Choosing A College And Financial Aid
We want to see you in college! ○ By 2020, 65 percent of all jobs in the economy will require postsecondary education and training beyond high school. ○ Potential - Who are you? What are your interests? ○ Opportunity - More doors open ○ Income - 1 Million Dollars
College Match and Fit “ Put simply, students’ likelihood of college completion is heavily influenced by their choice; therefore, where students choose to enroll can be just as important as whether they choose to enroll in college at all” Cochran & Coles, 2012
What school is right to for you??
College Match and Fit College Match: Refers to the relationship between institutional selectivity and the students’ academic ability and is usually assessed by the ACT/SAT, GPA and Class Rank. Assessing your chances at being admitted College/University Average GPA Average ACT Average SAT Class Rank School A 3.6 28 1100 Top 15% School B 2.9 24 900 Top 50%
College Match You should have a variety of options: ○ Reach Schools - schools for which your GPA, ACT/SAT and Class Rank may be a fraction below the institutional average. ○ Target Schools - schools for which your GPA, ACT/SAT and Class Rank are definitely at or above the institutional average. ○ Safety Schools - schools for which your GPA, ACT/SAT and Class Rank are above the institutional average.
College Match and Fit College Fit: Refers to the extent to which an institution meets a students social, major and financial needs. Fit Factors Factors to consider: Location Academic Program/ Major Size Social/Emotional Environment Retention Rate Graduation Rate Support Services Financial Viability
Starting your search
How many types of colleges are there in Minnesota? ○ 2 Year colleges ○ Community College ○ Technical College ○ 4 Year Colleges ○ Public ○ Private ○ Private Career Colleges/Schools (12 to 18 months)
Average Tuition and Fees 2016-2017 ○ Technical & Community Colleges $5,397 ○ State Universities $8,049 ○ University of Minnesota $14,224 ○ Private Career Colleges $14,270 ○ Private Colleges & Universities $38,305 Other important cost: Room & Board, Transportation, Books, and Person Expenses could add an additional $7,000 to $15,000 to the above tuition cost.
2 Year – Technical Colleges ○ Offer programs that emphasize hands on skills ○ Students often go right into careers in technical or industrial fields ○ Work with local employers to make sure students get the skills they need ○ Instructors are also often professionals in their field ○ Students can earn - Certificates, Diplomas, Associates Degrees
2 Year – Community/Tribal Colleges ○ Provide first 2 years of a 4-year degree ○ Students often transfer to a 4-year institution to complete a bachelor's degree ○ Also offer career specific training for professionals ○ Students can receive - Certificates, Diplomas, Associates Degrees
4-Year Colleges and Universities ○ Public or Private ○ On-campus housing ○ Offer a wide range of majors ○ Offer a wide range of athletic programs as well as programs in the arts such as music and theater ○ Students must meet certain requirements to be accepted ○ Degrees take 4 years to complete ○ Students can receive - Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree and Professional or Doctoral Degrees
But how do I apply?? ○ Complete the college application form ○ Request high school transcript ○ Junior year grades!! ○ Pay the application fee ○ Are you applying to a 2 year college? ○ Fill out Application (online) ○ Done! ○ After accepted you will take a placement test ie: Accuplacer
But how do I apply?? ○ Are you applying to a 4 year college? ○ Submit ACT or SAT scores ○ Talk with counselor about dates and how to sign up ○ Request letters of recommendation ○ Coaches, teachers, counselors, People in your community, church, volunteer org., Supervisors, mentors, leaders
But how do I apply?? ○ Is an application essay required? ○ The essay is the best way to let the school know who you are individually. Who is the real you? ○ School may choose topic or you get to choose your own. ○ Make it personal! ○ Does the school require an interview? ○ Done!!
Students look at their cellular phone at least 100 times per day. Get gentle reminders and assistance with your college transition questions via text. “Get Nudged”
Financial Aid Grants - Free money usually awarded based on need ie: Pell, MN State Grant, college funded grants Does not have to be repaid Scholarships - Free money awarded for special talents, grades, cultural or religious backgrounds etc. Do not have to be repaid Start locally www.finaid.org/scholarships to search for scholarships www.ohe.state.mn.us to see a list of MN institution scholarships Work Study - Money funded by the government that must be earned by working a part-time job on or off campus Jobs can sometimes provide good experience in your field of study Loans - Borrowed money from the government or private lenders that must be paid back with interest Government Loans vs. Private Loans
How can I help pay? Savings - The more you save, the less you'll have to borrow MN College Savings Plan - 529 Plan Visit: www.mnsaves.org for more information Family Contribution - Financial Aid is designed to assist families who are unable to contribute. Can include things like room and board, transportation. Can also include extended family and close friends.
Other Ways to Pay/Save Dual Credit - PSEO, CIS, AP, IB readysetgo.state.mn.us Military and Community Service - ROTC - 2, 3 and 4 year scholarships incl. full tuition, fees, books and living stipend in exchange for years of service. Americorps - Defer federal loans. Education Award per term. Qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Peacecorps - Defer federal loans. Perkins Loan 15% balance cancellation per year of service.
But remember!! ○ Early applicants hear back first ○ Busy season for admissions starts late fall ○ FAFSA application begins in October ○ Sign up for Summer Nudging
Questions???
For more information: www.ohe.state.mn.us Includes information on: Reciprocity Tax benefits Tuition and Fees for 5 State Area Financial Aid Estimator Preparing, Selecting, Paying Questions?? Marcio Thompson marcio.thompson@state.mn.us 651-259-3966
Recommend
More recommend
