STUDENTS AT INDEPENDENT COLLEGES MAKE CASE
TO STATE LEGISLATORS FOR NEED-BASED FINANCIAL AID

BOSTON – Students attending the independent colleges and universities in Massachusetts met with state legislators today to thank them for increased state funding for need-based state financial aid and to tell elected officials exactly how much the aid has meant to them in their quest for a college degree. 

 The students were brought together by the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM). AICUM President, Richard Doherty, and 2006-07 Chairwoman, Carol Matteson, President, Mount Ida College, addressed the students as they convened at the State House.  Senator Robert O’Leary (D-Cape and Islands) and Representative Kevin Murphy (D–Lowell), Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, also spoke with the students about the importance of making their need for financial aid known to legislators.

Senator Robert O’Leary (D-Cape and Islands) and Representative Kevin Murphy (D–Lowell),
Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, at State House Day.

In speaking with the students, Representative Murphy declared: “In my role as co-chair, one of my top priorities is increased need-based financial aid for students. It is important that financial aid be committed to Massachusetts residents in both public and private colleges, so that higher education is available to all residents of the Commonwealth.”

 Added Senator O’Leary: “The voice of students is critical. We know college is more and more important and more and more expensive. Need-based financial aid is one of the key ways to help with this issue.”

AICUM President Doherty echoed:  “Without adequate need-based financial aid, thousands of Massachusetts residents would be unable to attend college, much less the college of their choice.”

Said AICUM Chairwoman Matteson:  “Although the independent colleges and universities in Massachusetts contribute a huge amount of financial aid to students – over $315 million each year – state-based aid is a crucial ingredient in the overall mix of state, federal, and private aid in each student’s financial aid package.” 

AICUM, founded by independent college presidents in 1967, is the leading public policy voice on independent higher education in Massachusetts. For more information about AICUM or State House Day, visit the AICUM website .