Vassar College has been awarded the Cooke Prize for Equity in Educational Excellence, which recognizes schools "making strides in enrolling low-income students and supporting them to successful graduation."
Since 2006, Vassar has been taking steps to create a more socioeconomically diverse student body by increasing their financial aid budget, which is now $60 million. This has driven the cost of attendance for low-income students down to around $6,000.
The Cooke Prize for Equity in Educational Excellence awards the winning school $1 million. Vassar President Catharine Hill says the school will apply the award "to programs for lower-income students, 'first generation' students (the first in their family to attend college) and undocumented students, so-called 'DREAMers.'"
Hill added that currently, a person's ability to earn a bachelor's degree depends on their family's race and income. "This must change for our country to live up to its principles of social advancement for all," she said.
Read more here.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.