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!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
THE ROLE OF THE COLLEGE ADMISSION COUNSELOR
As college admission counselors our jobs are to promote the institution we work for on a daily basis. But our profession as counselors is to above all else make sure we are providing information that helps you find the institution that is the best fit for you.
Admissions counselors are trained in admissions standards, counseling and financial aid in order to help you make a great decision. Let's face it, like any business colleges want to have satisfied customers. We have no desire to bring students to our campus who we don't feel are a right fit or have a chance to succeed. Many students and families develop a close bond with the admissions counselor they are working with through the process. Your admission counselor is an individual that can help you sift through all of the information you have received and assist you in making that "right choice" decision.
I know here at Wartburg because of the relationships we build with student prospects and familes we want the student to succeed. Because of that approach we want, and are willing to answer questions and help students make decisions even if they are at institutions other than our's. The bond between an admission counselor and the student prospect is sometimes so strong that the counselor continues to be the students primary contact once on campus.
Please use your admission counselor as a resource and sounding board throughout your decision making process. Our job is to communicate to you the value of a Wartburg education and provide you with opportunities to see if Wartburg is the place you want to call home for four years. But because we value the relationships we build with students and families so much our ultimate goal is to make sure you find the right place to call home!
Admission counselors are usually individuals who truly valued their college experience and want to assist others in having a similar opportunity. Just like in any sales interaction you can spot sincerity and belief in what they are selling immediately. Great counselors put the value of the person finding the right institution over the "sale" everyday.
Please view your admission representative as a "counselor" and not a "saleperson" and it will make the process more fruitful.
Best wishes!
Admissions counselors are trained in admissions standards, counseling and financial aid in order to help you make a great decision. Let's face it, like any business colleges want to have satisfied customers. We have no desire to bring students to our campus who we don't feel are a right fit or have a chance to succeed. Many students and families develop a close bond with the admissions counselor they are working with through the process. Your admission counselor is an individual that can help you sift through all of the information you have received and assist you in making that "right choice" decision.
I know here at Wartburg because of the relationships we build with student prospects and familes we want the student to succeed. Because of that approach we want, and are willing to answer questions and help students make decisions even if they are at institutions other than our's. The bond between an admission counselor and the student prospect is sometimes so strong that the counselor continues to be the students primary contact once on campus.
Please use your admission counselor as a resource and sounding board throughout your decision making process. Our job is to communicate to you the value of a Wartburg education and provide you with opportunities to see if Wartburg is the place you want to call home for four years. But because we value the relationships we build with students and families so much our ultimate goal is to make sure you find the right place to call home!
Admission counselors are usually individuals who truly valued their college experience and want to assist others in having a similar opportunity. Just like in any sales interaction you can spot sincerity and belief in what they are selling immediately. Great counselors put the value of the person finding the right institution over the "sale" everyday.
Please view your admission representative as a "counselor" and not a "saleperson" and it will make the process more fruitful.
Best wishes!
FIRST COME - FIRST SERVED !
As a high school senior after you complete the college application process and have been admitted the next step will be making a deposit! A deposit is meant to be a signal that you have made your college decision and are reserving a place in the entering class. At some institutions the deposit is refundable before a certain date and at others it is non-refundable. Institutions need to tell you upfront whether the deposit is refundable or not.
Why Deposit? At the most selective institutions you are depositing to literally reserve a spot in the class. The highly selective institutions have far more admits then they can enroll and use the deposit to determine level of commitment.
At most other institutions the deposit continues to be a sign of commitment but also carries a slightly different meaning. Although making your deposit does secure your place in the next class the timing of the deposit is many times used in assigning housing and other campus opportunities.
There are several steps in the process and one action on your part prompts another action on the behalf of the college. Housing for instance is assigned based upon when the housing document is received. When you deposit one of the items that prompts is for the college to send you the housing form. So the earlier you deposit the earlier you will receive the housing form and other materials such as registration for classes. What this means is that you are more likely to receive your first preference on a residence hall assignment and or date to come and register.
