Here's some money for school . . . oh wait, scratch that.

or; federal grants revoked

Published on August 24, 2006 By SanChonino In Current Events

(Read the original story here.)

A couple of weeks ago, about 450 students at Utah State University were supposedly awarded grants from the federal government for being in certain majors - physics, math, life sciences, computer science, etc. - totalling about 4000 quid per student. (I know lots of other places are pricier for school, but at USU, that's two semesters - a full year - worth of tuition and fees in the bag.)

Many of these students were young married people, with spouses and new children they need to take care of. The school's assurance that they would receive $4000 was a blessing, to be sure.

Each of these students was assured that they would receive this money - no questions, the school said.

Not so.

Earlier this week, it was discovered that these grants can only be awarded to third- and fourth-year students. Consequently, approximately 150 of the 450 grants awarded are now going to be revoked, simply because these students are in their fifth year.

Many of these students are in their last semesters, glad to be wrapping up school, and now are left with the tab for the remaining two semesters, unprepared financially for this, having been promised the grant.

Sounds like a stupid rule imposed by the federal government to restrict who can receive the grant, and consequently, these 150 are now screwed.

Gotta love higher education!

Comments (Page 2)

Gideon MacLeish

on Aug 27, 2006

As far as I'm concerned, education should be free to any and all who want it. This includes higher education too. But then I'm a bloody lefty who'd rather see money spent on health, education and welfare than defence and the war machine.

While I don't believe we should spend money on a welfare state, dynamaso, I DO agree that I'd RATHER see it spent on those things than military and the war machine. But I'd rather the government not spend most of it at all.

That being said, education is a wise investment for a government such as ours. Because the greater earning potential America's citizens have, the greater GDP we can expect for the future. But, rather than see it be "free", I'd rather see some sort of national service program to receive the funds.

island_gurl12

on Aug 27, 2006

WTF? You dont go promising someone 4000 dollars and then say "oh sorry actually you cant have it" and then take it back. It's their mistake not the students, they should give the grants away as promised on principle you know.

SanChonino

on Aug 27, 2006

It's their mistake not the students, they should give the grants away as promised on principle you know.

My thoughts exactly. Good to see you back, Em. I've missed ya, hon.

dynamaso

on Sep 04, 2006

While I don't believe we should spend money on a welfare state

Point taken, although I wasn't implying the support of a welfare state. I believe in welfare for those that really need it and that need should be established through careful selection criteria.

education is a wise investment for a government such as ours

Agreed. Just look at how well Ireland has done by providing quality education to it's population.

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