Northwest Wayne News

Low-income prospective students from six Michigan counties could receive a college degree for free from Grand Valley State University, according to Bridge Michigan.

The university has announced a new program called Grand Valley Pledge, which will award eligible students the opportunity to have their undergraduate tuition covered.

"It is another way of assuring that we create opportunity and advance equity in the communities in which we live and teach, as well as inspire a broader movement of making higher education accessible to all," University President Philomena Mantella said, according to Grand State Valley University's website.

Students who qualify for the program would have a family income less than $50,000 a year and live in Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Grand Traverse, Calhoun or Wayne County. They also would need to be accepted to Grand Valley as a freshman for the fall 2021 semester.

B. Donta Truss, the university's vice president for enrollment, development and education outreach, said the program will help make sure lower-income students aren't left in the dark when it comes to higher education. 

"This is a great start to eliminating equity gaps at GVSU," Truss said, according to Bridge Michigan. "By removing financial barriers to college, deserving students can enroll and be ready to start their path to a degree."

Truss said a Grand Valley State University education helps shape students lives. 

The process to apply for the aid has been streamlined. Potential students would fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once it's determined the requirements have been met, a federal and institutional award will cover the cost of their education.

For the tuition payment to be renewed each year, students have to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, which varies among undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students. The student also must file a FAFSA each year and continue to meet the requirements to receive the financial help from the university.