Like so many schools around the country, the University of Montana has struggled with declining enrollment for a number of years.

But, on the heels of reported upticks in students entered this fall, comes the announcement today (Wednesday) of an amazing new scholarship program to help Montana students pay for college. Our thanks to UM News Service for sharing the announcement.

The Payne Family Impact Scholarship, established with a significant $7.5 million gift from longtime UM supporters Terry and Patt Payne, will be awarded to hundreds of Montana high school students who choose to attend UM beginning in fall 2022.

The scholarship was created to assist Montana students who grow up in families who earn too much money to secure large financial aid packages, such as Pell Grants, but don’t have the resources to outright pay for college. Students who receive the four-year renewable scholarship can stack this award on top of other scholarships and financial aid, using it to pay for tuition, books, room and board and other college costs.

The UM financial aid office will begin awarding the Payne Family Impact Scholarship funds December 1. Students should apply for admission to UM and submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to UM to be considered for the scholarship. Once selected for the scholarship, students will be assigned an academic adviser who will work directly with them as they prepare to launch the next chapter of their education at UM.

A 1963 UM alumnus, Terry Payne began his career in insurance while still in college and built the successful PayneWest Insurance Inc.

Students are encouraged to apply to UM and submit their FASFA to UM today. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. More information on the Payne Family Impact Scholarship is available here.

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