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WEST LIBERTY -- West Liberty University has announced a new initiative that seeks to assist students with the cost of a college education.
The "Free Toppers Program" will cover remaining tuition for in-state students who meet academic qualifications and qualify for the Pell Grant. The program will cover the student's extra tuition costs for up to 30 credit hours per academic year -- or 15 credits per semester -- for a four-year period after Federal Pell Grant funds, other grants and scholarships are considered.
The program does not cover additional costs associated with fees, books, housing, food or transportation, but there are other financial aid options available at WLU that would assist the students with these expenses, according to WLU officials.
The program starts with the fall 2024 semester. It is available to incoming freshmen, and students transferring to WLU in the fall.
WLU's goal is to make education more affordable and accessible to students, said Katie Cooper, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management.
"We hope to fill the gap between tuition costs and whatever other financial aid they receive," she said.
Cooper added there are a lot of changes expected with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in the coming months, and WLU hopes the program will help to ease the stress and financial burden of students and their families as they start college.
WLU presently has about 2,200 students, and seeks to bring in about 450 students each year, Cooper said. Tuition is $8,000 a year, or $4,000 a semester. She explained WLU has run the numbers and determined the cost of the program to WLU will vary from $300 to $3,000 per student -- depending on the amount of their initial Pell Grant.
"That makes it seem like it will be affordable to us," Cooper continued. "The Pell Grant pays a lot, we just have to pay the extra."
As of right now, if a student doesn't complete their four years, they do not have to repay the university for the money received, she added. The only requirement of the student is that they remain a full-time student and maintain a 2.75 GPA.
Students wanting to learn more about the program and apply online should visit westliberty.edu/tuitionfree.
WLU President Timothy Borchers encourages students to consider the program and enrolling at the university. He said presently the business programs are very popular at the school, as are the education programs.
"The zoo science program has a real niche with students from across the country," he said. "And our arts programs have been growing."
It is expected that next fall WLU students also will have one additional exciting opportunity on campus - one that could have them flying higher than the hilltop.
WLU's proposed aviation program is one more step from getting accreditation. Last month, it received approval from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. The program next needs approval from the federal Higher Learning Commission to receive its national accreditation.
WLU hopes to have its aviation program off the ground in the fall.
"Usually, they have questions," Borchers said of the Higher Learning Commission. "But we put through a strong application, and we will be ready to answer any questions they have."
He hopes potential students will take a look "at the high-quality programs we offer."
"It's a beautiful and safe campus. We have a lot to offer on the hilltop," Borchers said.