Giving Compass' Take:

• Frederick Hess interviews Michael Rounds, president of Williamson College of the Trades, on the school's innovative approach to a tuition-free trade school.

• How can other schools learn from the philanthropy based free-tuition model at Williamson?

• Read more about making college tuition-free.

Many things set Williamson apart. First is the fact that Williamson is the only postsecondary school in the country that, with no obligation, provides full scholarships to every enrolled student. The structured and challenging lifestyle—similar to a military academy—is also not the norm for a trade school. Our students have dress and conduct codes that teach discipline and accountability.

The college gives admission preference to the most economically challenged students. Typically, over 80 percent of our students are eligible for a federal Pell Grant. Between a quarter and a third of our student body identify as a minority. Beyond their financial challenges, many of our students also come from difficult family situations. Over half are from single-parent households, and some have been in the foster care system, have been homeless, or have an incarcerated parent.

The college is fortunate to have an endowment that was started by our founder and enlarged by subsequent philanthropists. The revenue from that endowment covers about 70 percent of the school’s annual budget. Every year, we have to raise the remaining 30 percent of the money needed for daily operations.

We consistently graduate about 75 percent of our students on time. That’s a pretty remarkable outcome compared to other two- and four-year colleges in our area and across the country. Williamson also has a 98 percent job-placement rate. We have two career fairs a year where companies can pay to come to campus to interview and hire our graduating seniors.

I believe that our graduation rate is due to the strong sense of community we build on campus. A student’s 1,000-day journey through Williamson is undoubtedly challenging, but every one of our faculty and staff are committed to supporting our young men and teaching them the values and character traits they need to be successful.

Read the full article about Williamson College's unique approach to trade school education by Frederick Hess at Education Next.