I know your head is spinning from all the college ranking and evaluation tools that are mailed and emailed to you! The newest college scorecard talked about by President Obama in his state of the union address has some valuable information if you take the time to really evaluate the findings.
One of the most misleading bits of information in higher education is the 6 year graduation rate. This tracks every student who enrolls at a particular insitution and penalizes the institution if that students decides to leave for any reason, relocation, health, wrong fit, family changes, cost, vocation focus change, etc. It leads the consumer to believe that somehow the instituion has failed because the student decided to leave. A much more important quesiton for families to be asking is what is the 4 year degree completion rate of students who remain at the institution. Here at Jacksonville University we are proud to state that of our graduates who walk across the stage each May that 95% completed their degrees in 4 years or less.
As individuals are more price concious about education today it is important to understanding the value of graduating in 4 years. Another imported tant aspect of the scorecard is the "net price" line which shows you what the actual cost is students are paying on average after factoring in scholarships and financial aid. What you find is that in most cases the "sticker price" is deceiving and institutions like Jacksonville University might cost no more than a state school in your area.
Check out the college indebtedness numbers and you will once again see that a private college like JU has a very average indebtedness compared to many other institutions you are considering. Then what does a low default rate tell you? It tells you that in the case of JU our graduates are gaining employment that allows them to repay their student loan debt, and that the default rate of JU graduates is 3.7%, well below the national average of over 13%.
What the college scorecard does more than anything is to highlight some very important factors that should be considered when selected a college. The value statements are there and a college investment demands that students and families consider the long term return on that investment.
The questions students and families should be asking are:
Will I graduate in 4 years? At JU 90% of our graduates complete their degree in 4 years or less.
Will I find a job or be accepted to graduate school? At JU 95% of our graduates 6 months after graduation have a job or are in graduate school.
Will I be able to repay any student loan debt I have accumulated? JU graduates have one of the lowest default rates of any school in the country.
In addition the average student loan debt of our graduates is below the national average.
As you search for colleges I ask that you look deeper than the initial sticker price and I believe what you will find at Jacksonville University is a return on investment that provides true value!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Friday, August 12, 2011
THE RANKINGS ARE IN ...............
Jacksonville University takes great pride in the recent Forbes ranking that has us listed as one of the Best College’s in the nation. We are listed ahead of some pretty well known institution and it is a wonderful validation of the value and experience we provide our students.
In reality the number and placing give you something to brag about but what we really take pride in is that it is an acknowledgment of the great educational experience we are providing. We are privileged in this country to have the worlds best higher education system and many wonderful institutions of higher learning. We are proud to one of them and believe that a liberal arts education focused on learning, service, leadership and faith has tremendous value in today's global society.
We all know the skepticism that surrounds rankings and their validity is many times discounted depending on your number on the scale. What I am confident in here at JU is if you will come and visit us, take time to understand our educational focus, you will see that we provide the value that supports the ranking.
A large focus of the the Forbes ranking is place on value related to price. Here are some of the facts that make JU a great value:
Over 90% of our graduates complete their degrees in 4 years.
Over 95% of our graduates six months after graduation have gained employment or are in graduate school.
Close to 50% of our students will engage in a study abroad experience while here.
Over 35% of our students will complete an internship during their undergraduate experience.
We have been nationally recognized for our service learning opportunities.
The bottom line is that rankings peak your interest about an institution but they don't tell the complete story. Take time to visit Jacksonville University and see first hand all of the exciting opportunities that await you here. We encourage students to visit multiple campuses to make sure that you find the right fit institution for you to call home!
We are proud to be recognized but share an even greater pride in the outstanding educational experience we are providing our students.
In reality the number and placing give you something to brag about but what we really take pride in is that it is an acknowledgment of the great educational experience we are providing. We are privileged in this country to have the worlds best higher education system and many wonderful institutions of higher learning. We are proud to one of them and believe that a liberal arts education focused on learning, service, leadership and faith has tremendous value in today's global society.
We all know the skepticism that surrounds rankings and their validity is many times discounted depending on your number on the scale. What I am confident in here at JU is if you will come and visit us, take time to understand our educational focus, you will see that we provide the value that supports the ranking.
A large focus of the the Forbes ranking is place on value related to price. Here are some of the facts that make JU a great value:
Over 90% of our graduates complete their degrees in 4 years.
