Reassurance in these economically challenging times
Westmont would like to offer the following reassurances to you at this time. The media is describing this year’s financial aid process as a “crisis”. While Westmont recognizes these are difficult days, we also want to assure you that your opportunity to attend college, especially Westmont, remains very strong and positive.
There is GOOD NEWS!
- WESTMONT WILL NOT BE INCREASING TUITION FOR FALL 2009-SPRING 2010
- All Westmont institutional loan and grant programs are not only intact, they are stronger than ever
- Westmont has increased financial aid support by adding one million dollars to our financial aid budget
- This will provide greater affordability in a most significant way
- Westmont has INCREASED the number of recipients for some academic scholarships
- Approximately 86 percent of Westmont students receive financial aid
- Re College Endowments: While colleges are reporting endowment losses, this will not impact Westmont as we are not heavily dependent on our endowment dollars
More GOOD NEWS!
- While many public college campuses have limited their enrollments for Fall 2009 due to budget constraints, Westmont’s goals for fall 2009 remain consistent with prior years.
- A Reminder: Westmont will never become an ‘impacted’ campus and we can guarantee you can graduate in four years – possibly even less. Why? Because we work with you to help you select the classes you need as you need them in order to make certain you graduate on time.
- Did you know...that if you attend any college or university longer than four years, you are not only increasing your costs but also running the risk of losing financial aid for those additional years and could delay your place in the job market!
NEW BUILDING PROJECTS AT WESTMONT
- Current NEW Westmont construction projects include the “Adams Center for the Visual Arts”, “Winter Hall for Science and Mathematics” and a renovation of the Carroll Observatory, which is due to open in October of this year. Future projects include a new chapel and residence hall. (Many campuses have indefinitely postponed any new building plans.)
- The portion of the residence hall lost in the November 13th Tea Fire has been replaced by new modular structures on campus. The students love them!
The GOOD NEWS continues...
- The federal government has authorized $95 billion in grants, loans and work-study assistance to help 11 million students and their families pay for college this year.
- The government also broadened student borrowing in the midst of the credit crunch, ensuring the continued flow of federal loans that families depend on ahead of costlier private loans.
- Annual borrowing limits for unsubsidized Stafford Loans, which students can take regardless of income, were raised by $2,000 and parents can now defer repayment of federal loans until after the student graduates (leaves) school
- “There has certainly been an unprecedented disruption in the student loan marketplace,” said Mark Krantrowitz, publisher of finaid.org. “But Congress and the Department of Education have acted quickly to avert a crisis.”
Bottom Line:
- We invite you into conversation with us regarding your college future. Please do not eliminate yourself from the potential of attending Westmont without first discussing it with one of our admission or financial aid counselors.
- We commit to working closely with you during the financial deliberations of your college choice
- Most Important: We are praying for you!
For more information, advice and counsel, please contact: