Edward Waters College announced July 17 that it will forgive the financial balances of eligible returning students’ fall 2020 and spring 2021 semester charges, including tuition and fees, room and board and activity fees.
“Many of our students, their parents or guardians, their grandparents or significant others are struggling financially due to a loss of income pursuant to a reduction or loss in employment,” said EWC President A. Zachary Faison Jr. in a news release.
The new EWC hashtag-themed student support initiative, “#WeGotYou,” is intended to increase student retention.
“I do not know of any other institution in America right now that is telling their students during these challenging financial times, ‘If you want to come back to school, don’t let finances be a deterrent. We got you,’” Faison said in the release.
The tuition program is made possible by the college’s recent elimination of its net cash operating deficit and a fiscal year-end financial surplus, combined with an expected $3.5 million increase in state support to the college.
In 2019, 97% of EWC students received some form of financial aid with 88% of the college’s student body receiving federal Pell Grants, which assist low-resource and low-income students.
Classes begin Aug. 17 with online and face-to-face/hybrid instruction.