Fort Valley State University

Fort Valley State University’s Financial Aid department is increasing its budget to help students cover the higher cost of college. Each new budget reflects the increased expenses associated with tuition, fees, housing and transportation to better serve students depending on their financial situations. Eula Solomon, director of financial aid, says that budget categories have been expanded from twelve to sixteen – to increase the aid eligibility amount for students.
“Bottom line, the budgets were changed because of changes in the cost of living,” Solomon added. “The old budget — that had not been changed in nine years — was based on old cost of living figures. Gas prices have made everything more expensive. We’ve had to adjust our budget to help our students meet the increased costs.”
The pricing structure will also change because of the University System of Georgia’s Guaranteed Fixed Tuition Rate started in 2006. The GFTR ensures that a new student entering an institution will pay the same tuition rate for a maximum of four years. The four additional categories will be based on the year that students enter FVSU.
“New budget categories were created because students are facing different financial situations, so we have different budgets for each individual,” Solomon continues. “For example, a student living out of state will have additional expenses – like travel – compared to an in-state student.”
“Under the leadership of Ms. Solomon, the budget has increased to help FVSU students,” said V. Regina Rockingham, associate director of financial aid. “The additional money will help students pay for college necessities like room and board, a personal computer and insurance.”

Under the old formula — a sample budget for a FVSU dependent, in-state student who lives on campus might read:
Books and Supplies - $900
Student Loan Fees - $100
Personal Expenses $1,000
Room & Board - $5,910
Tuition and Fees - $3,558
Transportation - $600

Under the new budget — dependent, in-state students who live on campus will receive:
Books and Supplies: $1,200
Student Loan Fees: $100
Personal Expenses: $3,300
Room & Board: $6,094
Tuition and Fees: $4,018
Transportation: $1,600

For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid at (478) 825-6351.