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FVSU Erases Nearly $250,000 in Student Debt

by Mechell McCrary


Posted on Jul 29, 2021


More than 200 students with outstanding tuition and fee balances incurred during the 2020-2021 academic year have debt cleared to a zero balance.

Fort Valley State University (FVSU) President Dr. Paul Jones announced today that the institution has cleared the outstanding account balances of more than 200 students. As part of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) signed into federal law in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the university has discharged student debt incurred for the Spring 2020 through Spring 2021 semesters.

Students who were enrolled on or after March 13, 2020 are eligible for the debt cancellation totaling nearly $250,000. FVSU removed all financial holds on student accounts for any unpaid balances. Eligible student accounts are now clear and in good standing with a zero balance. The debt erasure is inclusive of tuition, mandatory fees, elective fees and charges, and internal fees and penalties. The amounts cleared for each student varies, but averages $1,139 per person, with the highest individual debt elimination totaling nearly $5,000.

"Student debt remains one of the most pressing issues facing students and recent graduates nationwide," said President Jones. "Many of our students are first generation college attendees who have financial concerns, which makes affordability and accessibility important priorities for our institution. This debt relief effort will alleviate some of the financial hardships that were created or made worse due to the pandemic. Most importantly, it will help our students to reset and focus on continuing their educational pursuits."

FVSU discharged the debt of all eligible students as specified by guidance from the University System of Georgia. Student notifications were sent Wednesday, July 28.

About Fort Valley State University:

Fort Valley State University is a talent incubator for students who believe in their brilliance. Located in the heart of Georgia, FVSU combines the personal attention and family feel of a small, private college with the resources and research found at large public universities. Located on the second-largest acreage of any Georgia university, it is the only university in the world which at once is a University System of Georgia institution, a historically black university, and an 1890 land-grant institution, with a directive to use knowledge to improve the lives of students and non-students alike. Historically referred to as "the light in the valley," FVSU's legacy is built upon the belief that every human being is entitled to limitless learning and the benefits of knowledge. Leveraging the reputation for excellence FVSU has built since 1895, the university is preparing students to embrace their genius as future global leaders and enabling discovery which will make real that which is only now imagined. That's why our motto and tagline is "empower the possible." Visit FVSU.edu

Media Contact:

Mechell Clark McCrary | Mechell.McCrary@fvsu.edu


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