Southwest Tenn. Community College forgives $1.8 million in school debt for 1,600 students
Southwest Tennessee Community College has forgiven $1.8 million in school debt for 1,600 of its recent students, the college announced Monday.
The community college cleared the balances for eligible students enrolled during the spring, summer and fall semesters of 2020.
Federal emergency relief funding provided the “unprecedented debt-relief package.”
“Our students were hit particularly hard by the pandemic and many of them had to leave college abruptly,” Dr. Tracy D. Hall, president of the college, said in a statement. “Wiping the slate clean clears a path for them to come back and move forward with their goals and career aspirations.”
Forgiving the debt is a step toward giving students financially impacted by the pandemic “a fresh start” for their college education. Students do not have to repay the funds, the college reiterated.
“Earning a college credential is transformative for our students and removing this financial barrier to their success is the best use of COVID-19 relief funds,” Hall said. “We are truly grateful and elated to be able to help our students in such a meaningful way.”
Last fall, the college experienced an enrollment dip of 24%, the greatest drop of any state community college.
Students can log into their My.southwest portal to view account balances, and determine if they were provided debt relief, the college said. Former students who want to learn more about their eligibility can call (901) 333-5292 or email Cares@southwest.tn.edu.
The fall semester begins Aug. 23. Masks are required of students, faculty, staff and visitors indoors.
Laura Testino covers education and children’s issues for the Commercial Appeal. Reach her at laura.testino@commercialappeal.com or 901-512-3763. Find her on Twitter: @Ldtestino