McMurry University to Forgive $1.2 Million In Student Debt

ABILENE, TX — McMurry University has announced its plans to forgive $1.215 million in unpaid student debt as part of the American Rescue Plan.

According to the university, "students who enrolled between summer 2020 and summer 2021 semesters and have an account balance will see their institutional debt accrued through the summer 2021 semester canceled."

The funds to forgive the debt will come from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (ARP HEERF III) and will impact more than 400 students who owe an average of $3,005.

“The HEERF grant allows McMurry to offer students a means to regain financial stability and emerge from the pandemic in a better financial position,” said McMurry University President Sandra S. Harper. 

The news was a welcome surprise for a lot of students.

 “I chose to take on debt to attend college and to provide me with future opportunities...I come from a working family, and my parents live within their means. I don’t want to rely on them, so I work to contribute to my college tuition and expenses, said senior Emily Michki. "When McMurry told me some of my student debt is being forgiven, a weight has been lifted off me and my parents’ shoulders. It was an early birthday present.”