Over 95% of our graduates six months after graduation have gained employment or are in graduate school.
Close to 50% of our students will engage in a study abroad experience while here.
Over 35% of our students will complete an internship during their undergraduate experience.
We have been nationally recognized for our service learning opportunities.
The bottom line is that rankings peak your interest about an institution but they don't tell the complete story. Take time to visit Jacksonville University and see first hand all of the exciting opportunities that await you here. We encourage students to visit multiple campuses to make sure that you find the right fit institution for you to call home!
We are proud to be recognized but share an even greater pride in the outstanding educational experience we are providing our students.
WINNING THE FIRST TERM
Wow, so much excitement and yet so much angst awaits those of you who are beginning your freshmen year in high school. The hallways look similar to middle school, the food will be the same and you know some of the students already, so why are you so nervous? Because the expectations have gone up and you wonder if you are ready.
Being a new high school freshmen is an exciting time and you have entered another phase in your life. Enjoy all of the new experiences but don't forget that this IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT HIGH SCHOOL YEAR! Here are the reasons why:
This is when you establish your time management and study habits. One of the most important things college's say students need to learn is time management.
This is when you establish your grade point average. If you start strong with a 3.5 grade point average or higher then you can have a sub-par term in the future and it won't hurt you as much. If you start with a 2.5 g.p.a or lower you will be fighting the entire time to keep it at that level.
Most colleges make their admission decisions based on your grades at the end of your junior year so this 1st year is very important.
As you get more involved later in extra-curricular activities having a strong academic background will allow you more freedom to be involved.
I personally was one of those individuals who didn't accept this advice and I had to work twice as hard as others to improve my academic record because of my average first term.
I know there is so much going on the first semester that makes it hard to focus in on what I am suggesting. Surround yourself with like minded friends and work together to make sure your first semester is both fun and successful!
Being a new high school freshmen is an exciting time and you have entered another phase in your life. Enjoy all of the new experiences but don't forget that this IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT HIGH SCHOOL YEAR! Here are the reasons why:
This is when you establish your time management and study habits. One of the most important things college's say students need to learn is time management.
This is when you establish your grade point average. If you start strong with a 3.5 grade point average or higher then you can have a sub-par term in the future and it won't hurt you as much. If you start with a 2.5 g.p.a or lower you will be fighting the entire time to keep it at that level.
Most colleges make their admission decisions based on your grades at the end of your junior year so this 1st year is very important.
As you get more involved later in extra-curricular activities having a strong academic background will allow you more freedom to be involved.
I personally was one of those individuals who didn't accept this advice and I had to work twice as hard as others to improve my academic record because of my average first term.
I know there is so much going on the first semester that makes it hard to focus in on what I am suggesting. Surround yourself with like minded friends and work together to make sure your first semester is both fun and successful!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
INCREASING THE VALUE OF YOUR DEGREE
What is the first thing that most people learn about a couple of the really big purchases we make in life, houses usually gain value over time and a new car depreciates the second you write the check.
That is why as students, future alumni and parents you have a vested interest in the institution that members of your family decide to attend. As current students, alumni and parents the value of a Jacksonville University degree increases with each outstanding freshmen class we bring in and with each talented class we graduate. The more successful our alumni are in their professionals lives the more value individuals place on a JU degree.
So when you are at church, the grocery store, high school athletic event or on a plane traveling take every opportunity to promote that "Be Orange" value you have witnessed first hand. There is no better ambassador for JU then one of our 4500 current students or one of our over 20,000 living alumni. Talk about your own personal experience with JU and what specific value added component was important to you.
Just remember alumni and parents. The value of that degree increases every time we bring another student to our campus and each time a student walks across the stage at graduation. We need more of our current students, parents and alumni to sing the praises of the JU experience every opportunity they have.
So the next time you encourage a student to check out Wartburg or tell someone about your experience just know that your efforts are being rewarded. That "cha ching" you are hearing is the sound of either your JU degree or that of your childs increasing.
Thank you in advance for your help in increasing the value of Jacksonville University through you positive words!
