Spring Hill College students will benefit directly from a new bill signed into law by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey which allows dependents of veterans to use their Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program benefits at private colleges.
Previously, the Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship could only be used at public four-year colleges and universities. When Ivey signed SB119 into law on March 9, it expanded the program to private universities and community colleges. Now, eligible dependents of veterans have expanded college choice, plus the opportunity to combine additional scholarships and financial aid with their Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship.
Nathan Copeland, Ed.D., Vice President for Enrollment at Spring Hill College said, “Spring Hill College has and will continue to engage in ways we can help make college more accessible and affordable for all students. We are thankful for the state and federal government’s actions to join us in this effort.”
This nationally renowned program was created by Act 633 and approved in October 1947 by the Alabama Legislature. The Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program is administered by the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. For information on eligibility and benefits, go here.
The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate passed a spending bill last week that includes a $400 increase in the maximum Pell Grant. This boosts the maximum aid per student for the 2022-2023 academic year from $6,495 to $6,895, a 6.2% increase. Congress’ increase also brings the minimum award from $650 to $690.
According to Kristyanne Kiner-Galish, assistant director of financial aid and veterans affairs at Spring Hill College, these new funding opportunities will benefit the current students enrolled as well as new students coming in. “Our students will have access to this new scholarship program and expanded Pell Grant benefits to help with education expenses that their financial aid benefits may not cover. We look forward to helping our students make their college experience as affordable as possible!”
Pell Grants are federal financial aid grants given to low- and middle-income students. The Department of Education (ED) awards these grants using expected family contributions calculated through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For more info go to https://studentaid.gov/
ABOUT SPRING HILL COLLEGE:
Founded in 1830, Spring Hill College is the oldest Catholic college in the Southeast and the third oldest Jesuit college in the United States. Spring Hill combines the Jesuit tradition of excellence in education and a commitment to caring for the whole person – mind, body and spirit – with innovative educational experiences. Located in Mobile, Ala., Spring Hill’s mission is to form leaders engaged in learning, faith, justice and service for life. As a result, Spring Hill students are engaged, inspired and transformed by their experiences.