly College prepares each student to fulfill his or her God-given purpose in life. We challenge our students to become the best version of themselves. Our liberal arts and sciences approach develops graduates to have a breadth of content knowledge and the skills and abilities which will enable them to become educated participants in a diverse global community. Here you will enjoy a small campus experience in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. You can discover your passion and follow your dreams by pursuing an associate degree, Bachelor's degree, or nursing program through Donnelly, or take some courses and transfer to another institution. Don't get lost in the crowd of a large campus. Donnelly feels like family, so when life presents challenges, you won't be alone. Donnelly is one of the most diverse colleges in the country - and it's in the heart of KCK. More than 90% of our students receive financial assistance, and many leave Donnelly with little or no student loan debt. At Donnelly, you are empowered to go from where you are to where you want to be. Complete your degree at Donnelly, or we'll help you transfer to another college. Explore big questions and learn to problem solve big problems by taking courses in a variety of subjects. Speak your mind and live your faith in a Catholic college that encourages you to express your own beliefs. Making your college career a reality means making a financial investment in yourself and your future. Our philosophy at Donnelly College is to ensure you make the most of every opportunity — scholarships, grants, and loans if necessary. We will help you find the right resources for your situation. Ultimately, the financial responsibility rests with you and your family. Make sure you consider all of your options. As the financial aid applicant/recipient, you will have to comply with all of the policies, procedures, and requirements about your eligibility for student financial aid. At Donnelly, we offer a comprehensive financial aid program, including merit and need-based scholarships and other federal, state, and institutional aid sources. We are here to find the right financial aid for you. Your education is an investment in your future. Although Donnelly has a cost, we are proud to be a high quality, affordable option in the heart of Kansas City. According to the U.S. Department of Education, we were named in the top 100 most affordable private, nonprofit, 4-year colleges and universities in the country. More than 90% of our students receive financial assistance (grants, loans, and scholarships), and many have the opportunity to leave Donnelly with little or no student loan debt. View full university