That is why as students, future alumni and parents you have a vested interest in the institution that members of your family decide to attend. As current students, alumni and parents the value of a Jacksonville University degree increases with each outstanding freshmen class we bring in and with each talented class we graduate. The more successful our alumni are in their professionals lives the more value individuals place on a JU degree.
So when you are at church, the grocery store, high school athletic event or on a plane traveling take every opportunity to promote that "Be Orange" value you have witnessed first hand. There is no better ambassador for JU then one of our 4500 current students or one of our over 20,000 living alumni. Talk about your own personal experience with JU and what specific value added component was important to you.
Just remember alumni and parents. The value of that degree increases every time we bring another student to our campus and each time a student walks across the stage at graduation. We need more of our current students, parents and alumni to sing the praises of the JU experience every opportunity they have.
So the next time you encourage a student to check out Wartburg or tell someone about your experience just know that your efforts are being rewarded. That "cha ching" you are hearing is the sound of either your JU degree or that of your childs increasing.
Thank you in advance for your help in increasing the value of Jacksonville University through you positive words!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
SUMMERTIME FUN !
Anyone who has gone through the college selection process will tell you that the best way to make that final decision is to spend time visiting the campus of your choice. There is no better way to determine if a specific campus is the right place for you than to spend some time there getting to know the place.
Whether you are a high school freshmen or soon to be senior summer is the right time to explore. Camps are a great way to get to know your potential college choice up close and personal. There are various summer camp opportunities at many institutions that range from sport camps, to academic camps, to music camps!
There are many reasons why spending several days of your summer on a college campus can be rewarding. First, you are on your own for a few days and what a great chance for you to spread your wings a little bit. Plus you will get to wake yourself up in the morning without mom, check out the cafeteria food and see how this whole roommate thing works out.
Many colleges, including Wartburg offer summer camps where if you end up attending that school you even gain academic credit for the course. Many years ago I attended Summer Honors at my undergraduate institution and had a wonderful time. I learned what taking a college class would be like, made friends that I still have to this day and because of that experience attended college at that institution.
Make the most of your summer vacation and enroll in a summer camp with an activity or topic that is of interest to you. Use this experience as the foundation of how you will select the institution where you will complete your undergradute degree.
Remember that Wartburg College offers a number of academic, athletic and summer camps each year. For more information please visit www.wartburg.edu
Have a great summer and check out what Be Orange is all about !
Whether you are a high school freshmen or soon to be senior summer is the right time to explore. Camps are a great way to get to know your potential college choice up close and personal. There are various summer camp opportunities at many institutions that range from sport camps, to academic camps, to music camps!
There are many reasons why spending several days of your summer on a college campus can be rewarding. First, you are on your own for a few days and what a great chance for you to spread your wings a little bit. Plus you will get to wake yourself up in the morning without mom, check out the cafeteria food and see how this whole roommate thing works out.
Many colleges, including Wartburg offer summer camps where if you end up attending that school you even gain academic credit for the course. Many years ago I attended Summer Honors at my undergraduate institution and had a wonderful time. I learned what taking a college class would be like, made friends that I still have to this day and because of that experience attended college at that institution.
Make the most of your summer vacation and enroll in a summer camp with an activity or topic that is of interest to you. Use this experience as the foundation of how you will select the institution where you will complete your undergradute degree.
Remember that Wartburg College offers a number of academic, athletic and summer camps each year. For more information please visit www.wartburg.edu
Have a great summer and check out what Be Orange is all about !
Thursday, March 10, 2011
BE ORANGE VALUE
As prices continue to rise for nearly every product in the marketplace, “value” becomes more meaningful each day.
In the most practical sense, “value” means receiving a product of value at a price that is less than its actual worth.
Most people agree a college education provides value by increasing your earning potential over a lifetime.
A college education also provides less tangible but possibly more important value by enriching your life.
So how does Wartburg deliver value?
For starters, 95 percent of our graduates find jobs or are accepted into graduate school within seven months of graduation.
If you’ve looked at the posters outside the Admissions Office, you’ll see that global corporations like Jaguar, Pella Windows, Target and Hormel hire Wartburg graduates.
Wartburg also provides unique value that students don’t necessarily find at other institutions.
I have worked in higher education my entire life, spending 25 years at four different colleges and universities, public and private. Here are my observations of Wartburg’s special value:
Faculty choose to be at Wartburg, because they want to teach in the classroom.
