Students suffering financial strain due to coronavirus disruptions can continue their studies with summer scholarships and financial aid now being offered by some colleges and universities.
University of Houston-Downtown is offering financial assistance for summer courses to students who may be facing lost jobs, lost wages and other financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Nearly 80 percent of our full-time students work while going to school, and this pandemic is likely affecting their earnings,” Jimmy Jung, vice president of enrollment management, said in a university news release. “These scholarships are just one of the ways our institution is helping them work through the challenges of this unprecedented pandemic.”
Scholarships and grants could cover up to two summer classes.
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“If students are able to take two classes this summer, it can make a difference both financially and mentally,” Jung said. “This financial support can allow them to focus on their studies and help ease the stress caused by not working or other issues created by the pandemic.”
In Ohio, the University of Dayton is discounting summer tuition by 46% for undergraduate courses, all of which will be delivered online. Summer tuition will be $875 per credit hour, the university has announced.
“The extraordinary circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic may have disrupted students’ summer plans for study abroad or internships, and also changed their educational needs,” Provost Paul Benson said in a university news release. “The discount to summer tuition, along with some new course offerings, is aimed at helping our students advance their education while the public health outlook remains uncertain.”
Hopkinsville Community College in Kentucky will award over $19,000 in summer scholarships, Clarksville Online reported.
“While we typically do not have scholarship funding for summer coursework, we have been able to carve out some support for students who plan to attend HCC in the fall, but want to start or continue coursework this summer,” Alissa Young, the college’s president and CEO, told the website.
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UB’s coronavirus page offers complete coverage of the impacts on higher ed.