Please remember: Institutions cannot force you to deposit prior to May 1 or hold any incentives over you to do so. What I have outlined for you above is how the process works though. Just like those folks that "call ahead" and then by-pass me at my favorite eating establishment, the sooner you deposit the higher you are in line for the next decision that needs to be made.
Todd's Tidbit's:
Remember to check to see if the deposit is refundable.
Is the deposit applied to your tuition like it is here at Wartburg or is it just an additional expense of your educational experience. (At Wartburg if you enroll your deposit is applied toward your tuition) At many other institutions the deposit is a seperate revenue stream for the college that is not applied toward tuition and fee's.
The deposit is your own personal signal to the school that "I am commiting to you". This will prompt the institution to provide you with other important decisions to make such as those I have outlined.
Deposit amounts range from $100 to $600 at many institutions so depositing a several institutions isn't an option for most people. Usually in March after federal financial aid awards have been sent out you will see more communication from colleges about making your deposit.
The bottom line is when you are ready to make this important decision, make it. But do not allow yourself to be pressured into making a decision until you are ready.
Please know that just like your favorite ice cream place, the person in front of you usually gets served before you do! So when you deposit and subsequently when you turn your forms in does make a difference in many of the other decisions you will make.
Why Deposit? At the most selective institutions you are depositing to literally reserve a spot in the class. The highly selective institutions have far more admits then they can enroll and use the deposit to determine level of commitment.
At most other institutions the deposit continues to be a sign of commitment but also carries a slightly different meaning. Although making your deposit does secure your place in the next class the timing of the deposit is many times used in assigning housing and other campus opportunities.
There are several steps in the process and one action on your part prompts another action on the behalf of the college. Housing for instance is assigned based upon when the housing document is received. When you deposit one of the items that prompts is for the college to send you the housing form. So the earlier you deposit the earlier you will receive the housing form and other materials such as registration for classes. What this means is that you are more likely to receive your first preference on a residence hall assignment and or date to come and register.
Please remember: Institutions cannot force you to deposit prior to May 1 or hold any incentives over you to do so. What I have outlined for you above is how the process works though. Just like those folks that "call ahead" and then by-pass me at my favorite eating establishment, the sooner you deposit the higher you are in line for the next decision that needs to be made.
Todd's Tidbit's:
Remember to check to see if the deposit is refundable.
Is the deposit applied to your tuition like it is here at Wartburg or is it just an additional expense of your educational experience. (At Wartburg if you enroll your deposit is applied toward your tuition) At many other institutions the deposit is a seperate revenue stream for the college that is not applied toward tuition and fee's.
The deposit is your own personal signal to the school that "I am commiting to you". This will prompt the institution to provide you with other important decisions to make such as those I have outlined.
Deposit amounts range from $100 to $600 at many institutions so depositing a several institutions isn't an option for most people. Usually in March after federal financial aid awards have been sent out you will see more communication from colleges about making your deposit.
The bottom line is when you are ready to make this important decision, make it. But do not allow yourself to be pressured into making a decision until you are ready.
Please know that just like your favorite ice cream place, the person in front of you usually gets served before you do! So when you deposit and subsequently when you turn your forms in does make a difference in many of the other decisions you will make.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
IMPORTANCE OF GRADUATING IN FOUR YEARS!
The higher education market place has been established around the four year degree program for ages. Although there are adaptations and business models that have been created offering alternatives the basic four year degree has remained intact. What this means for the consumer, students and parents, is that any additional time spent acquiring that four year degree is costing you in a variety of ways. I will attempt to outline the myriad of ways that additional time pursuing a degree is lowering your return on your college investment.
1) It is obvoious that each additional year is costing the student tuition and room/board costs.
Most college scholarships offered are for a finite period of time, 4 years or 8 semesters usually. As a recepient of a scholarship you may be paying as much as 50% less in tuition at some institutions and then suddenly in the 5th year your costs increase to 100%.
2) Every year you remain in school past 4 years in addition to paying tuition and room/board you have to consider lost income as well.
The average starting salary for a college graduate today with a 4 year degree is approximately $35,000. If you are still accruing cost for a 5th or 6th year of education and losing the ability to earn a salary then the total loss to you could be staggering.
