Scholarship math

The University came up with an interesting way to soften the blow of a 5.4 percent tuition hike last week. While saying that those who can afford it will be paying an extra $2,000 next year, Penn announced that students who receive outside scholarships will not see their grants from the University decrease.

According to the plan, scholarships that students receive from outside sources will "supplement" rather than "replace" Penn-funded financial aid.

This is a logical change, and it at last removes the disincentive that has existed for students who work hard to drum up scholarships from outside organizations.

For years, outside scholarships were not actually a benefit to students. Rather it would come right off the top of the grant money he or she would have gotten from Penn anyway.

Under the old plan, that $1,000 check from the local Kiwanis Club made out to Penn and would not go toward making the tuition bill more affordable, but would instead reduce the amount of money the University would kick in.

That was simply unfair, and Penn is right to change the policy.

Students who need financial help -- 60 percent of undergraduates receive some sort of assistance -- should be encouraged to seek outside aid to pay for college and rewarded if they earn it.

Additionally, by easing the summer contribution burden, the University has come to the important realization that students do not always have an income over the summer months, as many opt for non-paying internships or take summer classes.

While the tuition hike is another discussion altogether, these policy changes are laudable ways to make Penn more affordable for those in need.

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