FORT SMITH, Ark. — If the mission of a university is to graduate students, understanding their financial needs is imperative. The concept is one officials with the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith say they understand and are working to address.
Dr. Terisa Riley, UAFS chancellor, and several with the university reported to the UAFS Board of Visitors at its regular meeting Wednesday (Feb. 19) on efforts the university has made in regard to emergency aid.
According to Trellis Research, 65% of college students worry about having enough money to pay for school; 68% of students are less than confident they will be able to pay off the debt they acquire in while in school; and 63% say they would have trouble getting $500 in cash or credit to meet an unexpected need within the next month.
With 55% of its undergraduate students Pell grant eligible, UAFS stats concerning financial wellness are probably higher, Riley said. To be Pell grant eligible, family income must not be more than $50,000 annually. At UAFS, that number is usually less than $25,000.
