Campus News

Westminster Recognized for Commitment to Low-Income Students

College named as one of the “Best Colleges for Economic Diversity” by U.S.News & World Report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Krista DeAngelis (801) 832-2682


SALT LAKE CITY – Recognized for its number of undergraduates who receive federal Pell grants, Westminster was recently named one of the “Best Colleges for Economic Diversity” in the West by U.S.News & World Report.

Nearly one fourth of Westminster’s undergraduate population receives Pell grants.

According to U.S.News, many higher education experts believe that an institution’s Pell grant figures are the best gauge of how many low-income students there are on a given campus. Students who are eligible for Pell grants predominantly come from families with incomes under $20,000.

“We have long been committed to ensuring Westminster is accessible to students of all economic backgrounds,” explained said Joel Bauman, Westminster’s vice president for Enrollment Services. “Currently, 23 percent of our undergraduates receive Pell grants and 98 percent of our student body receives some form of financial aid.”

Over the past few years, Westminster’s campus has become increasingly diverse, attracting more out-of-state, underrepresented, and international students than ever before.

“Westminster has had both the largest freshman class and largest total enrollment in history this year,” explained Bauman. “We are making great strides to ensure that our campus reflects the diversity of our population – both economically and culturally.”

Westminster was also recently recognized for its commitment to service by Washington Monthly, and as a top-tier institution, “A+ School for B Students” and “Great School at a Great Price” by U.S.News. Additionally, Princeton Review named the institution one of “The Best 373 Colleges” with special recognition for “Town-Gown Relations” and “Quality of Life.”