More WVU-P students seek, receive financial aid

PARKERSBURG - West Virginia University at Parkersburg students applied for and received about $31 million in financial aid this school year, more than double the amount received in 2008-09.

The news comes on the heels of an announcement by West Virginia University the Morgantown-based institution would increase its own financial aid offerings by more than $1 million and add two scholarships for at-need students.

The new funding, however, will not affect West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

"It doesn't affect us at all," said Connie Dziagwa, spokeswoman for WVU-P. "We run two separate institutions, so it doesn't do anything for us."

The need for financial aid has grown dramatically in recent years as college tuitions have increased, the cost of textbooks have skyrocketed and many displaced workers have returned to college for retraining.

"There is no question the need has increased," Dziagwa said. "Certainly we've seen an increase in the number of displaced workers here at the college, and they are taking advantage of the Trade Act and Workforce Investment to pay for college."

Anthony Underwood, vice president for student services at WVU-P, said the college has seen an "exceptional increase" in the amount of financial aid being requested and received.

" We offered more than $31 million in aid (this fall). That is more than double what we offered last year," he said. "It was more people asking for aid and more people qualifying for aid."

In addition to the number of students requiring financial help, the community college also saw an increase in enrollment, and the two combined to increase the amount of financial aid being requested and given, he said.

"We are talking grants, loans, work study and scholarships," Underwood said.

Jenny Keup, executive director of the West Virginia University at Parkersburg Foundation, said more students are requesting aid on expenses outside of tuition.

"This are things they've not budgeted for," such as textbooks and even cap and gown fees, she said. "It's the unexpected expenses that are putting a burden on our students."

Keup said the increased need coupled with a struggling economy means more people are needing help often with less funding to go around.

"It stretches everyone to their limits," she said.