Dear Kenyon students and families,
The fall semester has been like no other in our history and we continue to be thankful for the efforts of our community to keep each other well during the pandemic.
We write to you today to highlight efforts that we have taken this past semester and to extend additional opportunities for financial support as you navigate unprecedented challenges, including financial hardship. While it would be impossible to insulate any of us from the economic realities of the pandemic, we have taken steps where possible to ease the burden.
Ten Percent Tuition Reduction
Kenyon recognized the challenges posed for students by the COVID-19 pandemic and protected student health by conducting classes remotely for cohorts of students throughout the year in an effort to “de-densify” the campus. A campus with fewer students is inherently different, and in recognition of the changed reality, we offered a one-time credit — 10 percent of tuition ($6,080, or $3,040 per semester).
Flexible Residency Requirement
Under ordinary circumstances, Kenyon students must complete eight semesters of full-time enrollment to graduate, at least four of which must be completed on Kenyon’s campus, including the senior year. In 2020-21, however, students who meet all other collegiate and departmental graduation requirements in seven semesters may petition for an exception to this rule.
COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund
Students who were enrolled at Kenyon (or in an approved off-campus program) on March 13, 2020, may still apply for funds to offset expenses related to the disruption of their education due to the coronavirus. Expenses may include travel, temporary lodging and food, shipping and storage, and supplies to study or work remotely, such as computer equipment and internet service. Funding for this comes in part from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed by Congress in late March. In addition to the CARES Act, Kenyon has allocated institutional dollars to support students who are not eligible for federal funding.
This fund is no longer accepting submissions.
Financial Aid Special Circumstances and Hardship Request
(including the loss of student income)
We recognize that the financial circumstances of students and families may have changed, and that they may face increased need for financial aid. This may be due to a loss of income (including student earnings expected during the academic year), unreimbursed medical expenses or the tragic loss or disability of a parent. Kenyon has developed a supplemental financial aid application to consider requests for an adjustment to 2020-21 financial aid awards.
To apply: Please complete this Financial Aid Special Circumstances and Hardship Request.
Those who have not already applied for financial aid and suffered a loss should contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@kenyon.edu to discuss required application procedures.
The financial aid staff has worked to make the process as easy as possible, and once the request is granted, students will be given the option for receiving the funds as a credit to their account, a deposit to their K-Card, or as a check.
Financial Aid Renewal Application for 2021-2022
U.S. citizens and permanent residents must reapply annually for need-based financial aid. For 2021-2022 applications, Kenyon will waive the requirement to complete a renewal CSS Profile. Instead, students (or parents) may complete a short supplemental form where they may describe any extenuating circumstances. In addition, awards will be released earlier than is typical; the priority deadline for submitting 2021-2022 applications has been moved to March 1 to provide ample time to review and package awards. Financial aid counselors are available to discuss any specific concerns you may have. Please visit our website for contact information.
Throughout these very difficult times, we have sought to carry out the mission of the College while protecting the health and safety of our community, supporting our students and employees, and stewarding the long-term health of the institution. We hope that these sources of financial support will allow you to move forward with confidence in a year of unprecedented uncertainty. Please do not hesitate to be in touch with the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@kenyon.edu if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Diane Anci
Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid
Craig Slaughter
Director of Financial Aid