After the College's announcement last week that the Campaign for the Dartmouth Experience has reached over $1 billion in gifts, this week's unveiling of a new financial aid policy has put the possibility of the Dartmouth experience within reach of millions of America's poorest students.
Following recent announcements from peer institutions that have launched campaigns to make college education more affordable for the middle class, Dartmouth's new policy presents an important reminder that a premiere liberal arts education is not complete without a diverse intellectual community comprised of students from every tax bracket. A Dartmouth diploma, previously unavailable to many students even with the support of financial aid, will now be absolutely free for the majority of American families.
Not only will the elimination of loans make Dartmouth a more competitive and attractive choice for accepted applicants, it will grant future generations of Dartmouth graduates previously impracitcal options. Removing debt from the financial aid equation will allow students who were previously concerned with paying off their debts soon after graduation the post-graduate path that is best for them, putting options such as graduate school on the table.
Dartmouth students who receive financial aid will see an increase in options and opportunities before they graduate, as well. Until now students receiving financial aid were expected to earn money during leave terms, but the new policy will provide financial support allowing students to choose leave-term engagements that fit their interests and complement their Dartmouth experience without financial concerns and pressures.
By extending need-blind admission to international applicants, Dartmouth has sent a message to students around the world that the College's doors are truly open. Affording international students the same privilege as applicants from North America reaffirms Dartmouth's commitment to creating a distinct student body of talented individuals from varied backgrounds.
Dartmouth's new financial aid policy marks another step towards making diversity on campus a reality, not a dream.
