With new funding options some hope is returned to students

by Rachel Lane/Times-Georgian

In an attempt to help students make up the shortfall, the state has funded a 1 percent student loan program and a matching loan program, The Student Access Loan.

Approved in 2008, neither program was funded until this year. The state has now provided $10 million for each program. The 1 percent program has few requirements, but the Student Access Loan is a last resort. Students can get up to $10,000 a year, up to $40,000, and be charged a 1 percent interest rate and have to pay back the loans within 10 years of graduation.

“The program is designed to be funding of last resort for college students who have a gap in their college financing,” said Rob Douthit, director of media relations University of West Georgia

Read more:Times-Georgian - With new funding options some hope is returned to students

State budget worries UWG: Sethna concerned about loss of even more state funding

With the Georgia budget approved by the Senate Tuesday, and sitting on Gov. Nathan Deal’s desk waiting for his signature, universities across the state are concerned.

The University System of Georgia, which includes the University of West Georgia, will not receive about $177 million in anticipated funding, money that was expected as a result increased student populations across the system’s 25 colleges and universities. This is in addition to any budget cuts, said UWG President Beheruz Sethna.

“The (new student formula) money has never been cut completely before, since the formula started 30 years ago,” Sethna said. “When you have more students, you need more money to teach them.”

Read more:Times-Georgian - State budget worries UWG Sethna concerned about loss of even more state funding