For those of you who plan to enter graduate school then you are just delaying that achievement further as well.
The items I have talked about above are real and far too many students and families don't take them in to consideration. We have a tendency to only look at the next year in front of us. In reality we have to as consumers look at the four year investment you are making and how quickly you will receive a return on that investment.
I strongly encourage families to consider the four year investment total and really seriously consider what that 5th or 6th year of education will cost your student, and our family. You may pay a slightly higher cost to attend an institution that will graduate you in four years verse how rapidly the total costs increase that 5th and 6th year.
In conclusion, when considering college and how important graduating in four years is please remember:
100% of the college costs will be yours (scholarships are only for 4 years)
Loss of income - if you are not in a job you will be forfeiting on average $35,000.
If you have had to secure college loans then you will begin repayment one year earlier.
Big decisions need your attention so please consider these items when making your college decision.
1) It is obvoious that each additional year is costing the student tuition and room/board costs.
Most college scholarships offered are for a finite period of time, 4 years or 8 semesters usually. As a recepient of a scholarship you may be paying as much as 50% less in tuition at some institutions and then suddenly in the 5th year your costs increase to 100%.
2) Every year you remain in school past 4 years in addition to paying tuition and room/board you have to consider lost income as well.
The average starting salary for a college graduate today with a 4 year degree is approximately $35,000. If you are still accruing cost for a 5th or 6th year of education and losing the ability to earn a salary then the total loss to you could be staggering.
For those of you who plan to enter graduate school then you are just delaying that achievement further as well.
The items I have talked about above are real and far too many students and families don't take them in to consideration. We have a tendency to only look at the next year in front of us. In reality we have to as consumers look at the four year investment you are making and how quickly you will receive a return on that investment.
I strongly encourage families to consider the four year investment total and really seriously consider what that 5th or 6th year of education will cost your student, and our family. You may pay a slightly higher cost to attend an institution that will graduate you in four years verse how rapidly the total costs increase that 5th and 6th year.
In conclusion, when considering college and how important graduating in four years is please remember:
100% of the college costs will be yours (scholarships are only for 4 years)
Loss of income - if you are not in a job you will be forfeiting on average $35,000.
If you have had to secure college loans then you will begin repayment one year earlier.
Big decisions need your attention so please consider these items when making your college decision.
Monday, November 29, 2010
THE MOST IMPORTANT COLLEGE STATISTICS!
Want to know that one question you should be asking colleges to help you determine where to make an investment in your education?
HOW MANY OF YOUR STUDENTS GRADUATE IN FOUR YEARS AND WHAT IS YOUR PLACEMENT RATE?
You are making an investment in YOU, Inc. and you want to know is this a wise investment and what will your return on that investment be. As the cost of education continues to increase it becomes even more imperative that you select an institution that will provide you a robust education in four years. The Department of Education states that only 38% of the students entering public institutions will graduate in four years. People will talk about six year graduation rates but the fact is that private colleges graduate students at twice the percentage of state institutions.
At Wartburg College I am proud to say that of all our graduates 90% of them completed their degree in four years or less. The students do so without sacrificing internships, study abroad or participation in co-curricular activities.
So is graduting in four years with a robust educational experience a wise investment? I think so!
Over 90% of our graduates, six months after graduation will either have secured a job or be in graduate school. So if your goal of receiving an undergraduate degree is to secure a job or be admitted to graduate school then mission accomplished at Wartburg College!
I encourage you to ask these two questions on your college visits. In addition make sure you visit the Department of Education web site to determine the graduation and placement rates at the institutions you are considering.
An all too common response to many of these questions are, "yes we have study abroad but it may delay your graduation", "we encourage you to do an internship but it might delay your graduation". There are institutions where you can get the complete education you are seeking in four years!
Investors want to know if their investment will reap dividends. Make sure you ask these two questions before you make the most important investment of your life, a college education!
HOW MANY OF YOUR STUDENTS GRADUATE IN FOUR YEARS AND WHAT IS YOUR PLACEMENT RATE?
