By Katrenia Busch
UNIVERSITY CENTER– The costs to attend and stay in college continues to rise even faster than the inflation rate.
According to the College Board, the cost of in-state tuition and fees at public four-year universities rose at an average, inflation-adjusted rate of 3.1% per year between the years 2008 and 2019. This brings more than double the rate of inflation, which is 1.6%.
Consider these tips to help make college more affordable:
- Find and apply for scholarships before and during college
- Learn about your financial aid eligibility
- Consider seeking student employment at your college
- Start at community college for classes that transfer at higher cost universities
- Buy used textbooks
- Take advantage of college resources such as transportation and buses
- Consider having a roommate
- Check eligibility for assistance with food, health insurance, etc. from the state
- Sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program to cut internet costs
- Use Delta Closet for free clothes for interviews or employment
“We have very limited funding leftover from HEERF funds, and we are currently in the process of reconciling,” said Lisa in Delta College Financial Aid. “We do not have an application process, so if we are able to assist students further with HEERF funds, you will be notified by email.”
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program helps eligible customers get a discount of $30 per month on internet services. Click here to learn more.
Some eligibility requirements are listed on the Federal Communications Commission website to review. The program can help students with affordable internet while they study or take remote classes.
Food Assistance
If you are struggling to find affordable or free food, several options include applying for SNAP food assistance, food pantries, or warm meals.
According to Assistant Director of the Student Food Pantry, Michelle White, beginning Feb. 21, the Student Food Pantry began as an option that was made available through grant funding. You will need a photo ID for pick up. Available options are as follows:
- Family Food Box w/gift card – Family Food Boxes will now have gift cards added in! Students can select the store gift card from a list of options. These cards will help students purchase food items we cannot provide, such as milk, bread, fresh produce, meat, etc. There is a limit of one family food box per week per student. Food boxes reserved at the Main campus can be picked up at Public Safety in the N-wing. Directly across from the east main entrance, between K and L wings
- Meal Vouchers for the Red Brix Café Students can opt to receive a voucher for a hot meal at Delta’s own Red Brix Café during regular business hours. This option can be chosen once per week per student. Meal Vouchers are only available and redeemable at the main campus, pick up at Pioneer Connect room D102
- Lunch Bags will continue to be available Lunch bags reserved at Main campus can be picked up at Pioneer Connect room D102
MIBridges is the State Assistance website where people can apply and, if eligible, receive help with healthcare coverage, food and/or cash assistance, childcare and development, and emergency state relief funding.
Available meal centers and soup kitchens are as follows:
- East Side Soup Kitchen is located on Genesee Avenue in Saginaw
- Old Town Christian Outreach Center on Gratiot Avenue in Saginaw
- Samaritas at 915 Federal Ave. in Saginaw
- Saginaw Community Christian Reformed Church on Mackinaw Road in Saginaw
- Safe Harbor Kitchen on Joseph Street in Bay City
- Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church on S. Catherine Street in Bay City
- Salvation Army on 10th St. in Bay City
- Trinity Episcopal Church on N. Grant Street in Bay City
- Midland’s Open Door on Buttles Street in Midland
- First United Methodist Church on W. Larkin Street in Midland
Students may shop at Delta’s Closet for free professional clothes, shoes, and accessories for events such as scholarship interviews, job interviews, and the first day at the new job. Delta’s Closet is located in D134, next to Counseling and Advising.
If you have any questions, you can reach Career Development at careerdevelopment@delta.edu or by phone at (989) 686-9072.
