Students in SWVA Could Get Extra Financial Help
Emory & Henry is taking steps to make a top liberal arts education affordable for need-based students across Southwest Virginia.
The college has launched the SWVA Lift Initiative that offers students who are accepted into the school and are Pell Grant eligible the opportunity to attend with a minimal out-of-pocket cost for tuition – and significantly lower the overall average loan debt upon graduation.
A Pell Grant is a subsidy the U.S. federal government provides for students who need it to pay for college. These federally distributed grants are limited to students with financial need, who have not earned their first bachelor’s degree, or who are enrolled in certain post-baccalaureate programs, through participating institutions.
SWVA Lift targets lower-income students from Lee, Wise, Dickenson, Buchanan, Tazewell, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Washington, Grayson, Carroll, Wythe and Bland counties, and cities of Norton, Galax and Bristol, Va.
As a native of southwest Virginia, I care deeply about the long-term economic health of the region. It is clear to me that providing higher education is critical to improving the region’s prospects for growth, so I am very pleased and proud that Emory & Henry College has committed to Southwest Virginia in this manner.Myra Sims Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management
To be eligible for SWVA Lift, prospective students need to complete an E&H application by February 1 (earlier is advised). They must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after October 1, and use E&H FAFSA code #003709. Prospective students must fill out the FAFSA form in order to be eligible for federal student aid including the Pell Grant.
The program will allow an Emory & Henry education to be more accessible for students in the region, which is consistent with the College’s historical commitment to serving Southwest Virginia. Jake Schrum President of Emory & Henry College.
For students choosing to live on campus, room and board charges are not covered under the SWVA Lift Initiative program.
Federal low-interest loans will also be offered to offset costs for students not receiving full Pell, and the unsubsidized loan can be used to cover the cost of books.
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