Perkiomen Valley Student Loan Association
- In 1954, the average grant was $100.
- In 2012, the average loan was $1,493.
- Since 1954, over 1,181 grants and loans have been awarded, amounting to more than $1,286,000.
- Since 1986, the Cope Scholarship grant has been awarded annually, totaling $121,750.
- In 2012, 41 loans and awards totaling $61,200 were awarded.
Student Loan Application form for 2013
AS COLLEGE COSTS CONTINUE TO RISE, PERKIOMEN VALLEY STUDENT LOAN ASSOCIATION CONTINUES LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO HELPING MAKE COLLEGE AFFORDABLE FOR FAMILIES
With the annual prices for tuition, room and board costing approximately $13,600 at public institutions and $36,300 at private institutions, the prospect of funding a child’s post-secondary education can become daunting. Fortunately for Perkiomen Valley School District families, a resource exists locally to help alleviate some of the burden – the Perkiomen Valley Student Loan Association (PVSLA).
The Association, which has been in existence since 1954, provides interest-free loans to PV graduates on the basis of need. These loans can be used at any accredited institution of higher education, and are repaid after the student has graduated or left school. Applications for 2013 are now available online (see link above) and at the Perkiomen Valley High School Counseling Center.
The PVSLA encourages families to start investigating their lending options early on in the college search process, and to consider using the PVSLA as a source for loans. Since 1954, the association has awarded over $1.2 million in grants and loans, helping many students achieve their college dreams.
According to the College Board, over the last 10 years, prices for tuition, room and board costs rose 42 percent at public institutions and by 31 percent at private institutions. College costs may continue to rise as public and private institutions seek ways to replace funding that has been cut by state and federal government.
With this in mind, the PVSLA is hoping to raise awareness of what it offers to the community. One of the primary advantages to borrowing money from the PVSLA is that when the loans are repaid, the money goes toward helping another PV graduate to continue his or her education.
When the time comes for graduates to assume the payback of their loan then this, in turn, will help other students at Perkiomen Valley High School to procure their loans and further their education. This makes the loan more personal and is something for families to keep in mind as they consider their lending options.
Applications must be completed and returned no later than April 15, 2013. If you have any questions or if you need more information, please contact the Counseling Center at the Perkiomen Valley High School, 509 Gravel Pike in Collegeville, at 610-489-4726.
