Davenport University offers 25 percent tuition discount for unemployed and underemployed

Sharon Hanks

Davenport University is trying to help the unemployed and underemployed launch new careers by giving them a break with tuition costs. The college announced it will discount tuition by 25 percent to students who can show documentation of their work status.

Students qualify for the discount if they can present proof of unemployment, such as a letter or unemployment pay stub. Students who are underemployed qualify for the tuition break if they are currently in a Michigan Works! program and can provide Michigan Works! documentation. The discount is not retroactive and can not be combined with other tuition or scholarship offers.

The Caledonia-based university says it was prompted to offer the discount after funding was exhausted for the Michigan Works! retraining program.

"Funding has dried up for the program so this is our way to extend the training to unemployed people," says Rick Jensen, the university's news information manager. "It starts for Davenport University students in the fall. They can be returning students or existing students. I think the policy will be reviewed after the academic year."

In a press release, Larry Polselli, the university's executive vice president for enrollment and student development, explains his decision to offer the discount. "Current economic environments across the state of Michigan have created challenges for many," he says. "With 14 campuses across the state and programs tied to today's jobs, Davenport University is uniquely positioned to help students by extending this tuition discount when people need it most."

Sharon Hanks is innovations and jobs news editor at Rapid Growth Media. Please send story ideas and comments for the column to Sharon at [email protected]. She also is owner of The Write Words in Grand Rapids.