Facts about financial aid program

– 1.25 percent of the total fiscal budget, highest per capita in the entire U.S. and territories, goes to scholarship program.

– $2.3 million allocated for scholarship under FY 2000 budget reflects 48 percent drop from previous level.

– Grant amount highest in the nation, without GPA and financial need requirements.

– CNMI’s academic scholars receive $15,000 maximum per year for tuition and other expenses; teacher’s up to $12,000 with GPA of 2.5 , and EAP about $3,000 with GPA of 2.0.

– In Florida, academic scholars receive $600; Idaho, $2,750; Maryland, $1,000 for community college and $3,000 for four-year college; New York, $1,000 and $500, respectively; and Washington, $3,000 for those in dire need of financial aid. All of these state scholarships and others require at least a GPA of 3.0 or 3.5.

Source: Governor’s Office