Emporia ? Emporia State University has announced plans to increase the scholarships it offers by $7.5 million over the next five years to help freshmen and transfer students.

The plan was announced Wednesday by the university and the private, nonprofit Emporia State Foundation. It takes effect next fall and will more than double the amount of scholarship money available to students.

University officials say the program will let incoming freshmen claim scholarships of $1,000 to $3,600 a year, based on past academic performance. Transfer students will be eligible for scholarships ranging from $1,600 to $3,000.

Also, scholarships for freshmen can be renewed for up to eight semesters, based on academic performance. Transfer students will be able to renew theirs up to four semesters.