College Announces Debt Forgiveness Program

Kalamazoo Valley Community College today announced the Kalamazoo Valley Debt Forgiveness Program, an initiative designed specifically for students who left the college with debt and without a degree.

Through the program, the college will forgive up to $1,000 of a student’s past due balance upon successful completion of a degree or certificate – 50% of the debt upon successful completion of 12 credits or program completion (whichever occurs first) and the remaining 50% upon successful attainment of a certificate or degree.

“If existing institutional debt has held you back from achieving your academic goals, we want to work with you,” said Director of Retention and Completion Evan Pauken. “Debt shouldn’t stop anyone from earning a degree or certificate.”

To be eligible, students must have:

• Left Kalamazoo Valley with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher

• Not attended Kalamazoo Valley for six semesters

• An outstanding balance of $1,000 or less

• The ability to pay in full, sign up for a payment plan, or have financial aid to cover the balance for the semester they will be re-enrolling at the time of registration (i.e. Student can cover charges for upcoming tuition and fees)

• Not already been awarded a degree or certificate from Kalamazoo Valley

Students who qualify will need to establish, modify or confirm an academic plan alongside an advisor or counselor, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and participate in regular coaching/tutoring/mentoring as outlined by the program director. Additionally, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater and attain a certificate or degree within three academic years of re-enrollment.

The college has identified and contacted nearly 700 students who are eligible for the program. However, students who think they could qualify, should visit www.kvcc.edu/debtforgiveness and complete the program application.

“I encourage anyone who thinks they could benefit from this initiative to apply,” Pauken said. “Winter semester starts Jan. 11 and it's the perfect time to complete a degree or certificate.”