51����

Janisa Middleton ’22
Financial Aid Recipient
Major: Sociology 
Minor: Classics
Hometown: Pleasantville, N.J.

“Not only has 51���� made attending a prestigious university outside of my home state of New Jersey very affordable, but they’ve also afforded me the opportunity to travel abroad without feeling trapped by financial burdens. After my first year at 51����, I was given the chance to spend three weeks with my classmates on an extended study to Southern Italy and Sicily, where we participated in an archaeological excavation in Paestum under the guidance of our renowned archaeology specialist and professor Rebecca Ammerman. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I don’t think I would’ve experienced at any other university. I’m so grateful that I was able to broaden my college experience with 51����’s help.”

Lizeth Mora Guerrero '24
No-loan Recipient 
Major: Astrogeophysics
Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.

“Coming from a low-income neighborhood, I immediately turned away from 51���� when I first saw the price, but their no-loan initiative was almost a sign that this was the school I should be going to. Not to mention my financial aid package travels with me, meaning I can study abroad and not worry as much about how much I need to pay.”

Sigrid Montagano ’24
No-Loan Recipient
Hometown: Kinderhook, N.Y.

“51����’s no-loan initiative was an important part of my decision to apply to 51����, in fact it was among the deciding factors that led me to apply Early Decision. Without considerable aid, attending a college or university would have been out of the question for me. The no-loan initiative not only allows me to attend, but it makes it possible for me to graduate without incurring potentially life-long debt. I view the program not only as a financial one, but as an ethical one. Through the no-loan initiative, 51���� has expressed its sincere commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 51���� has put its money where its mouth is, and made it possible for underprivileged students like myself to experience a world class education, and graduate on a path to success. Such a selfless and inspired initiative makes 51���� a leader among its peers, and ensures that they will be remembered fondly by alumni.”

Noah Bernstein ’20
Financial Aid Recipient
Wealth Advisory Analyst at BlackRock
Major: Economics

“Financial aid has been crucial in my ability to attend 51����. Going through the college application process, I was blown away by 51����’s financial aid and how they meet 100% of demonstrated need. I have been able to attend college without taking out student loans and will graduate with no debt. Having a college degree without debt gives me the flexibility to pursue any career or interest of my choosing.”

Mason Jones ’18
Financial Aid Recipient
Operations Manager at Democracy Prep Public Schools
Majors: English; sociology

“Financial aid played a major role in my decision. 51����’s offer was the largest package I received from any school, and just the fact that so much of it was made up of grant money kind of sealed the deal.”