HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) and several other private institutions sent leaders down to Richmond to not only give thanks for the funding they’ve received so far but to also advocate for their students and any additional funding they can receive from lawmakers.

According to Susan Huxman, president of EMU, there is a stigma around private universities about the wealth of students who attend the school. She said more often than not, and according to research granted in the Economic Impact Report presented to Virginia lawmakers, public universities see more students who do not qualify for Pell Grants than private institutions. Around 40% of students who enroll in private universities are eligible for federal aid.

Huxman said the trip to Richmond is more than just a chance for staff to get money for the schools. The money EMU and other universities advocate will help students in tricky financial situations have access to the college education they want, wherever they want it.

”We try to lobby just so that really important grant is somewhat related to the cost of living increases, but it’s never quite that,” Huxman said.

Huxman emphasized the importance of tuition assistance not only for the college students to finish out their education, but also the counties and cities surrounding EMU. She said many students who graduated from EMU often stay in the Shenandoah Valley and continue their lives there.