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Everett Community College cancels over $1 million in student debt

EVERETT, Wash. — Everett Community College announced it is canceling $1.2 million in student debt accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The college is using Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds to cancel the debt for the over 3,000 students who attended school from spring quarter 2020 through summer quarter 2021.

The school is also using the funding to provide free on-campus housing for the 2021-22 year for students enrolled in 12 or more credits.

“The pandemic has hit our students hard, personally and financially. Students have lost jobs, faced food insecurity and some battled COVID-19 infection,” said EvCC President Daria Willis. “By eliminating this debt, we are removing a barrier preventing students from continuing their education. We will continue seeking innovative ways to support our students.”

The college is also providing students whose debt is being forgiven with financial literacy resources and support to help them not accrue future debt.