Bowie State Uses CARES Funds for Student Debt Relief and Tuition Assistance

Up to $10 Million will Address Student Financial Challenges during the Pandemic

STUDENT INQUIRIES: Student Accounts, sa@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-3491

MEDIA CONTACT: Cassandra Robinson, crobinson@bowiestate.edu, 301-852-9311

(BOWIE, Md.) – Bowie State University will use federal CARES Act funds to provide financial assistance to 1,390 students who continue to face economic challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic by relieving nearly $3 million in outstanding tuition and mandatory fee debt. Additionally, $7 million will be used to assist students enrolling for the 2021-22 academic year.

President Aminta H. Breaux has championed applying funds the university received from the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) to the outstanding balances of students enrolled in Spring 2020 through Summer 2021 enabling them to return to school for the Fall 2021 semester. The tuition assistance program will provide students enrolling for the fall semester with “last dollar grants” to offset any tuition and fee expenses remaining after federal and state aid have been awarded, reducing the need for burdensome loans.

“The greatest obstacle facing minority students’ success in college is obtaining financial support for their education,” said BSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Carl Goodman. “Applying the HEERF II funds to address the unprecedented financial impact on families over the past 18 months will remove that barrier allowing our students to progress and remain on track towards graduation.”

To set students on the path to financial stability, those receiving the debt relief will participate in financial literacy workshops offered by the university in partnership with Our Money Matters and Wells Fargo. The program will provide guidance on budgeting, saving and credit to empower students to effectively manage their money, limit and repay debts and begin successful careers.

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About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.