Students eligible for money

by Dimitri Watson
Staff Writer

A variety of scholarships and grants are listed in the University of La Verne course catalog and available to student applicants.

Such money comes from donations and is distributed through the University Relations office.

Most grants are awarded to students based on their financial need.

"Students are eligible for this financial aid (after filling out the) Free Application for Federal Student Aid by the March 2 deadline," said Tracie Matthews, assistant director of financial aid.

Students' financial needs are determined by calculating the cost of attendance minus the parents' contribution.

Completed FAFSAs are sent to the U.S. Department of Education, which crunches the numbers and helps create a financial aid plan and a family contribution figure, based on what the department determines the students 'needs.

ULV students may also receive scholarships, which are based on academic or extra-curricular achievement.

Winning one is an honor, Matthews said.

While grants are based on need, scholarships are based on merit.

Matthews noted that the eligibility process for ULV's standard scholarships has changed slightly.

"Currently students had to have a 3.3 grade point average, and demonstrate financial need to receive one of the main scholarships," Matthews said.

But she said under the new program, it could become easier to get a scholarship.

Students, she said, will not necessarily need a 3.3 grade point average to be eligible.

The students will be evaluated and will have to meet some basic achievement criteria, she said.

"By not having the (rigid 3.3) grade point average to qualify for the 'Main Scholarships,' it allows for a wider pool of students to qualify for these prestigious awards," Matthews said.

For more information information on scholarships and grants, call the financial aid office at extension 4135.