University of Virginia students still struggle with banned financial aid program
A few weeks ago, students gathered in protest of the recent changes to the University of Virginia’s AccessUVa financial aid program.
Over the summer, the board voted to abolish all-grant financial aid and replace portions of that aid with federally subsidized loans.
William Profitt is a 4th year student at the University. He says that the move hurts people of color. “This terrible decision will disproportionately hurt low-income individuals, who are disproportionately minority students. Sadly, said individuals will be denied access to this particular institution of learning due to their inability to afford the tuition.”
Beginning with next year’s class of 2018, students will now receive up to $14,000 for loans for in-state students and $28,000 for out-of-state students. These changes are expected to save $6 million per year.
Read more at The Cavalier Daily
The University said the change was a reflection of “shifting economic conditions, particularly during and after the recession.” The failing economy resulted in an increased demand for financial aid and pushed AccessUVa’s cost beyond budgetary projections.
Thoughts on the ban?
Are lawmakers allowing budgetary concerns to blind their decision-making?
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