Tuition rises, but financial aid remains same

For many students, it seems as though financial aid packages aren’t matching up to what they were last year.

Several things may account for this.  Every year, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) awards change, meaning that students’ aid packages will change based on economic prosperity over the last year.

However, students are seeing the change in more ways than just FAFSA packages.  According to Iris Mirelez, Assistant Director of Financial Aid, the cost of tuition last year for an in-state, full-time student was $8070.  This year, the cost has increased to $8354, meaning that tuition has increased by $284.

“I would understand them dropping financial aid if they dropped tuition.  Tuition didn’t go down, so it doesn’t help students,” said psychology student Mindy Merricle.

Although the tuition has changed, financial aid packages have remained relatively unchanged.  “It feels like less aid to students because they see the increase in tuition charges,” said Mirelez.  Both loans and Pell Grants have remained stable and those receiving the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) will see a change from $672 last year to $856 this year.

However, some students have seen adverse changes over the past year, as some aid packages have been affected by a federal redefinition of the poverty level.  This means that students who were considered below the poverty threshold in previous years are not receiving the same amount of aid, despite a lack of change in their income. This change affects both students’ eligibility for Pell Grants and the OCOG.

Even for those whose federal assistance has remained relatively stable, there is a large perception that financial aid is dropping.  This is mainly due to WSU’s change from the quarter system to the semester system.  Now, tuition is being lumped into two sums, as opposed to three, meaning that tuition looks inflated and corresponding financial aid appears smaller.

College is expensive, and the change in course schedules and tuition has caused students to wonder if they are receiving the right amount of aid.  “Students are being good consumers,” Mirelez said, “They are asking questions.”

The Financial Aid office is located on the first floor of the Student Union building. E-mails may also be sent to financialaid@wright.edu