In difficult economic times, Goshen College offers more relief for new students

GOSHEN, Ind. – The uncertain economic times are making many people nervous about the future. "Goshen College is just as concerned as students and parents are about the cost of a private college education," said Lynn Jackson, vice president for enrollment management.

Because of that concern, Goshen College has created a "Maple Leaf Economic Relief" grant program to begin in the fall of 2009. "These grants are specifically for families that are caught in these tumultuous economic times," Jackson said.

Students new to Goshen College in the fall of 2009 and those whose families are able to contribute between $0 and $20,000 towards college expenses will be considered for this grant, which is renewable for one year. Grants will range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the family's need. To be considered for this extra financial assistance, a student must be accepted into Goshen College, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 10 and make the enrollment deposit to the college by April 1.

"These extra grants are specifically designed to help families until they can regain some of their job and market losses," Jackson said. "In 18 months the college will revisit extending this grant opportunity." The college has not put a cap on the total amount of grant money it will give out as part of Maple Leaf Economic Relief.

"We want to partner with students and their families in working toward the best financial aid package possible. We know the initial sticker price of a private college can be intimidating, but we encourage all families to look beyond that at the real – usually much lower – cost of a private college education," Jackson said.

For example, Goshen College costs 10 percent less than the national average for private colleges. In 2007-08, 98 percent of all students received financial aid, and the average aid package was $18,036 (not including work-study), while tuition was $21,300. According to Barron's Best Buys in College Education, at Goshen, "the education dollar goes further," and U.S. News & World Report has listed Goshen as a "least-debt college."

"We hope that students and parents will contact us with their admission and financial aid questions," Jackson said. The Admission Office and Financial Aid Office can explain step by step what students need to do to be eligible for as much assistance as possible. They can be reached by calling 800-348-7422 or (574) 535-7535, or e-mailing admission@goshen.edu.

Editors: For more information about this release, to arrange an interview or request a photo, contact Goshen College News Bureau Director Jodi H. Beyeler at (574) 535-7572 or jodihb@goshen.edu.

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Goshen College, established in 1894, is a residential Christian liberal arts college rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. The college's Christ-centered core values – passionate learning, global citizenship, compassionate peacemaking and servant-leadership – prepare students as leaders for the church and world. Recognized for its unique Study-Service Term program, Goshen has earned citations of excellence in Barron's Best Buys in Education, "Colleges of Distinction," "Making a Difference College Guide" and U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" edition, which named Goshen a "least debt college." Visit www.goshen.edu.