Trinity College recently announced that it will provide low-income students with a four year financial aid package, rather than require students to file for need-based aid each year.
“Our goal is to remove the anxiety, confusion, and complexity from a process that discourages low-income students from applying to and persisting at institutions of higher education. Knowing how much college will cost over a four-year period will also allow students and families to make better decisions about enrollment and financial planning. The requirements to apply for financial aid continue to become more complex, and for the lowest income students, the process serves as a constant reminder that they are poor. Trinity College is taking this step to help students focus their energies on academic and social success, rather than burdensome administrative processes.
Any student who is Pell-eligible and whose family has an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less will be presented with a four-year financial aid package, with first-year financial aid accompanied by estimates for future years. Because Trinity already meets 100% of a student’s demonstrated need, Trinity will maintain its commitment to keep the family’s net price consistent for four years regardless of changes in the availability of federal or state aid. Finally, additional financial wellness opportunities will be provided for these students through a partnership with the Office of Student Accounts, Center for Student Success and Career Development, and the Office of Financial Aid.”
Way to go Trinity!!