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Near Completer Student Debt Forgiveness Program

Overview

The Delaware State University (DSU) Near Completer Student Debt Forgiveness Program aims to alleviate financial burdens for students with accumulated debt and encourage them to complete their undergraduate degree through DSU Online. This program is designed to support academic achievement and provide a pathway for students to obtain their degree without the hindrance of past financial challenges.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Enrollment Status: Applicants must be a former Delaware State University or Wesley College student with an outstanding account balance of $10,000 or less and have not been enrolled within the past five years of the date of their Near Completer Application.
  2. Academic Standing: Applicants must have left DSU or Wesley College in good academic standing.
  3. Debt Amount: The program is available to students with a maximum debt of $10,000.
  4. Completion Requirement: Applicants must have completed at least 50% (90) credits or more) of their degree program before leaving DSU or Wesley College and maintained at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average. 

Program Features

  1. Debt Forgiveness: Up to $10,000 of a student’s outstanding debt will be forgiven upon completion of a DSU Online undergraduate degree program and completion of the Financial Literacy and Career Placement Program.
  2. Support Services: Enrolled students will have access to an online success coach, online academic advisors, career counseling, and financial literacy workshops to ensure they have the resources needed to succeed.
  3. Mandatory Programs: Participation in Financial Literacy classes and the Career Placement Program at DSU will be required.

Application Process

  1. Application Submission:
    • Complete the DSU Near Completer Student Debt Forgiveness Program application form available on the DSU website.
    • Submit a statement of purpose detailing academic and career goals, explaining how completing the degree will benefit the applicant’s future.
  2. Review and Approval:
    • The DSU Online Program Committee and the DSU Financial Aid Office will review applications.
    • Applicants will be notified of their application status within ten days of submission.
  3. Acceptance and Re-enrollment:
    • Approved applicants will receive an acceptance letter outlining the terms of the debt forgiveness agreement.
    • Accepted students must re-enroll in a DSU Online undergraduate degree program and register for courses in the upcoming term.
  4. Financial Literacy and Career Placement Participation:
    • Enrolled students must attend mandatory Financial Literacy classes to learn about managing finances, budgeting, and loan repayment.
    • Participation in the Career Placement Program, which includes resume building, interview preparation, and job search assistance, is required.
    • To remain eligible, students must participate in credit-building workshops and at least one financial coaching session.

Program Timeline

  1. Application Period: Applications will be accepted year-round.
  2. Review Period: Applications will be reviewed within ten days of submission.
  3. Debt Forgiveness: Up to $10,000 of a student’s outstanding debt will be forgiven upon completion of a DSU Online undergraduate degree program and completion of the Financial Literacy and Career Placement Program.

Support and Resources

  1. Online Academic Advising: Personalized academic advising to help students select courses and stay on track for graduation.
  2. Financial Literacy Workshops: Workshops to help students manage their finances, understand loan repayment options, and build financial stability.
  3. Career Counseling: Access to career counseling services to assist with job placement and career development.

Contact Information

For more information about the DSU Near Completer Student Debt Forgiveness Program, please contact:

  • DSU Online Program Office: dsuonline [at] dsu.edu

Conclusion

The DSU Near Completer Student Debt Forgiveness Program is a strategic initiative to support former students in completing their education, reducing financial stress, and fostering a commitment to lifelong learning. DSU aims to empower students to achieve academic and professional goals by offering substantial debt forgiveness and robust support services.