Some Ole Miss Students Struggle to Afford School

Many students at The University of Mississippi struggle to maintain going to school full-time and working. Students are turning to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in order to lighten the burden.

“I have to work. If I didn’t work, I would lack,” student Kiara Williams said.

For Williams, working is one of the requirements for receiving SNAP benefits; the other is that she attends school. Even with the extra help, she struggles.

“It’s not enough,” Williams said. “I don’t cook so I just use it to buy like sandwiches and something but I don’t go buy like whole foods to cook.”

She receives $86 a month, which equals about $3 dollars a meal.

In 2018, about 3500 people in Lafayette County received SNAP benefits — that’s about 6% of the population.

Graphic created by Data Gif Maker.

Student Erin Bowens doesn’t meet the requirements for SNAP, but she says it’s an important resource.

“Some of us don’t have help from our parents,” Bowens said. “And we’re so busy trying to put our money towards school, that we kind of neglect our basic needs like food.”

Many students may not be aware that they could be for eligible for SNAP benefits, and those that are may be afraid of taking that first step towards receiving the benefits.

“It was just a stigma behind using those government resources,” Bowens said. “But it was just important that they understood that is okay.”

SNAP benefits are determined by how much money is in a household and so is financial aid. Both are used to help students make college more affordable.

The director of the financial aid office at Ole Miss, Laura Diven-Brown, says more needs to be done to sure students get all the help they can.

“How can we work together? How can we tell them come to the Financial Aid [office] so we can figure out options?” Brown said. “Like what if their family has a special circumstance?”

In 2012, The University of Mississippi’s tuition per year for in-state residents was estimated to be around $5700. Now, for the 2017-2018 school year, the price has risen to $8100.

Photo obtained from CollegeFactual.com.

Tuition at Ole Miss will be increasing by an average of 4% again for the 2019-2020 academic year. 

“And as cost goes up, we are constantly looking for all possible sources for the students,” Brown said. “We just want students to be aware of the terms of their loans, be a smart borrower. I know I had to take out loans as a student too but you gotta be careful how much you are taking on and what you can afford to pay back later.”

SNAP benefits and financial aid remains a key resource for students in need. Those interested in applying for SNAP benefits can contact the Mississippi Department of Human Services and ask about their eligibility.

Contributed By:

Paris Payne (ptpayne@@go.olemiss.edu)

Jyesha Johnson (jkjohns6@go.olemiss.edu)