You are making an investment in YOU, Inc. and you want to know is this a wise investment and what will your return on that investment be. As the cost of education continues to increase it becomes even more imperative that you select an institution that will provide you a robust education in four years. The Department of Education states that only 38% of the students entering public institutions will graduate in four years. People will talk about six year graduation rates but the fact is that private colleges graduate students at twice the percentage of state institutions.
At Wartburg College I am proud to say that of all our graduates 90% of them completed their degree in four years or less. The students do so without sacrificing internships, study abroad or participation in co-curricular activities.
So is graduting in four years with a robust educational experience a wise investment? I think so!
Over 90% of our graduates, six months after graduation will either have secured a job or be in graduate school. So if your goal of receiving an undergraduate degree is to secure a job or be admitted to graduate school then mission accomplished at Wartburg College!
I encourage you to ask these two questions on your college visits. In addition make sure you visit the Department of Education web site to determine the graduation and placement rates at the institutions you are considering.
An all too common response to many of these questions are, "yes we have study abroad but it may delay your graduation", "we encourage you to do an internship but it might delay your graduation". There are institutions where you can get the complete education you are seeking in four years!
Investors want to know if their investment will reap dividends. Make sure you ask these two questions before you make the most important investment of your life, a college education!
LIVING ON CAMPUS
You know the old saying "you learn as much outside the classroom as you do in it"?
Well that statement carries a tremendous amount of truth and don't let the current economic climate reduce your overall college learning experience. I understand and respect that families believe they will save money by living at home or off campus. Over 25 years of higher education experience has only reinforced my belief that the on-campus experience is critical to the maturation of the student and makes the graduate more marketable.
College campuses by nature are diverse and living on campus exposes most students to individuals from places and cultures they have never experienced previously. Since a majority of students have single bedrooms and bathrooms at home this may be the first opportunity to live with someone else. We live in a world today that requires relationship building, communication and collaboration skills. I know personally I gained a great deal of experience from the lessons I learned in dealing with a variety of roommates. You learn to work out your differences, compromise on decisions and gain valuable knowledge from someone who is not like you.
I was one of those students who convinced my parents that living off campus would be cheaper, WRONG! I spent just as much money living off campus as I did on campus and didn't have the convenience of someone else cooking my meals and cleaning my room. I strongly encourage families to create a budget sheet and determine for sure if things will really be less expensive.
Finally, and the most important reason to live on campus is that statistics show that students who live on campus do better academically than those who live off campus. Becoming part of the campus you decide to attend is an important factor in student success. Although parents don't like to hear these words, an important response is when students refer to "going home" as going back to college. No one will ever replace mom and dad but these words signify that the student has successfully maneuvered their college experience.
Well that statement carries a tremendous amount of truth and don't let the current economic climate reduce your overall college learning experience. I understand and respect that families believe they will save money by living at home or off campus. Over 25 years of higher education experience has only reinforced my belief that the on-campus experience is critical to the maturation of the student and makes the graduate more marketable.
College campuses by nature are diverse and living on campus exposes most students to individuals from places and cultures they have never experienced previously. Since a majority of students have single bedrooms and bathrooms at home this may be the first opportunity to live with someone else. We live in a world today that requires relationship building, communication and collaboration skills. I know personally I gained a great deal of experience from the lessons I learned in dealing with a variety of roommates. You learn to work out your differences, compromise on decisions and gain valuable knowledge from someone who is not like you.
I was one of those students who convinced my parents that living off campus would be cheaper, WRONG! I spent just as much money living off campus as I did on campus and didn't have the convenience of someone else cooking my meals and cleaning my room. I strongly encourage families to create a budget sheet and determine for sure if things will really be less expensive.
Finally, and the most important reason to live on campus is that statistics show that students who live on campus do better academically than those who live off campus. Becoming part of the campus you decide to attend is an important factor in student success. Although parents don't like to hear these words, an important response is when students refer to "going home" as going back to college. No one will ever replace mom and dad but these words signify that the student has successfully maneuvered their college experience.
I AM A SENIOR AND WHAT SHOULD I BE DOING?
