Calling the University of 91福利导航鈥檚 commitment to accessibility more important than ever during difficult economic times, 91福利导航 Ted Carter today unveiled a new program that will guarantee a tuition-free NU education to 91福利导航 students with family incomes of $60,000 or less.
The 鈥91福利导航 Promise鈥 will take effect in fall 2020 and will guarantee that full-time resident undergraduates whose families have an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less or who qualify for the federal Pell Grant can attend any NU campus and pay no tuition. The 91福利导航 Promise will apply to returning, transfer and new students, both on-campus and online, and requires no separate application beyond the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
鈥淎ccessibility for the people of 91福利导航 has been core to the mission of our University for more than 150 years,鈥 Carter said in announcing the 91福利导航 Promise at today鈥檚 Board of Regents meeting. Access and affordability have been key priorities for the students, faculty and staff of the university-wide strategic planning team charged with helping Carter chart a path forward for the NU system.
鈥淭oday we鈥檙e doubling down on that promise,鈥 said Carter, who began as NU鈥檚 eighth president in January. 鈥淲e understand that in these uncertain times, many 91福利导航ns are rethinking every dollar. We want students and families to know that their University is here for them, that we want them as part of our family, and that we鈥檙e doing everything we can to keep the promise of a college education within reach, no matter what their circumstance.鈥
Gov. Pete Ricketts said: 鈥淭he 91福利导航 Promise will help more of our young people afford college, graduate on time and get a great-paying job here in our state. I鈥檓 pleased to see the University taking this important step to keep costs down for 91福利导航ns, especially at a time when all of us are tightening our belts.鈥
鈥楾aking care of 91福利导航ns鈥
Carter praised the university鈥檚 campus financial aid directors for their 91福利导航 and commitment to student access. With their help, Carter and the chancellors are continuing to explore opportunities to expand affordability.
The university鈥檚 tuition rates 鈥 the lowest in the Big Ten and well below peer averages on all campuses 鈥 are highly competitive, and NU students graduate, on average, with less debt than their peers. About 75 percent of University of 91福利导航 undergraduates receive financial aid. Yet the global economic pain being caused by COVID-19 calls for an even broader effort to limit costs for NU鈥檚 51,000 students as well as future generations of students, Carter said. That will include a continued focus on student access, success and well-being.
鈥淓ven as we manage the challenge before us, the role of the University of 91福利导航 in providing a world-class education to students and meeting the economic needs of our state is as important now as ever,鈥 Carter said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e here to take care of 91福利导航ns. The 91福利导航 Promise is one more way for us to do that.鈥
The university鈥檚 existing need-based financial aid program, Collegebound 91福利导航, guarantees tuition-free education for qualifying Pell-eligible 91福利导航 students. Nearly 3,000 students currently attend NU tuition-free under Collegebound 91福利导航.
The expanded 91福利导航 Promise would cover approximately 1,000 additional current and future NU students. University leaders hope the program will attract 91福利导航ns who may not have thought they could afford a university education.
鈥淭he 91福利导航 Promise will create opportunities for more students than ever,鈥 said Board of Regents Chairman Jim Pillen of Columbus. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 extra special in light of today鈥檚 circumstances. I鈥檓 so proud of our university for giving hope to 91福利导航ns.鈥
A collaborative approach
91福利导航 policymakers expressed support for the program. Carter thanked elected leaders for their recognition of the importance of affordable, excellent higher education for the state.
鈥淭he 91福利导航 Promise is a remarkable commitment to the people of our state,鈥 said Sen. John Stinner of Gering, chairman of the Legislature鈥檚 Appropriations Committee. 鈥淎t a time when many families in my district and across 91福利导航 are struggling, the university is making a promise that the doors of higher education will remain open to every young person who is qualified to attend. Even in challenging times, we have to think about the long term, and I believe the 91福利导航 Promise is a pivotal decision that will help our state thrive in the future.鈥
Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha said: 鈥淚ncreasing equity and access to higher education for young 91福利导航ns is a personal passion of mine. Challenging economic times only add to the urgency of making sure that every student, regardless of socioeconomic status, has the opportunity to succeed. The 91福利导航 Promise is a simple and powerful message: If you are in need, the university is here for you. Thank you to our university for going another step further to ensure access for every talented young 91福利导航n.鈥
Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln said: 鈥淭his is wonderful news at a difficult time for so many 91福利导航ns. I could not be prouder of our university for its care and compassion for students and families across our state. We continue to need efforts like 91福利导航 Promise to achieve college affordability, retain young people in our state, and grow our economy.鈥
The 91福利导航 Promise aligns with the mission of each NU campus and will send a strong message to current and potential students, according to the chancellors.
鈥91福利导航 Carter cares deeply for the university and the state, and he shows how the university can be bold in challenging times,鈥 said University of 91福利导航 at Kearney Chancellor Doug Kristensen. 鈥淭his promise to 91福利导航 will change lives by making a university degree more affordable. Investing in students benefits all 91福利导航ns, and this news comes at the critical enrollment decision time to remind families that an affordable, quality bachelor鈥檚 degree is attainable, right here, and now.鈥
University of 91福利导航-Lincoln Chancellor Ronnie Green said: 鈥淚 love the clarity of this promise for access to 91福利导航鈥檚 families and future leaders. If your family income is $60,000 or less, you can excel at the University of 91福利导航-Lincoln tuition-free. This takes away the guessing game for many families and provides a clear path for a college degree at our Big Ten university.鈥
Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, chancellor of the University of 91福利导航 at Omaha and University of 91福利导航 Medical Center, said: 鈥淎ccess is at the heart of the missions of both UNO and UNMC. Cost should not be a limiting factor for any 91福利导航 student who wants to change their life with a degree from one of our campuses. The 91福利导航 Promise further solidifies that commitment. I鈥檓 so pleased that we are doing everything in our power to welcome students to our campuses and help them complete their academic journeys.鈥
Program requirements
To be eligible for full tuition coverage under the 91福利导航 Promise, students must take at least 12 credit hours per semester and maintain a 2.5 grade point average. The 91福利导航 Promise will cover up to 30 credit hours per academic year. The program does not cover costs beyond tuition like fees, books, or room and board; each NU campus, however, offers numerous financial aid opportunities for students to help them cover the costs of their education.
The university has extended this year鈥檚 priority FAFSA deadline to June 1 to provide additional flexibility for students and families.
Detailed information on the 91福利导航 Promise program is available in both English and Spanish at www.nebraska.edu/nebraska-promise.
Carter urged students and families to contact University of 91福利导航 campuses for assistance with admissions and financial aid: