Financial Aid To The Rescue

Bowie State Prepares To Provide Up To $10 Million To Students Impacted By COVID-19

There’s no doubt college is expensive. Aside from tuition, housing and meal plans, you might find yourself with additional expenses. Recently, Bowie State University announced they are preparing to address students’ financial challenges in funding their education during the pandemic, by providing up to $10 million in financial aid and scholarships. Through the federal CARES Act funds, financial assistance will support 1,390 students who continue to face economic challenges during the global crisis by relieving nearly $3 million in outstanding tuition and mandatory fee debt.

Concerns about the rising cost of college and high tuition rates are top-of-mind for students, who say COVID-19 has impacted their financial stability and that of their families. Students can apply to the tuition assistance program, which provides students enrolling for the fall semester with “last dollar grants” to offset any tuition and fee expenses remaining after federal and state aid have been awarded, reducing the need for burdensome loans.

“The greatest obstacle facing minority students’ success in college is obtaining financial support for their education,” said BSU’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Carl Goodman. “Applying the HEERF II funds to address the unprecedented financial impact on families over the past 18 months will remove that barrier allowing our students to progress and remain on track towards graduation.”

Along with the aid, BSU is offering some financial literacy to its students. Those receiving the debt relief will participate in money workshops offered by the university in partnership with Our Money Matters and Wells Fargo. The program will provide guidance on budgeting, saving and credit to empower students to effectively manage their money, limit and repay debts and begin successful careers.

This initiative has been heavily supported by BSU President Dr. Aminta H. Breaux who is in agreement to bring aid to the students by applying funds the university received from the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) to the outstanding balances of students enrolled in Spring 2020 through Summer 2021 enabling them to return to school for the Fall 2021 semester.

Additionally, another $7 million will be used to assist students enrolling for the 2021-2022 academic year.