Congratulations on making it to the half-way point of your senior year!
I know you have been busy getting the final year started off on the right foot! Hopefully you have already filled out your college admission applications and have been accepted to your preferred colleges! If you haven't applied yet to any colleges then the time is NOW! Here at Wartburg College the application process is all online and easy to complete!
Just visit www.wartburg.edu/apply to fill out the application and start your college TODAY!
The deadlines that colleges provide you are for a reason so please pay attention to them. There are advantages to being first in line. Make sure you meet all of the required dates to insure first choice housing and an early class registration day.
Todd's Tidbit's:
Apply in the fall of your senior year.
Get a recommendation from a core class teacher.
Have your high school send your transcripts.
Fill out the deposit/housing card early.
Sign up for Student Orientation And Registration day (SOAR)
Relax and enjoy your summer until classes begin in early September 2011!
I know you have been busy getting the final year started off on the right foot! Hopefully you have already filled out your college admission applications and have been accepted to your preferred colleges! If you haven't applied yet to any colleges then the time is NOW! Here at Wartburg College the application process is all online and easy to complete!
Just visit www.wartburg.edu/apply to fill out the application and start your college TODAY!
The deadlines that colleges provide you are for a reason so please pay attention to them. There are advantages to being first in line. Make sure you meet all of the required dates to insure first choice housing and an early class registration day.
Todd's Tidbit's:
Apply in the fall of your senior year.
Get a recommendation from a core class teacher.
Have your high school send your transcripts.
Fill out the deposit/housing card early.
Sign up for Student Orientation And Registration day (SOAR)
Relax and enjoy your summer until classes begin in early September 2011!
Monday, August 24, 2009
FALL ON CAMPUS IS FULL OF COLOR
As summer turns to fall and your senior year begins it is time to focus your attention to the college selection process. Colleges and universities are full of bright campus colors as the school year begins and current students return to campus beaming with excitement!
As you continue to narrow your choices, it is important to know that many excellent institutions in this world offer an outstanding education. What many families don't realize initially is the importance of identifying the place where you will feel most comfortable. The institution you select will be your home for nine months per year for the next four years. Please make sure you visit multiple campuses and find the place that feels like home to you.
This video link highlights some of the things MacKenzie thinks are important for you to remember when visiting campuses.
http://www.wartburg.edu/videos/questionstoask.html
Todd's Tidbits!
1) Make sure you visit campus during the week, when classes are in session and you can see campus in its most vibrant state!
2) If you do make a weekend visit, check out the parking lots to see how many cars are on campus.
3) Ask lots of questions, especially of your student tour guide. Find out what it truly is like to be a student on campus.
We hope that you find the college that feels like "home" and will be the right place for a fulfilling experience. We certainly believe that Wartburg College is that kind of place. Before you make that final decision this year, we hope you come and visit our campus and learn more about our distinctive learning environment.
We invite you to come see our bright campus colors by clicking on this link and setting up your appointment today!
http://www.wartburg.edu/admissions/visitation.html
As you continue to narrow your choices, it is important to know that many excellent institutions in this world offer an outstanding education. What many families don't realize initially is the importance of identifying the place where you will feel most comfortable. The institution you select will be your home for nine months per year for the next four years. Please make sure you visit multiple campuses and find the place that feels like home to you.
This video link highlights some of the things MacKenzie thinks are important for you to remember when visiting campuses.
http://www.wartburg.edu/videos/questionstoask.html
Todd's Tidbits!
1) Make sure you visit campus during the week, when classes are in session and you can see campus in its most vibrant state!
2) If you do make a weekend visit, check out the parking lots to see how many cars are on campus.
3) Ask lots of questions, especially of your student tour guide. Find out what it truly is like to be a student on campus.
We hope that you find the college that feels like "home" and will be the right place for a fulfilling experience. We certainly believe that Wartburg College is that kind of place. Before you make that final decision this year, we hope you come and visit our campus and learn more about our distinctive learning environment.
We invite you to come see our bright campus colors by clicking on this link and setting up your appointment today!
http://www.wartburg.edu/admissions/visitation.html
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