There are two major contributing factors as to why enrollment is on the decline this summer--the lack of Pell Grants and the lack of federally subsidized loans.
For those who qualify, the Federal Pell Grant Program issues grants depending on one's financial situation or need, enrollment costs, enrollment status and plans of completion for undergraduate studies for postsecondary educational opportunity with a maximum amount of $5,550 for the 2011-2012 school year.
Upon receiving the grant and choosing one of 5,400 participating postsecondary institutions, students are awarded their scholarship once each term by check or through a student account.
For the 2012-2013 school year, the amount will not change, but it is no longer available year-round due to the Fiscal Year 2011 Continuing Resolution.
"Pell Grant differs from student loans in that it is prorated based on hours," said Mike Reynolds, director of financial aid.
With the passing of this legislation, Congress has made the largest non-defense spending cut in history. This is also the largest overall reduction since World War II.
This reduction has affected federal appropriation to the Pell Grant Program and federal student loans.
It affects all Pell Grant participatory institutions by limiting student qualification to those who were not full-time students in the fall or spring for the remainder of the 2011-2012 academic year.
Starting with the 2012-2013, instead of full-year grants, students can only be awarded grants for two full-time semesters.
"Generally, the only time a student is eligible to use the Pell grant for summer hours are if hours were saved from the fall and spring semesters," Reynolds said. "However, students need to realize that if their enrollment status changes in the spring semester, they are eligible for a $1,000 increase before the summer."
When attending Camp War Eagle, students are encouraged to purchase their books at the Auburn University Bookstore.
"Textbooks are ordered based on enrollment, said Matt Caudle, University Bookstore's technology specialist. "The bookstore ordered less books this summer due to decreased enrollment."
Reynolds said the reductions are unfortunate.
"Typically, there are so many students on aid, which makes any time that the federal government reduces students' ability to receive financial aid a detriment," Reynolds said.
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