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STAFF EDITORIAL: Schools should learn from GW’s financial generosity

The country’s economic situation has not only become the focal point of the presidential race, but a major concern for the people of the United States. Uncertainty within the economy has led many businesses to decrease their workforces, leaving many families short on income.

Knowing that attending a university is not cheap, the prospect of getting a degree has been put on the back burner for those suffering from the economic issues. Thankfully, George Washington University brass has taken this into consideration.

Ranked the nation’s most expensive college by Forbes.com, GW is planning to add millions of dollars to its financial aid and offer extra accommodations for those having trouble with tuition, the GW Hatchet reported.

"In my opinion, when a student makes a commitment in good faith to attend GW and they encounter financial stress, this institution needs to step up and help," Robert Chernak, senior vice president for Student and Academic Support Services at GW, told the Hatchet. "We’re sort of in unplowed territory here because this is a once-in-a-lifetime crisis, but we have to take care of our people."

Though the plan may not receive approval, the fact the university has taken steps to ensure students can attend even amid the crisis is something every school should consider. Education is key to any successful endeavor, and those seeking it should find aid when needed. George Washington sees that.

Students shouldn’t have to worry if their school will help them in times of need; this is something that could be taken into consideration when determining whether to choose one school over another.

"We want students to go back to their communities and be able to say, ‘Don’t be scared of the price; this is the kind of school that will stick with you,’" Chernak said.

If the most expensive school in the country can offer additional financial aid to its students, who likely need more funds because of the high cost of admission, there is no reason other schools can’t fork over a few dollars to help students obtain the degree they’ve worked so hard for.

As student loans become more difficult to obtain, students will need additional help paying for school. Though student enrollment is up at UH this semester, it could easily fall next spring without sufficient help for students in need. We hope UH follows GW’s example and offers its students help before it’s too late.

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