Michigan Tuition Grant and Competitive Scholarship Update

January 7, 2010

Dear Calvin Students and Families,

The Michigan Higher Education Assistance Authority (MHEAA) met in late December to finalize the award amounts for the Michigan Tuition Grant and Competitive Scholarship programs.  Although language in the budget bill signed this past fall had assured us of the availability of the maximum award of $2,100, reduced appropriations have forced award reductions.  As you may have seen in the news media, the MHEAA has reduced the maximum Michigan Competitive Scholarship or Tuition Grant award to $1,610. 

The State of Michigan’s decision to further reduce financial aid funding for higher education is deeply disappointing and costly to the college and to over 1,200 of our students.  As a result of this budget cut, students who were initially awarded the full $2,100 as their Estimated Michigan Scholarship or Grant will see a reduction in this award to $1,610.  Students who were tentatively awarded lesser amounts in this program may also experience adjustments.  While Calvin would like to offset the funds that the state has unexpectedly taken away, our very tight budget cannot accommodate this.    

Over the next several weeks our financial aid staff will make these revisions to your financial aid awards.  Once your awards are revised, you will receive an e-mail notifying you that changes have been made and can be reviewed through your KnightVision account.  Please note that the resulting additional expenses will be spread equally among the two remaining billing statements for the 2010 Spring semester.

We do want to be responsive to your unique situation, if possible.  If this change in financial aid creates an exceptional hardship for you and your family, please contact our Financial Aid Office at (616) 526-6134, (800) 688-0122 (option 4) or finaid@calvin.edu to discuss your circumstances and potential options with a financial aid counselor.

In addition, Calvin’s Financial Services Office has agreed to approach the billing process and payment schedule with even more flexibility and understanding given these challenging circumstances.  If needed, please contact them directly at (616) 526-6127 or toll-free at (800) 688-0122 (option 5) to discuss your billing options.

Sincerely,

Russell Bloem
 Vice President for Enrollment Management