Tuition hike revenue to add 40 percent aid
Students would qualify under FAFSA
Janie Boschma
Issue date: 10/8/09 Section: Campus News
[Editor's Note: This article is the third in a series exploring the various components of the Blugold Commitment.]
Of the $1,000 to $2,500 possible differential tuition increase per student over the next four years, 40 percent of the total Blugold Commitment revenue would be allocated for financial aid. The aid would "hold harmless" those students who demonstrate financial need, said director of financial aid Kathleen Sahlhoff.
Senior Matt Ludvigson, who does not qualify for financial aid, said he doesn't think need-based aid should be a component of the Blugold Commitment.
"I don't understand why I should pay for someone else to go to college," he said.
The remaining 60 percent of the revenue would fund hiring more faculty and staff members, as well as supporting such supplemental academic experiences as first-year experience, faculty-student research and studying abroad, among others.
Junior Helen Widdicombe said she thinks the 40/60 split is fair, because it prioritizes academics but still protects students who wouldn't be able to afford the additional cost without assistance.
"(Academics are) more important, because that's why we're here, but we need to get here too," Widdicombe said, "and that's where financial aid comes in."
Widdicombe qualifies for financial aid, but said she would support the financial aid component even if she didn't, because she understands how difficult it is for some students and their families to pay for higher education.
Students would qualify for financial aid if their family earns a median income of $72,000 or below and if they demonstrate financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, Sahlhoff said. Such factors as the number of children in a family and their level of assets usually affect a student's financial need, she added.
Based on 2008-09 figures, about 3,800 students would qualify for financial aid, Sahlhoff said.
Ludvigson said he appreciates that the tuition increase would allow the university to be more competitive, though he'd rather not have to pay more than he already does.
Of the $1,000 to $2,500 possible differential tuition increase per student over the next four years, 40 percent of the total Blugold Commitment revenue would be allocated for financial aid. The aid would "hold harmless" those students who demonstrate financial need, said director of financial aid Kathleen Sahlhoff.
Senior Matt Ludvigson, who does not qualify for financial aid, said he doesn't think need-based aid should be a component of the Blugold Commitment.
"I don't understand why I should pay for someone else to go to college," he said.
The remaining 60 percent of the revenue would fund hiring more faculty and staff members, as well as supporting such supplemental academic experiences as first-year experience, faculty-student research and studying abroad, among others.
Junior Helen Widdicombe said she thinks the 40/60 split is fair, because it prioritizes academics but still protects students who wouldn't be able to afford the additional cost without assistance.
"(Academics are) more important, because that's why we're here, but we need to get here too," Widdicombe said, "and that's where financial aid comes in."
Widdicombe qualifies for financial aid, but said she would support the financial aid component even if she didn't, because she understands how difficult it is for some students and their families to pay for higher education.
Students would qualify for financial aid if their family earns a median income of $72,000 or below and if they demonstrate financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, Sahlhoff said. Such factors as the number of children in a family and their level of assets usually affect a student's financial need, she added.
Based on 2008-09 figures, about 3,800 students would qualify for financial aid, Sahlhoff said.
Ludvigson said he appreciates that the tuition increase would allow the university to be more competitive, though he'd rather not have to pay more than he already does.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Travis
posted 10/08/09 @ 7:43 AM CST
This idea of getting students out in four years is a horrible idea. So much for being "undeclared" for a semester or two. You won't be able to finish college with all these tuition hikes - the cost will be too much. (Continued…)
Sam
posted 10/08/09 @ 1:15 PM CST
Increasing tuition in attempt to get us out in 4 years is the wrong move. The primary reason most of us don't get out in 4 years is we have to work to pay at least part of our way through school. (Continued…)
New York Moving
posted 10/08/09 @ 4:05 PM CST
Quote;
"Based on 2008-09 figures, about 3,800 students would qualify for financial aid, Sahlhoff said.
Ludvigson said he appreciates that the tuition increase would allow the university to be more competitive, though he'd rather not have to pay more than he already does. (Continued…)
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