Ferrum College senior Kimi Wills, of Staunton, Va., wants to tell state legislators what a difference the Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) makes in her education and future. On January 31, Wills and students from private colleges all over the state will go to the State Capitol to show their appreciation to state legislators for keeping the TAG a top priority.

"Without the Tag grant I could never have afforded a private college education. Between the TAG and the academic scholarships provided by Ferrum, I can afford a liberal arts education and that's what I wanted," says Wills.

"The TAG grant is vital to the higher education system in Virginia. Many qualified students are turned down by state schools because they're full. It's important that Virginia families receive this assistance to keep those students in Virginia schools. If every student in Virginia went to state-supported schools there would be a much greater financial impact on the taxpayers," explains Del. Allen W. Dudley, of the ninth legislative district.

With the help of legislators like Del. Dudley, the per-student grant increased to $2,850 for academic year 2000-2001 and will increase to $3,000 per student for academic year 2001-2002.

"This grant is a tuition equalization tool which helps bridge the gap between the cost of public and private higher education," explains Sheila Nelson-Hensley, financial aid director at Ferrum College.

"When Virginia families can deduct that $3,000 right off the top of the tuition cost it is a substantial decrease, and it helps our office build a complete financial aid package that can potentially make private education as affordable as public," says Nelson-Hensley.

Ferrum College is a four-year, private, co-educational, liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Ferrum offers a choice of nationally recognized bachelor's degree programs at a cost well below the national average for private colleges. To learn more about the College, call 1-800-868-9797 or visit www.ferrum.edu. # # #