Va higher-ed agency backs aid increases

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia's higher-education agency is recommending that the state increase funding for its Tuition Assistance Grant program to help students keep up with increasing private-college costs.

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia voted Tuesday at its regular meeting to recommend that TAG program funding increase by $6.4 million for the 2013 fiscal year, and by $14.7 million in fiscal 2014. Such an increase would raise the maximum annual undergraduate award per student to $2,800 and $3,000, respectively.

Council financial-aid officials say the funding boost is needed to keep pace with tuition increases and enrollment growth.

The TAG program helps state residents attend Virginia private, nonprofit colleges. It currently provides $2,650 annually per undergraduate student and $1,150 for graduate students in health care-related fields.