At larger universities, graduate students may teach many of the introductory courses while Ph.D. faculty concentrate on research.
Full-time faculty advise our students. Another practice that is less common at larger institutions.
Study abroad and internship opportunities are built into our curriculum to insure participation doesn’t delay graduation.
A lot of institutions offer these opportunities, but many with the caveat that “this may delay your graduation.”
Graduating in four years is becoming less common, with only 38 percent of students at public universities completing their degrees in four years.
That additional year results in paying more tuition and also means you lose a year of salary regardless of whether you enter the work force immediately or go on to graduate school.
Successful individuals in today’s world are adaptable, service-minded, technology-savvy, well-rounded and have real life work experience coming out of college.
If you begin to question your college investment–and you will–I challenge you to find better “value” than your Wartburg education
In the most practical sense, “value” means receiving a product of value at a price that is less than its actual worth.
Most people agree a college education provides value by increasing your earning potential over a lifetime.
A college education also provides less tangible but possibly more important value by enriching your life.
So how does Wartburg deliver value?
For starters, 95 percent of our graduates find jobs or are accepted into graduate school within seven months of graduation.
If you’ve looked at the posters outside the Admissions Office, you’ll see that global corporations like Jaguar, Pella Windows, Target and Hormel hire Wartburg graduates.
Wartburg also provides unique value that students don’t necessarily find at other institutions.
I have worked in higher education my entire life, spending 25 years at four different colleges and universities, public and private. Here are my observations of Wartburg’s special value:
Faculty choose to be at Wartburg, because they want to teach in the classroom.
At larger universities, graduate students may teach many of the introductory courses while Ph.D. faculty concentrate on research.
Full-time faculty advise our students. Another practice that is less common at larger institutions.
Study abroad and internship opportunities are built into our curriculum to insure participation doesn’t delay graduation.
A lot of institutions offer these opportunities, but many with the caveat that “this may delay your graduation.”
Graduating in four years is becoming less common, with only 38 percent of students at public universities completing their degrees in four years.
That additional year results in paying more tuition and also means you lose a year of salary regardless of whether you enter the work force immediately or go on to graduate school.
Successful individuals in today’s world are adaptable, service-minded, technology-savvy, well-rounded and have real life work experience coming out of college.
If you begin to question your college investment–and you will–I challenge you to find better “value” than your Wartburg education
Thursday, December 23, 2010
THE DECISION
Congratulations, you are in the final semester of your senior year. Life is good as you think about prom, finishing that last semester of high school and graduation day. You have already been accepted at those 4-6 colleges on your list and probably received your merit scholarship offers as well!
Now you wait for the financial aid notification in March and then begin to come to a final decision on your college choice. Unless you are a D-1 or D-II athletic recruit don't let anyone pressure you into making a decision before you are ready. We are bound ethically as a profession to not require a decision from you prior to May 1st.
Now you will hear that making a decision, or depositing early has its benefits and it does. Most institutions make decisions on housing placement, class registration dates based upon the receipt of the deposit. So, if you have made up your mind then send in your deposit to insure that you get your housing preference and an early registration date. If those things aren't important to you and you are truly undecided then make another visit to your final college choices before making a final decison.
You are making a decision of where you want to spend the next four years. Most employers and higher education administrators say that the college experience is one of the most important in a young persons life. Make the decision that is best for YOU, not your parents, not your friends and not your current love interest!
Good luck with your decision.
Best wishes!
Now you wait for the financial aid notification in March and then begin to come to a final decision on your college choice. Unless you are a D-1 or D-II athletic recruit don't let anyone pressure you into making a decision before you are ready. We are bound ethically as a profession to not require a decision from you prior to May 1st.
Now you will hear that making a decision, or depositing early has its benefits and it does. Most institutions make decisions on housing placement, class registration dates based upon the receipt of the deposit. So, if you have made up your mind then send in your deposit to insure that you get your housing preference and an early registration date. If those things aren't important to you and you are truly undecided then make another visit to your final college choices before making a final decison.
You are making a decision of where you want to spend the next four years. Most employers and higher education administrators say that the college experience is one of the most important in a young persons life. Make the decision that is best for YOU, not your parents, not your friends and not your current love interest!
Good luck with your decision.
Best wishes!
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