Many institutions are using micro-grants to help students cover lingering balances that keep them from registering for classes or completing a degree or certificate. The University of North Carolina-Charlotte calls them Gold Rush grants and they are helping to reduce the almost 650 students each semester they saw dropping out, most due to financial reasons. They are seeing success with this effort, reporting that 95% of Gold Rush grant recipients remain enrolled or graduate.
ExploreOn the Verge
Financial costs and challenges go well beyond tuition for lower income students who want to stay in school and succeed.