N.C. Increases Need-Based Scholarship Funding

The Charlotte Observer reports on the NC State Legislature's move to increase need based scholarship funding at state universities by $27 million.

For an increasing number of residents, state aid makes the difference between getting a college degree and not getting one. North Carolina can't afford to let the door to college slam shut on any capable student. Lawmakers in the 2007 General Assembly deserve credit for doing their part to prevent it.

The additional money will help close the gap that currently exists for many qualified low-income students.

Ninety percent of the fastest-growing future job opportunities will require some form of college. The point? Unless costs are controlled and financial aid expands, a path to opportunity and a brighter future will not open for many Tar Heel residents. That makes spending more on state aid a good public investment. Here's what those additional dollars will buy:

• Any current in-state student eligible for state need-based aid will receive it. Last year, the state grant program fell $12 million short.

• Scholarship funds will be on hand to cover growth in the number of students who qualify.

• Needy students will be held harmless from tuition and fee increases approved in February.

North Carolina has always tried to stay at the forefront of public higher education in the South and Nation. Because of public investments like the recent $27 million increase, North Carolina can continue to offer high quality education to all residents. Higher education is vital to the South's participation in the increasingly global economy.

It harms everyone when citizens of modest means are closed out of a college education at universities built and operated by tax dollars. The 2007 General Assembly made a wise investment when it approved substantial increases in state financial aid for those students.