Access funding under fire
Need-based student aid may change
Kaitlyn McConnell
Issue date: 3/3/10 Section: News
JEFFERSON CITY- This academic year, the Access Missouri program provided more than $4 million in scholarships to Drury students.
In fewer than five years, however, that amount could drop because of new legislation currently making its way through the Missouri Legislature.
On Tuesday, the House Education Committee held a hearing to discuss the proposed bill. Students from both public and private universities attended to voice their opinions on the matter. Senior Katie Daily represented Drury, and shared with the committee why she feels Access Missouri funding should be maintained.
Daily's story was a personal one. During her first three years at Drury, Daily did not qualify for scholarship money through Access Missouri. However, when her parents were faced with unexpected health problems earlier last year, the soon-to-be senior depended on a full Access Missouri award to keep her at Drury.
"If it weren't for Access Missouri, I would have had to transfer to a public school," said Daily.
Apart from the emotional impact, Daily also spoke about the logic behind Access Missouri as it stands.
"We can all agree that public schools need more funding, but taking money away from private schools is not the way to do that," said Daily. She also stated that private students still pay more because tuition is higher.
The potential changes are the result of proposed House Bill 1812. With Access Missouri, a student at private institutions can currently receive up to $4,600 in aid annually, while the limit caps at $2,150 for those attending public colleges and universities. The proposed legislation would change the amounts to $2,850 per year for every eligible student, regardless of whether he or she is attending a public or private institution.
"(Access Missouri) is our state's premier need-based financial aid program," said Connie Farrow, spokesperson for Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri. "It's doing its job and that's why it needs to be protected."
In fewer than five years, however, that amount could drop because of new legislation currently making its way through the Missouri Legislature.
On Tuesday, the House Education Committee held a hearing to discuss the proposed bill. Students from both public and private universities attended to voice their opinions on the matter. Senior Katie Daily represented Drury, and shared with the committee why she feels Access Missouri funding should be maintained.
Daily's story was a personal one. During her first three years at Drury, Daily did not qualify for scholarship money through Access Missouri. However, when her parents were faced with unexpected health problems earlier last year, the soon-to-be senior depended on a full Access Missouri award to keep her at Drury.
"If it weren't for Access Missouri, I would have had to transfer to a public school," said Daily.
Apart from the emotional impact, Daily also spoke about the logic behind Access Missouri as it stands.
"We can all agree that public schools need more funding, but taking money away from private schools is not the way to do that," said Daily. She also stated that private students still pay more because tuition is higher.
The potential changes are the result of proposed House Bill 1812. With Access Missouri, a student at private institutions can currently receive up to $4,600 in aid annually, while the limit caps at $2,150 for those attending public colleges and universities. The proposed legislation would change the amounts to $2,850 per year for every eligible student, regardless of whether he or she is attending a public or private institution.
"(Access Missouri) is our state's premier need-based financial aid program," said Connie Farrow, spokesperson for Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri. "It's doing its job and that's why it needs to be protected."
Article last update: 3/2/10 at 8:51 PM CST
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