financial aid issues facing adult students linda w. ebel, financial aid director allegheny health...
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Financial Aid Issues Facing Adult Students
Linda W. Ebel, Financial Aid DirectorAllegheny Health Network - Allegheny Valley HospitalCitizens School of NursingTuesday, Oct. 14, 2014
PASFAA 2014 - Financial Aid Issues Facing Adult Students
Returning to school as an adult has its challenges andoften involves financial sacrifices, but there are ways tolessen the impact in this session, discuss the financialchallenges and options for adult students today.
Who is an adult student?
Federal Student Aid for Adult Students
Myths
Age Requirement
Pass a credit check
Costs money to get student aid
Adult Student
Adult Learner
Independent Student - over 24 - married - veteran - have a child or children to support - graduate or professional student
Adult Students
Lifetime Learners
Contemporary Students
Second Career Individuals
Displaced Workers/Unemployed
Returning to school with a degree(s) to seek better employment
Online Students ??????
Non-Traditional Nursing Students Take Non-Traditional Pathways
1985 - average age was 242004 - average age was 31
Nursing is traditionally a career for women
Nursing is a second career for both males and females
Important Factors
FAFSA, State and School Deadlines
Consider Searching for Scholarships
Tax Breaks
Employer Assistance - Tuition Reimbursement
Community College - Affordable Option
Choosing a program- Research Career Options and Passions
Part-time Enrollment - One class at a time
3 Challenges for Adult Students
Lack of Awareness
Financial Resources and Life Barriers
Academic Preparedness
Financial Resources and Life Barriers
Financial Resources
First Generation Students
Lack of Savings – Pay check to pay check
Life Barriers
Single parents
Child care expenses
Medical Issues
Elderly parents
Lack of Awareness
Examples
What is the length of time that it will take for you to get to your career goal?
How much does is cost to take a class?
Is it possible for you to take loans to help you with your living expenses?
When you graduate will you take advantage of the career assistance available?
Academic Preparedness
High School Completion
GED
Low grade point average/Low standardized testing scores
Lack of preparation for post secondary education
Remedial classes
Test anxiety
5 Critical Needs of Adult Students
1. Programming that works with their schedules
2. Relevant degree programs
3. Clear expectations
4. Feedback from instructors
5. Acknowledgement of prior learning
Obstacles
Limitations:PA Grant - 8 semester limitPLEU - Pell Lifetime Eligibility Units150% Sub Loans after July 1, 2013Previous borrowing
Lack of financial literacy
Borrowing more than they need
Afraid to ask questions
Tips for Adults going back to school
•Find an institution (college or university) where the student feels comfortable and welcome
•Research schools online or ask your local librarian for help: learn about the school and make sure that they offer your area of interest. You should research your area of interest and learn about the career that you plan to pursue.
•Make sure that wherever you go, the institution places proper value on the adult learner (flexible course schedules possibly distance learning, as well as faculty that understands the life of an adult students doesn’t always center around school.
REWARDS
Provide a sense of major accomplishment
Permit them to understand hard work can translate to success
Completing their education is a way to provide for their families
They are good role model(s) for their children or siblings
Motivational Quotes for Adult Students
The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live. ~ Mortimer Adler
Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will. ~ Vernon Howard
Learning is like rowing upstream: not to advance is to drop back.
~ Chinese Proverb
Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe. ~ Gail Devers
Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. ~ Unknown
Financial Aid Issues Facing Adult Students