Wilkes-Barre, Pa., October 7, 2022—King’s College has launched the Luzerne and Lackawanna Education Opportunity (LLEO) Program, a new financial aid initiative that covers tuition and fee costs for local, first-time students with families that earn less than $50,000 per year.
Starting for the fall 2023 semester, King’s College will, through the LLEO Program, pay the remainder of tuition and fees on the eligible student’s behalf after their financial aid is applied. Financial aid, which often consists of federal grants, state grants, federal loans, and institutional aid, is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
“We know families often face a financial burden when their children go to college,” said Chris Dearth, vice president for enrollment management. “We hope the LLEO program will help local families realize the dream of earning a quality education from King’s College while alleviating some of the worry and financial stress they feel during what is normally an exciting time for students and parents.”
Students are eligible if they attend and graduate from a high school in Luzerne or Lackawanna County; have been accepted to King’s College as a first-time, full-time student; have filed their FAFSA by May 1; and have a total parent income of $50,000 or less as reported on the FAFSA. Students that live in Luzerne or Lackawanna County but attend home or cyber school or live in a neighboring county but attend a Luzerne or Lackawanna County high school are also eligible.
“King’s College has a legacy of supporting first-generation students and those who face financial barriers to college entry in our region,” said Rev. Thomas P. Looney, C.S.C., Ph.D., president of King’s College. “I am thrilled that this new program will enable us to welcome more great local students to King’s and provide them with affordable, excellent educational opportunities that will lead to life-long success.”
To participate, students must submit their FAFSA to receive financial aid as the initiative applies the federal Pell grant, the Pennsylvania state grant, and the Federal Direct Subsidized loan before covering remaining tuition and fees. Designed to primarily aid local students, the LLEO Program does not cover costs for room and board and indirect costs like gas, books, or food.
Students can remain in the program granted they renew their FAFSA each year and continue to meet eligibility requirements.
The program is being piloted for the 2023-24 academic year and is expected to help dozens of first-time students.
Interested students should apply now for admission to King’s College and submit their FAFSA using King’s College code 003282, through which students will be identified for the program. Families can learn more about eligibility and requirements at kings.edu/LLEOprogram.