Grinnell sets plans to reduce student debt

<p>[news</a> page](<a href=“http://www.grinnell.edu/admission/index1.shtm]news”>http://www.grinnell.edu/admission/index1.shtm)</p>

<p>"From its founding in 1846, Grinnell College has provided a distinctive educational experience to those selected for admission. In the last quarter century the College has deepened its commitment to admission based solely upon academic strength and the promise of contribution - not on the ability to pay the cost of attendance. Referred to as “need-blind” admission, which fully meets the institutional demonstrated need for domestic students, Grinnell College is one of the few institutions of higher learning in America remaining true to this practice today. The College’s admission and aid policies are designed to attract top students to campus and to ensure they have the financial flexibility after their education to pursue meaningful careers as responsible contributors to the greater good of their communities.</p>

<p>Here’s how:</p>

<li>Grinnell College meets 100 percent of demonstrated need for all admitted domestic students. The College is moving to meet the full demonstrated need of select international students, who historically were eligible to receive an aid package covering up to 85 percent of their need.</li>
<li>Beginning in the 2008-09 academic year, need-based loans for all eligible students will be capped at $3,000 per year. (The College plans to further reduce this cap in future years.)

<li>As part of the culture of alumni support, the College also raises specific funds from alumni to reduce, at the time of graduation, the indebtedness of seniors who have demonstrated a solid work ethic both academically and co-curricularly.</li>
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<li>Beginning in the 2007-08 academic year, eligible students may designate one summer devoted to either an approved social commitment endeavor or an academic learning experience related to an educational objective. In return, the expected summer earnings contribution of $2,000 will be eliminated for that one summer only.</li>
<li>For students entering Grinnell in the fall of 2007 or later and receiving any non need-based aid, the College will index the merit aid award at the same percentage as the comprehensive fee increase - providing the student remains in good standing and fulfills the academic standards of the merit award.</li>
<li>Two questions often are raised:
1. Why not eliminate all loans? Grinnell College values work and investment in oneself and, therefore, believes that a modest level of investment by working and/or borrowing is appropriate. The College’s commitment to further reduce indebtedness upon graduation also serves as an incentive during a student’s tenure.
2. Why not make Grinnell free of tuition to all? Grinnell College offers a distinctive, superior, and highly valuable educational experience. The College strongly believes that it has a social responsibility and moral obligation to ensure that student financial limitations are not an impediment to attendance; however, the College also believes that it is not socially responsible to make the resources and value of its experience free to those with ample means to afford it."</li>
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<p>I’m very happy to hear this. :)</p>

<p>Grinnell is really a great college.</p>