KSU will match some scholarships

Staff report

kent

Recognizing the potential for a reduction of state and federal aid for 2011-12, Kent State University is introducing a new scholarship program for incoming Ohio freshmen to the university’s main campus this fall.

The new program, called the Kent State Scholarship Match Program, will match any outside (or nonuniversity) scholarship that an incoming freshman receives for the fall semester up to $1,000.

Examples of outside awards eligible for matching include local high school scholarships, as well as scholarships given by local clubs, churches, businesses, agencies and organizations.

“Kent State is committed to remaining one of Ohio’s most accessible and affordable public universities,” Kent State University President Lester A. Lefton said.

“Though we do not know the outlook for higher education until the state budget is submitted next month, we are taking all efforts to minimize the financial burden on students. This new Scholarship Match Program is one way Kent State is being proactive in anticipation of lower state funding and during a time of increasing need for more college-educated Ohioans.”

To be eligible for the program, a student must be an Ohio resident, be admitted to the Kent Campus as a new incoming freshman for the Fall 2011 semester, enroll in a bachelor’s degree program, register each semester for a minimum of 12 credit hours that are designated as Kent Campus courses, complete the 2011-12 Free Application for Federal Student Aid and have results sent to Kent State and be eligible for the federal Pell Grant (as determined by the FAFSA results).

The matching award from the university will be in the amount of up to $1,000, depending on the total of the outside awards. The award will be split between fall and spring semesters, even if the outside scholarship award is only for the fall semester.

The student’s account will be credited, and the award will be applied to tuition charges. The award is nonrenewable.

To be considered, complete the application form available at www.kent.edu/financialaid/scholarshipmatch. For more information, e-mail finaid@kent.edu.