ASC Reciprocal Scholarship is great deal for NM students (11-23-05)
Veronica Vigil
Although Veronica Vigil's '06 hometown is Gallina, New Mexico. She is attending Adams State College in Alamosa, Colo. without paying non-resident tuition.
Vigil received a Reciprocal Scholarship all four years at Adams State.
According to Eric Carpio, director of Admissions at Adams State College, the Reciprocity Program is based on agreement between the states of Colorado and New Mexico. The program offers in-state tuition eligible residents of New Mexico.
"Students from neighboring counties, with no higher education institution or academic program in their area, can attend Adams State for in-state costs," Carpio said.
Vigil is a liberal arts major at Adams State.
"My graduating class had 26 people in it and I didn't want to attend a large university where the basic biology class would have more kids in it that my entire high school student body," said Vigil.
Vigil's mother attended Adams State College and her aunt, Dr. Barbara Medina, is the chair of the Teacher Education Department.
"With the reciprocal scholarship, tuition at Adams State College is less expensive than going to one of the larger universities in New Mexico," Vigil said. "It is also close to home, so I can visit often."
Vigil plans to graduate in May. She has applied for an internship with the Hispanic Institute in Washington, D.C. with the Department of Agriculture.
"Eventually I want to receive a master's in arts in school counseling," Vigil said. "My future plans include giving back to my community."
Carpio said there are two opportunities for New Mexico students to attend Adams State College for lower tuition. Besides the Reciprocal Scholarship, the Good Neighbor Scholarship is also available.
"It is good for $3000 per year and is renewable until the student graduates, as long as they maintain the 2.5 or above GPA," Carpio said.
Students need to be admitted to Adams State College to be eligible.
"Out of State tuition for one year at Adams State College is approximately $8000 per year," Carpio said. "This drops it to $5000 per year with the Good Neighbor Scholarship. There are also a number of other scholarships available to non-resident Adams State College students, as well as financial aid."
Students are not eligible for both the Reciprocal and Good Neighbor Scholarships.
"The Good Neighbor Scholarship is a good award for any out-of-state student," Carpio said. "It isn't limited to just New Mexico residents."
Applications for both scholarships are available in the Adams State College Scholarship Book, or online at http://www.adams.edu
By Linda Relyea
