July 28, 2020 (Jackson, Miss.) - The challenges of COVID-19 have created a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students who enroll at Belhaven University in the fall. Belhaven will be the only university in America giving its traditional students full-tuition scholarships for any of its online master's degrees.
“In the midst of this dramatic rise in COVID-19 infections, we cannot operate in normal ways and expect a good outcome,” said Belhaven University Dr. Roger Parrott. “I'm thrilled we can be the only university in America responding to COVID-19 with such an innovative solution that will propel our students academically and in their future careers.”
The scholarship is for freshmen, transfers, and all returning students who enroll for the fall semester's traditional campus program. Students must also stay enrolled every semester as a full-time, traditional-campus student until they graduate from Belhaven University. The full-tuition scholarship can be used for any of Belhaven University's Online Master's Degrees.
The University knows that for students the immediate challenges are overwhelming. From masks, social distancing, to smaller audiences for events and postponed sports, COVID-19 has put many limitations on the typical Belhaven campus experience. “College should be the best years of your life,” said Dr. Parrott. “This will not be the year our students planned when they first dreamed about going to college. A free master's degrees is our way of helping our students push through these hard adjustments, in order to succeed at an even higher level educationally.”
While some colleges and universities are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, Belhaven University is anticipating a strong year for enrollment. “We are expecting one of our best academic years ever as Belhaven's online undergraduate and graduate programs continue to grow,” said Dr. Parrott. “Although, for traditional campus students, this will not be an ordinary semester.Those universities that think their campus will be normal, are either fooling themselves, or not protecting their students and faculty.”
The University is already offering other unique ways of helping current and potential students. For Mississippi students who decide to stay closer to home and enroll, Belhaven is guaranteeing a minimum scholarship of $12,500 to the Mississippi Class of 2020 high school graduates, and community college transfers.
A year ago, the University instituted another innovative advantage for students perusing a double major. The University is offering a 5th year-tuition free scholarship for double major students. Students must come as freshmen and stay continuously enrolled. If their completion of a double major requires a 9th or 10th semester, their extra year of study will be tuition free.
Classes begin August 24, and it's not too late to apply. Because of this generous opportunity, Belhaven's Admission Department is fast-tracking applications and can be reached at admission@belhaven.edu or 1-800-960-5940.