McPherson College is introducing a new initiative that complements The Student Debt Project helping students and families reduce the amount of student loan debt that many accumulate during college. The Kansas Commitment offers full tuition for qualifying Kansas residents to attend McPherson College.
“The Kansas Commitment guarantees qualified Kansas residents full-tuition packages,” Christi Hopkins, vice president for admissions, said. “Couple this program with the Student Debt Project and families who may have thought they could not afford college can now realistically graduate with no debt.”
Kansas students who are Pell grant eligible and have a transfer or high school GPA of 2.5 or above can apply for the Kansas Commitment. The scholarship and grant package uses all forms of aid, both institutional and need-based, including Pell grant and Kansas Comprehensive grant. The package is renewable based on satisfactory academic progress and Pell eligibility. The Kansas Commitment is one more option offered by McPherson College to help students reduce the amount of loans they might need to attend college, according to President Michael Schneider.
“More than one-third of our student body is enrolled in the Student Debt Project, learning basic financial literacy skills like budgeting and being supported by mentors,” President Schneider said. “Now in its fourth year, the average projected debt at graduation for those who participate in the program has been reduced by $10,000 per student. Student debt is an issue that has been debated in Congress for 25 years. I don’t think we can afford to wait for answers. It is our responsibility as a leader in higher education to solve the problem with innovative programs like this and our commitment to Kansas students.”
McPherson College offers several scholarship packages based on academic achievement, residency, participation, and area of study. Most students are eligible for up to $24,000 in combined Merit, Presidential, and MC Pillar scholarships. To be considered for scholarships, students need to submit an application to the college and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).