Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 65.14
Liaison Alexis Reyes
Submission Date June 3, 2011
Executive Letter Download

STARS v1.1

Pomona College
IN-1: Innovation 1

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Ginny Routhe
Director
Sustainability Integration Office
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome :

Need-Blind Admissions and No-Loan Guaranteed Financial Aid

Pomona College is one of few institutions in the United States that is committed to both need-blind admissions and to awarding no-loan financial aid packages to meet 100 percent of the need of every enrolling student. This policy allows the College to take a large step forward in increasing diversity, access, and affordability, and allows the College to choose its students solely on the basis of educational considerations such as talent, promise, and ability to contribute to the campus community.

In December 2007, the Pomona College Board of Trustees voted to eliminate loans from student financial aid packages, relieving student debt and increasing accessibility to qualified students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. The policy was enacted in the fall of 2008, and applies to all students receiving financial aid, with no maximum income. Because student debt can affect a student’s college experience and future career choices, the college has replaced all loans in financial aid packages so that students are able to leave the college without educational debt.

Approximately 53 percent of Pomona students receive need-based financial aid, and over 70 percent either receive aid and/or take advantage of the College’s payment plan or parent loan programs. In 2009-10, the College expected to distribute approximately $27.5 million in need-based scholarship assistance.


A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
The website URL where information about the innovation is available :
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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