By Hazel Scott
Alabama State University is offering a new financial award for commuter students. The CommUniversity Commuter Scholarship (CCS) is designed to invest in local students.
“The scholarship was created to grow the University’s student population by making ASU more affordable and accessible to a diverse student community. Through a commuter scholarship, we can alleviate some of the stress that students face when contemplating pursuing a college degree,” said Dr. Freddie Williams, Jr., assistant vice president for Student Affairs/Enrollment Management.
He noted that the CCS aligns with ASU’s Focus 2030 Strategic Plan.
“President (Quinton) Ross has been promoting the idea of ’CommUniversity’ since he took the helm at ASU. The idea of CommUniversity extends beyond our walls into the wider walls of the surrounding cities and counties that we serve. When we spoke with our President about establishing this scholarship, he enthusiastically gave his approval to move forward,” Williams said.
Commuter students are those who do not live in University-owned housing. They consist of a diverse and intersectional group of students. Many commuters are either students of color, first-generation college students, or both.
Williams pointed out that ASU recognizes that commuter students may face unique and different challenges than those students who live on campus.
“Traditional commuters handle many obligations and financial stressors at once. We really wanted to make sure to give these students an opportunity to attend ASU with a scholarship to help drive down some of their cost of tuition,” Williams said.
How CCS Works
Commuter students who live in Montgomery, Autauga, Elmore, Bullock, Macon, Dallas, Lowndes, or Wilcox counties and meet the eligibility requirements can apply for the CCS, which amounts to $2,000 a year ($1,000 a semester) for up to four consecutive years (maximum eight semesters).
Applicants must be first-time freshmen or transfer students with a GPA of 2.75 or better. The CCS is automatically renewed if the commuter student maintains the required GPA, takes a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester, and applies for Federal Student Aid.
The University has 50 CCS scholarships available. Students who already receive institutional scholarships that cover tuition are not eligible for this scholarship.
“This is a pathway for traditional commuter students, transfer students from community colleges, as well as high school students to reach their dreams of a higher education,” Williams added.
