Arkansas Baptist College students frustrated with financial aid, searching for answers

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Students at Arkansas Baptist College are frustrated, saying they haven’t been able to get answers about their financial aid and scholarships from the school.

Monday morning, dozens of students at the HBCU held a peaceful protest, asking for answers.

“We have been promised refunds. We’ve been promised our scholarships and we didn’t get no refunds or scholarships,” said Samiyah Brown, a senior and Miss Arkansas Baptist College. “I have a 4.0 GPA, so that’s an automatic full scholarship. Second year, still have the same GPA, still had the scholarship.”

Brown reached out to 7 On Your Side after being told she had a balance on her account her senior year, despite having a full ride scholarship. She said no one gave her an explanation.

“It’s been like that since October 10,” Brown said.

Dwaun Futch, a junior and a player for the ABC football team, said his athletic scholarship money has been taken away.

“They’re saying they took away my scholarship money, just like the rest of these student athletes, they ain’t getting no money,” Futch said.

Two of the members of the student government association also expressed their frustration.

“I’m supposed to have a scholarship for being on the SGA board, I don’t have my scholarship,” said Shantia Branch, sophomore, vice president of the SGA. “They refused to put it on, and they refused to put on my financial aid which I still haven’t got.”

“We’re getting the run around when we go to the financial aid office. We don’t know who to talk to. It’s just a whole bunch of games,” said Joseph Price, junior, president of the SGA.

After speaking with KATV, the students were told the interim president, Regina Favors, would meet with them. Those students told KATV Favors said she needed time to sort out what was going on and would meet with each student who was affected.

The college sent KATV a statement on behalf of Favors, it reads:

After hearing student concerns today, the administration will be given a chance to respond to specific student issues rather than trying to broadly address general, blanket concerns. It does seem, however, that there is some lack of understanding – and the need for better communication – about the process of applying for and awarding student financial aid. It is no secret that the cost of higher education is on the rise; therefore, it is incumbent upon the college to thoroughly explain its tuition and fee structure as well as any institutional and/or federal aid that might be available to a scholar and the process to receive it. Additionally, due to last week’s inclement weather, enrollment verification has been extended to January 29, after which, student refunds can then be disbursed. Arkansas Baptist College is committed to working to address the concerns brought forth by the students, but in a manner that addresses their varied and unique, individual circumstances."