Universities Increase Aid to Cover Tuition for Low-Income

[Noskov Sergey]

Stanford University has joined a growing number of elite universities to offer free tuition to students from low-income families. The change, announced on Wednesday, eliminates required contributions from families with annual incomes of less than $45,000, and halves the contribution expected from families making up to $60,000. For more information see*: http://chronicle.com/daily/2006/03/2006031709n.htm

The University of Pennsylvania announced Thursday that it would pay for tuition, room and board for all students from families with incomes of up to $50,000. In topping similar aid commitments from wealthier universities, Penn may set off competition among leading institutions that could benefit low-income students and might attract more of them to enroll at institutions they may have considered too expensive in the past. Penn is increasing its aid budget by more than $6 million for next year to pay for the shift. For more information, visit, http://insidehighered.com/news/2006/03/24/aid