More tuition aid open to students
Campus sees 2 percent jump in students qualifying for aid
Scott Hansen
Issue date: 2/16/09 Section: Campus News
New private and public investments are providing additional financial aid for students in the UW System, including those attending UW-Eau Claire.
UW System President Kevin P. Reilly announced recently that nearly 2,000 UW students received $1.76 million in new need-based assistance from the Fund for Wisconsin Scholars last semester, according to a UW System press release. The FFWS is a private, non-profit fund established through a $175 million gift from John and Tashia Morgridge.
Thirty-three Eau Claire students received grants from the FFWS last semester, totaling $57,750. The FFWS also gave out 146 stipends to Eau Claire students for a total $45,500.
Eau Claire also saw a 2 percent increase in the number of students who receive need-based financial aid. At this time last year, 7,349 students received need-based financial aid. Now 7,514 students receive need-based financial aid. Additionally, 1,949 students have received more than $6 million in Pell grants, a number that is expected to rise next year, said Kathleen Sahlhoff, Eau Claire's director of financial aid.
As the economy continues to be a concern, Sahlhoff said that contrary to what some may expect, when people are going through tougher times, the financial aid office awards more money.
"The financial aid program hasn't received a decrease in their funding," Sahlhoff said. "Actually (they) have received an increase and the stimulus bill will give an even further increase."
Sahlhoff also said she expects more students to qualify for need-based aid this year. Currently, 40 to 45 percent of Eau Claire students qualify. Additionally, the money generated through private scholarships will allow the financial aid office to reduce what those students would otherwise take out in loans, Sahlhoff said.
"It is important that we welcome receiving as much funding in gift assistance as possible," Sahlhoff said. "Students win if we increase gift assistance … we want to encourage that and support that as much as we can."
UW System President Kevin P. Reilly announced recently that nearly 2,000 UW students received $1.76 million in new need-based assistance from the Fund for Wisconsin Scholars last semester, according to a UW System press release. The FFWS is a private, non-profit fund established through a $175 million gift from John and Tashia Morgridge.
Thirty-three Eau Claire students received grants from the FFWS last semester, totaling $57,750. The FFWS also gave out 146 stipends to Eau Claire students for a total $45,500.
Eau Claire also saw a 2 percent increase in the number of students who receive need-based financial aid. At this time last year, 7,349 students received need-based financial aid. Now 7,514 students receive need-based financial aid. Additionally, 1,949 students have received more than $6 million in Pell grants, a number that is expected to rise next year, said Kathleen Sahlhoff, Eau Claire's director of financial aid.
As the economy continues to be a concern, Sahlhoff said that contrary to what some may expect, when people are going through tougher times, the financial aid office awards more money.
"The financial aid program hasn't received a decrease in their funding," Sahlhoff said. "Actually (they) have received an increase and the stimulus bill will give an even further increase."
Sahlhoff also said she expects more students to qualify for need-based aid this year. Currently, 40 to 45 percent of Eau Claire students qualify. Additionally, the money generated through private scholarships will allow the financial aid office to reduce what those students would otherwise take out in loans, Sahlhoff said.
"It is important that we welcome receiving as much funding in gift assistance as possible," Sahlhoff said. "Students win if we increase gift assistance … we want to encourage that and support that as much as we can."
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