Changes to Federal Grant Programs Affect Mason Students

Nicole Olsen, Fairfax, VA- Students receiving certificate programs in accredited community-colleges may be eligible for two grant programs from the Department of Education.

According to the proposed amendments to the Academic Competitiveness and Smart Grant programs, low income, high achieving students enrolled in “fully transferable” certificate programs will be included in considerations for the $750 and $1,300 grants, which they are currently exempt from.

While the Education Department deliberates about the possible changes to be made on its grant programs the Broadside, asks Mason students what they think.

Jeff Lynch, a sophomore biology major, thinks that the proposed changes are great. “I transferred here from NOVA so that I wouldn't have to pay for four years of university tuition,” said Lynch. “NOVA is cheap- it's something I can somewhat afford.

Although Lynch does qualify for federal grants, he depends mostly on loans to finance his college education. “I get federal help to pay for school, but it still isn't enough, and I know a lot more students out there with worst financial situations than me.

This is why Lynch thinks it is a good idea to extend the grant programs to certificate earning students.

However not all student are in favor of the proposed changes. Matt Menelton, a junior government major, argues that students who attend universities for four years must also pay expensive tuition rates for four years and are, therefore, in greater need of federal aid. “If you attend a community-college it is already like you are receiving financial aid,” said Menelton. “After paying for eight semesters at over $3,000 a pop, university students need all the financial help they can get.

Maria Ochoa, a freshman communications major, said that she has several friends who attend community college. “Some of the classes they take are a joke,” Ochoa said. “They are getting the same English and Math credits as me but are practically doing nothing for them. It's not fair, and they should not be eligible for the money,”she said.

Ochoa believes that if you are looking for high achieving students you have to look towards the universities. “All universities have strict enrollment requirements for a reason,” said Ochoa.

Chandra Frank, a freshmen at Mason, said, “Just because you aren't enrolled at a fancy university doesn't mean you aren't smart and deserving of money that will further your education.”

Frank thinks to be fair grant programs should be extended to students in certificate programs, but she does realize that these changes will increase competition for students like herself. “Just because it increases the competitiveness for me and other students at universities, doesn't mean I am against the changes,” said Frank. “It's what's fair, and you can't be against that just to give yourself an advantage.”