Dear Georgetown Students and Families:
On Friday, July 31, the university communicated to many continuing students who receive financial aid about their 2020-21 aid packages. We regret that we created confusion and concern for many recipients and caused some students and other members of our community to question whether we are honoring our commitments to affordable access.
As many of you know, Georgetown is one of only a few dozen colleges that maintains “need-blind” admissions, and a “meet-full-need” financial aid program for undergraduates. In addition, this year we announced a 10 percent reduction in undergraduate tuition, which amounts to $2,900 for full-time students. Today we wanted to provide some important updates on steps that we are taking for the Fall 2020 semester to further support students and their families:
- Earlier last week, we clarified that a tuition credit of up to $2,900 will be posted to the accounts of financial aid recipients with any amount of family contribution. This credit will be applied to the billing statement distinctly and separately from the GU Scholarship reported on award letters, because by offering this discount, Georgetown is going beyond its traditional commitment to meet students’ full financial need.
- Georgetown will waive the student summer work contribution entirely, and will issue revised financial aid awards reflecting this waiver no later than August 26.
- Georgetown will consider requests for reconsideration of aid eligibility resulting from the reduction of 2020 income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students and families may begin this process now. They may also begin to request reconsideration of aid eligibility for other reasons, including changes in their housing status and expenses for the Fall 2020 semester.
- Georgetown will delay planned distribution of undergraduate billing statements and set billing due dates, payment plans, and penalty assessment plans to afford maximum flexibility to students and families. Tuition will be charged on Monday August 31, and billing statements will be issued on Tuesday, September 1. Payment plans will be offered with no enrollment fees, eliminated interest, and extended time horizons. Payment will be due September 30, but Georgetown will not penalize undergraduate students for overdue balances until the end of October.
- Undergraduate students with completed financial aid applications will be able to apply for emergency loans in an increased amount ($2,500) to cover books and other expenses, starting on August 16.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time. Students and parents can direct financial aid questions to the Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS) by calling 202-687-4547 or emailing finfront@georgetown.edu. Billing questions may be directed to Student Accounts, at 202-687-7100 or studentaccounts@georgetown.edu where they can expect a response within one (1) business day.
Georgetown’s commitment to financial aid is stronger than ever. This year we budgeted $140 million towards undergraduate financial aid, the most ever, and will devote at least $20 million more for Fall 2020 to fulfill these changes we’re sharing with you today. Please know that we intend to move ahead as carefully and thoughtfully as possible with the best intentions and with the goal of putting students first.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Groves, Provost
Geoffrey S. Chatas, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer