Pennsylvania’s student-loan agency will cut college grant amounts for the 2008–09 academic year by up to $750 and will offer voluntary buyouts to some

Pennsylvania’s student-loan agency will cut college grant amounts for the 2008–09 academic year by up to $750 and will offer voluntary buyouts to some of its nonunion employees in an effort to keep the company afloat.

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency will determine the adjusted grant amounts based on a recipient’s college costs, family size, and the number of children from the family enrolled in college. Next year’s awards will range from $2,100 to $3,948, compared to this year’s awards which ranged from $2,500 to $4,700.

The agency expects to save $12.5 million annually with the nonunion buyout agreements, after losing more than $37 million in the nine months leading up to March 31, agency spokesman Keith New said in an Associated Press article, (“Pa. Student-Loan Agency to Cut Aid, Offer Employee Buyouts,” April 24, 2008).

During the same period last year, the agency earned nearly $113 million in operating income.

Employees eligible for buyouts will receive two weeks’ pay for each year of service at the agency for up to 16 weeks. The number of buyouts needed to steady the company has yet to be determined and is dependent on the salaries of departing employees.

The agency, which New said has “never before experienced more difficult or severe economic conditions,” will only impose layoffs as a last resort.