Bill would boost Montana need-based college financial aid

MISSOULA, Mont. — Proposed legislation to boost financial aid for Montana college students from low-income families has attracted support.

Sam Forstag, with Montana Associated Students, was among those who testified for the proposal on Wednesday at a meeting of the Montana Legislature's education appropriations subcommittee.

The Missoulian reports that Forstag noted 60 percent of students in the Montana University System need to borrow to attend college.

Under the proposal, Montana would contribute $5 million toward need-based student aid, which would be matched dollar-for-dollar by foundations like the UM Foundation that support the state's campuses.

Several years ago, Montana put $4.8 million toward need-based aid, but that money mostly dried up. Last school year, the state offered $41 per student in need-based aid from state coffers compared to the national average of $539.