UNR plan for student aid unveiled

RENO -- The University of Nevada, Reno will set aside a portion of an approved tuition increase to provide aid for low-income students.

State regents last week approved increasing tuition by 5 percent starting this fall to offset budget cuts. That's on top of another 5 percent increase previously approved.

UNR President Milton Glick said the university will set aside one-fourth of proceeds of the latest increase to help students in need.

The move is expected to generate $500,000, which will be added to the $5.2 million available for student aid.

"We want to make sure no student who qualifies and is motivated cannot go to college because of financial reasons," Glick said.

Available funds will be divided between spring and fall semesters, Glick said.

Sandra Guidry, associate director of financial aid and scholarships, said the extra money will be needed because more students seek help.

The university this year awarded 450 more Pell Grants than last year, she said. In fall 2008, 1,785 students, 11 percent of the 16,867 graduate and undergraduate enrollment, received Pell Grants.

The number of students who have applied for federal student aid this year has jumped 20 percent.