Birmingham-Area Colleges Offer Tuition Assistance Amid Pandemic

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The coronavirus pandemic has affected more than just hospitals and businesses, in that many college students who have been unable to work to earn money for tuition may have a problem paying tuition. At least three colleges in the Birmingham area have a plan for this, however.

Students registered at Lawson State for the fall semester may be eligible to receive up to $2,000.00 in funds that can be applied to their accounts for tuition or fee payments or that can be refunded directly to the student after classes have started for fall semester.

Over the past year, the college has disbursed $3,983,219 to eligible students for education and technology expenses to defray the cost of transitioning from campus-based instruction to online instruction.

Miles College has cleared balances for eligible students enrolled in classes during the Spring 2020, Summer 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021 and Summer 2021 semesters.

By using the funding Miles College has received through both the CARES Act and Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, the college was able to clear $2.1 million in outstanding student balances.

Additionally, the college allocated $1.6 million in emergency grant aid to provide resources for students to continue their education while navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

"During this time, students have faced many challenges, both academically and personally, yet they have continued to endure and pursue their higher education goals,” said Bobbie Knight, Miles College President. “As we begin the 2021 – 2022 school year, we look forward to supporting the success of our students.”

Jefferson State Community College is set to distribute American Rescue Plan emergency grants to students enrolled this fall. Enrolled students will receive $750 and students receiving PELL Grants will receive an additional $750. These funds are in addition to other types of financial aid.

"Many of our students' families are still recovering from the pandemic, so the additional funding for the fall semester will be a great help to offset financial burdens," Jefferson State President Keith Brown said. "Jefferson State strives to remove barriers to education and the distribution of ARP funds will be a valuable part of helping students continue their journey."