Manchester responds to COVID-19 with free tuition plan
Option for incoming Indiana undergrads from families making $65,000 or less
North Manchester, Ind. — As the COVID-19 pandemic poses financial uncertainty for incoming students and their families, Manchester University is offering a sure thing: Free tuition for all four years.
The Spartan 2020 Response is both part of Manchester’s response to the COVID pandemic and another example of Manchester’s continuing efforts to invest in the lives of our students,” said Ryon Kaopuiki vice president for enrollment and marketing.
Although 100 percent of all Manchester undergraduates receive financial assistance, the University is offering free tuition exclusively to incoming first-year students:
* From families that make $65,000 a year or less
* Who are eligible for a federal Pell Grant
* Who completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as FAFSA, by the Indiana deadline, and are Indiana residents
Students must live in on-campus housing each year, paying fees, room and board, in order to qualify.
“The Manchester community has a long history of investing financially in our students,” said President Dave McFadden. “We would not have the Spartan 2020 Response if it were not for our loyal alumni, generous donors and board of trustees. We have a tradition here of opening doors for each other.”
So far, more than 400 students who have been admitted to MU for fall 2020 would qualify for the program. The University admissions team is in the process of notifying them. Admissions counselors help incoming students identify ways to reduce their costs, such as scholarships.
Manchester in March also made the decision to waive the undergraduate enrollment deposit.
For information about applying to Manchester, including virtual visits, go to www.manchester.edu/admissions/audiences/admissions
Aid is also available to current students
In recent weeks, Manchester set aside a fund to assist returning students impacted during the financial crisis imposed by COVID-19. This is in addition to CARES Act federal aid. None of this money needs to be repaid.
Through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Manchester received federal funding specifically intended to provide emergency financial grants to students.
Many eligible students have already received CARES Act grants based on their FAFSA information, but they might be eligible for more aid.
Manchester encourages current and 2020 graduates who had expenses related to COVID-19 – such as loss of their employment or of a supporting family member, increased technology expenses, a change in housing expenses and increased medical expenses, etc. – to apply for emergency financial aid.
Please contact health@manchester.edu about how to apply for the funds set aside by MU and/or CARES federal aid. You must apply to be considered.
For the media
Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., provides vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester
Our mission
Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.
May 22, 2020 (Updated May 26)