UVM funding package could mean full ride for some Vermonters
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By Sarah Hinckley Times Argus Staff - Published: April 29, 2008
BURLINGTON – With only two days left to mail that college acceptance letter in, low-income Vermonters should know they might be eligible for a full-ride to the University of Vermont.
The state university has decided to offer grants and scholarships to cover all tuition costs and fees for qualifying, dependent, low-income Vermont students. University officials say this is one way to keep students from leaving the state and school, as well as keeping them enrolled for all four years without the deterrence of a mound of debt upon graduating.
"We're providing them a level of comfort that we will support them through their four years," said Chris Lucier, vice president for enrollment management. "We are trying to, by this, reduce the loan burden on lower-income students."
Lucier figures that of the 600 incoming Vermont freshman at the university, a quarter, or about 150, will qualify for the full-tuition package, which is made up of grants from Pell, UVM and the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, and scholarships.
The investment is expected to total $750,000, which is in addi-tion to the $12 million in financial aid available through the university for other incoming and enrolled students.
The number of students from Vermont applying to the state university has increased by about 13 percent in the last eight years, according to Lucier. In 2001, about 1,400 Vermont students applied to UVM; for the last two years that number is around 2,000.
"As you have more students apply, it does become more competitive," said Lucier, noting this year was a tough one for high school seniors nationally. "It is much more competitive for out of state students … This is the highest year of high school graduates our country will see. From here, it will start to decline."
Lucier admits that some of the students who qualify for the full tuition already have their need met with the financial package they were offered. The program covers up to $2,400 a year in unmet need.
"It depends on each student's situation," said Lucier, admitting exceptions would be made for independent children who are wards of the state. "Potentially that's $9,600 they won't have to take out in loans."
This is the first year of the program and if the financial means remain available, the university would like to continue the program, ideally for the next four years.
"Ultimately, if this is successful, there will be more than 600 students," said Lucier about those receiving full tuition. "What we're trying to do is provide the student and family the guarantee that they will be well cared for."
Contact Sarah Hinckley at sarah.hinckley@timesargus.com.
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