by Miriam Mezzetti
Rising tuition costs nationally and an increase in student debt are two issues plaguing much of the world of higher education today. Students with great financial need, such as those eligible for the Pell Grant, are especially vulnerable to this growing trend. Before I knew about APU’s Promise Tuition Grant, as one of these Pell-eligible students, I worried that I would not be able to afford to transfer home to APU in order to complete my bachelor’s degree.
While I knew that APU has an excellent academic reputation as Alaska’s top private university, for a student with financial need like me, looking at tuition prices on college review sites can be daunting. But those review sites don’t account for the extreme generosity of APU towards students with financial need. The Promise Tuition Grant waives tuition expenses not otherwise covered by institutional discounts, APU scholarships, or other grants, for students with financial need.
The Promise Tuition Grant already looks great on paper, but is even better in reality. It means that students who dream of pursuing a college education, but would normally not be able to afford it, can now do so. Not only is APU making it possible for Pell-eligible students to be able to better afford an education, however, last year they reduced their basic undergraduate tuition by 34% for all students, while most other universities raised tuition prices.
I would encourage any student who is considering studying at APU to speak with financial aid about the options APU offers to help students with financial need afford a college education. This university is invested in the success of its students. As a Promise Tuition Grant recipient, I am extremely grateful for the care and dedication that APU has shown in helping me afford to pursue my educational dreams.
I am proud to be a student at Alaska Pacific University.
