Financial aid is not just helpful to students today; it is essential.
A century ago, our first students paid $100 a semester in tuition—YMCA membership included! Now, students who attend full-time and live on campus see a sticker price of about $50,000 per year, a daunting amount for nearly any family. Some students who select Western New England University as their first choice school end up not enrolling, and in many of those cases, insufficient financial aid (sometimes just a few thousand dollars) is the main reason why.
Western New England University has responded by providing more than $40 million of our own funds in financial aid in recent years. More than 98% of our full-time undergraduate students and 75% of law students receive aid every year—through scholarships, grants, and loans—and most of our current endowment is designated to provide scholarship support. Increasing student aid will be a vital step toward expanding and preserving access to a Western New England University education now and for future generations.
Your Gifts in Action
- A $40,000 endowed scholarship can help close the gap between a student’s financial need and the institutional aid provided by distributing $2,000 annually.
- Establishing an endowed scholarship with a gift of $400,000 gift can provide a student with a full average aid package by distributing $20,000 annually.
- A four-year annual scholarship pledge totaling $20,000 impacts students immediately by distributing $5,000 annually.
"Receiving an endowed scholarship has truly inspired me and given me both a much needed financial and mental boost. I had the honor of meeting my scholarship donor and his words and wisdom have been imprinted on me. He gave me the confidence that I need to succeed and try new things, not just in my career but also in my life. I am proud to now be stepping out of my comfort zone where I can embrace change, and most of all, embrace opportunity."
- Hunter Balak '20
Recipient of the Steve and Elaine Kitrosser Endowed Industrial Engineering Scholarship
"My scholarship aid is the reason I was able to attend law school. Donor funded scholarships made all the difference in the world to me and I am grateful for my experiences at Western New England University. Scholarships provide opportunities for educational and career achievements and they open new doors for many people who are trying to make life changes."
- Sarita Manigat L'18, Homelessness Prevention Advocate for Homestart, Inc.
Sarita Manigat is an outstanding recent graduate who relied on scholarship aid to make her dream become a reality.
Born in Haiti and raised in Boston, MA, Sarita received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Administration before deciding to pursue a legal career. She knew a law degree would enhance her background in non-profit work, allowing her broaden and deepen the impact she could make on other people’s lives. When selecting a school, she sought the availability of scholarship aid alongside opportunities for hands-on learning experiences—and Western New England University School of Law provided both. Donor funded scholarships allow us to continue recruiting and retaining passionate, forward-thinking students and global citizens like Sarita.