Education

Saint Augustine's, Shaw to clear tuition and fee balances in effort to help students

In response to the challenges faced by many students resulting from COVID-19, all student account balances resulting from activity related to spring, summer and the upcoming fall 2021 semesters will be cleared to reflect a zero-balance owed after all federal, state, and private awards have been considered.
Posted 2021-06-28T22:24:06+00:00 - Updated 2021-06-29T02:34:06+00:00
Saint Augustine's, Shaw to clear tuition costs in effort to help students succeed

When students at Saint Augustine’s University return to campus for the fall 2021 semester, they will be welcomed with some much-needed relief.

In response to the challenges faced by many students resulting from COVID-19, all student account balances resulting from activity related to spring, summer and the upcoming fall 2021 semesters will be cleared to reflect a zero-balance owed after all federal, state, and private awards have been considered.

“We are pleased to offer this timely support to our students,” said Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail, President of Saint Augustine’s University. “At Saint Augustine’s University, we are committed to delivering on our promise to be one of the nation’s best universities for personalized education, student life and affordability.”

Recently, Shaw University announced similar news, forgiving $1 million in summer school costs.

SAU students will not carry a balance for 2021 spring, summer and fall semesters. Upon the completion of their FAFSA application and Fall 2021 registration process, their spring, summer and fall charges including tuition and fees will have a zero balance.

“I come from a low income, single-parent household and I am a first-generation high school graduate and first-generation college student,” said McKenzie Estep, a rising senior at Saint Augustine’s University. “This type of support brings me one step closer to reaching my dream of starting a career with less debt and becoming financially stable.”

Students will also remain eligible for financial aid and are being encouraged to complete their FAFSA application, contact their advisors and register for the Fall Semester.

Students going through financial hardship say this news gives them breathing room to cover other expenses, like books and supplies to academically succeed.

Mckenzie Estep is on her way to starting her senior year at St. Augustine’s University.

"It's just a great establishment for me to build my character and now that I'm in the capital of North Carolina, I have great resources," she said.

Resources, like money, became hard to come by for "Ms. St Augustine's University" when the coronavirus pandemic hit last year.

"I had to move off campus, I got a job at Food Lion, it was an essential job at the time and I worked day-in, day-out throughout the week," Estep said.

When she and about 1,000 students return, debt from the spring, summer, and fall semesters will be cleared.

Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail, President of St. Augustine’s University, says the decision was made out of care for the students.

"They have been through so much and conditions that they did not create, so it's our way of demonstrating to them that we care and we want them back," McPhail said.

Shaw's decision to eliminate $1 million of summer school costs for 400 students will certainly impact Kyla Legget, who is taking three summer courses before arriving as a freshman this fall.

"This is definitely setting you up for success and I appreciate it," she said.

1.3 Million North Carolinians owe $48 billion in student loan debt and the average debt amount is $36,200.

Both universities are hoping erasing tuition/fees for semesters helps level the playing field and feel comfortable learning.

"Thank God this money came through and it made a big difference toward my education," Estep said.

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