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