The rising cost of higher education has become a significant barrier for many students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, limiting college options for even talented and high-achieving students. One Augustana financial aid program seeks to bridge the gap and make the Augie experience more accessible. 

Called “Augustana Possible,” the program was launched in the fall of 2023 with the support of a $40 million commitment from alumnus and trustee Murry Gerber. In addition to being funded by this record-breaking gift, there is more that makes Augustana Possible special.

Every student eligible for an Augustana Possible grant will receive one. As outlined on Augustana’s webpage for the program, eligible students must be newly enrolled with GPA and class rank requirements of 3.5 and 80th percentile, respectively. They must also submit the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Alternative 6,4Application for Illinois Financial Aid and demonstrate financial need. John Cage, Augustana’s director of financial aid, said that the amount gifted depends on students’ specific circumstances.

“We take into account all the aid the student is going to receive, and then we plug in a number if there’s remaining demonstrated financial need,” Cage said.

In 2023, approximately 180 incoming students saw the remainder of their tuition cost ‘plugged in’ and covered by Augustana Possible after awards and federal loans, with an average grant amount of $6,234. This year, that number fell to about 150 students, a fact that Cage blames on difficulties in the FAFSA process due to changes to the application.

“A lot of people who would have qualified have not been able to do the FAFSA, so they haven’t qualified yet for Augustana Possible,” Cage said. “It’s like that with big software implementations; usually the first year is a nightmare, and then subsequent years are a little better.”

While FAFSA woes may constitute a nightmare for many, Augustana Possible has already made dreams come true, with effects far beyond the admission of individual students. In fact, statistics available in a June 1, 2023 Augustana website post reveal something else special about Augustana Possible and its implications for a more diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible Augustana.

Students of color made up nearly half of grant recipients in 2023, and 28% identified as first-generation college students. By acting as a bridge between need and opportunity, Augustana Possible can inherently address systemic issues of college accessibility. Kent Barnds, Augustana’s executive vice president for strategy and innovation, said that the program has already made a significant mark in its two years of operation.

“We like what we’re seeing with regard to socioeconomic diversity, academic achievement and other important measures of financial access,” Barnds said. “From every sort of angle, this program is working, and we’re excited about the promise.”

That promise, to bridge the gap between what certain students have and what tuition costs, was motivated by Gerber’s experience as a high-achieving, low-income Augustana student. In collaboration with Barnds and former Augustana President Steven Bahls, Augustana Possible was born.

“Mr. Gerber … wanted to make Augustana accessible to students like he was: high achievers who came from families without the resources to make this type of an investment,” Barnds said. 

The promise of Augustana Possible is safeguarded due to the structure of the program’s funding. Gerber’s commitment was made as a challenge grant, in which he will match donors’ contributions up to an $80 million total. These funds then make up an endowment, meaning that they are invested by the college so that their return may fund Augustana Possible grants.

“As long as there’s a positive return on the stock market, there will be a forever return on the funds that we’re investing,” Cage said. “We see this program lasting in perpetuity.”

The rewards of Augustana Possible are more broad than they might seem at first, and its funding system means that it will provide countless current and future students with the opportunity to attend Augustana. If statistics aren’t enough evidence of the program’s success, take it from one of so many students who have seen Augustana extend a hand rather than turn away.

First-Year Jaylen Clayton learned about the Augustana Possible grant from his wrestling coach. Clayton, who plans to major in engineering, said that his desire to attend Augie was a practical one.

“I wanted a small student body so I can really create a connection with my professors,” Clayton said. “It’s easier for me to learn that way.”

Motivated as well by a desire to continue his wrestling career, Clayton learned about Augie. When he found himself among this year’s Augustana Possible grant awardees, the decision was immediate.

“I was like, ‘Mom, Dad, look: I got it. This is the school I’m going to – already set, already done – so let’s make the plans’,” Clayton said.

Having followed through on those plans, he has found much to look forward to as he settles into college life, cherishing even what might seem mundane.

“I know this is a weird one; I’m looking forward to passing calculus,” Clayton said. “I’m also looking forward to all the events that OSID is going to be hosting.”

For Clayton and so many others, Augustana Possible provides so much more than an easier college decision. It opens the door to new friendships, skills and hobbies and sends a message of belonging to prospective and current students alike. As Augie continues to develop and refine its strategic initiatives, Augustana Possible represents an emboldened commitment to an inclusive and accessible Augustana.

“Now that I’m here, I was like, ‘did I make the right decision?’,” Clayton said. “But as I get more involved, I love the sense of connection, and I love the resources that this school provides.”