I find that it is most important not to mislead a potential student as to what their potential earnings or job opportunities will be upon graduation. We all know that greatly depends on the individual and how they utilize their own stengths.
I think the financial disclosures are the most important. Letting a student know what the expected salary ranges are for their intended occupation should help them budget their loan repayment obligations in the future.
I like all of them, because it leaves no room for a student to say they weren't aware of something
I feel the On time graduation/placement rates has been most meaningful to the prospects i've met with. The fact tha we disclose such statistics, and encourage them to be compared with other institutions before making a dicision is appreciated. Being diligent in monitoring our student progress in class. Having dialog with students during school time, has helped our school to ensure that our student has every opportuninty to succeed. Having the student give feedback on things that could improved thier experience here, is also helpful.
My campus is also very open about the cost of the program as well as any other expense, for example kit price. Our Admissions Reps review the cost of the program with potential students then once they apply they sit down and meet one on one with their Financial Aid Officer. Between admissions and financial aid, all financial aid that a student can be eligible for is covered as well as cost so they can see how the resources available to them can cover the cost.
I am always refering to our website where students can find the most recent information regarding graduation and placement rates, financial aid, etc. Because this information is always changing, it is important to use your resources to keep up to date with the information; this way, the student's get the answers they are looking for.
When potential students come on campus with thier family, they are assigned financial service representatives that assist them through thier process not only at enrollment, but throughout thier entire experience at the institution. I have recieved great feedback as financial aid is one of the biggest concerns during enrollment.
Ultimately, I would have to say that the Placement stats are the most important. The students (and especially their PARENTS) want to know that there are sound prospects out their after graduation. Our Career Services Dept. starts working with students at Orientation, is involved in their Freshman Survey class, and works with them all the way through: from assistance with part-time work while attending school, and working with that at "launch" (we're contractually obligated to work with them up to six months after graduation). Offering curricula that range from Diploma programs up through Bachelors in many disciplines, we can show students how their level of education affects their starting salaries, their placement prospects, and even their promotability. I find that kids are willing to work very hard so long as they can see some sort of a realistic prospect at the end of it all. Our default rate is pretty low, so that doesn't enter into it too much. Our financial aid folks work very closely with Admissions to come up with a reality-based plan for each student, and our persistence is also pretty good as a result. The hinge of it all, I would have to say though, is really Career Services. They work closely with the faculty, and have quite a machine going. I've even sent leads over to them myself that have ultimately led to some good things happening. The entire campus is encouraged to have our ears open for good job leads for our students. It's truly a culture here, and it works. At the end of the day though, it's definitely our placement success that is our trump card. If our students launch successfully, everything else pretty much falls into place. Successful grads refer students back to us, hire our graduates when they in turn become the hiring authorities, etc. The beast feeds itself.
We have found that many prospective students have a very incorrect (short-term)view of loans and do not possess financial maturity. To help them with this, we counsel them in a specific 1:1 meeting with our Financial Services professionals where they are encouraged to look for scholarships and grants as well as to consider making payments as they go through school. This helps them better appreciate the investment/commitment that they are making before they begin school.
We encourage potential to bring someone with them like a spouse or family member; someone that will aid them in the process outside of our reps and financial aid coordinators. This allows someone else in the room to hear everything being explained and they have someone to give them additional feedback when they leave. This covers all tracks and best aids the student through his/her process.
I beleive that the Gainfull employment dislosure is the most important aspect.
Having our placement, test results and grad rate on the back of our application has provided very favorable facts for incoming students about our school and their opportunity to be successful in our industry.
I have found that the 5 day cancellation policy on the enrollment agreement has helped our students may decisions the first week of class due to requirements and medical cards issued in our industry. Some students have waited until the next start to go through our program uninterrupted.
I agree 100%. The impact of our jobs in helping students and the importance of keeping their best interest at heart is very important. This is a huge decision for them and their future.
We are also very open about the cost of the program as well as the time commitment involved. Once the admission rep speaks with a prospective student they are sent over to financial aid for more information. The ban on "incentive compensation" is a great federal regulation. People are trying to better their lives not just buy a house and aligning commission for reps with tuition for a student is ridiculous. The ban only makes it better for students because institutions try to stand out through the quality of their programs, which is beneficial for the student.
I honestly believe that every piece is equally impotant and meaningful to students. This is a huge decision in their lives and it will determine the outcomes of many events in their futures. I know when I went to college I wanted to be sure I understood every single detail so I could make good choices about my future.
Our Financial Aid specialists have several meetings prior to a student's start. They go over legal obligations, disclosures, and also the entrance and exit counseling play a big role. We also have our program disclosures available in, at minimum, four different spots within each campus building. These disclosures offer placement rates, median debt, etc.
The disclosures are important and definitely serve a purpose. Also, our school has a cost-estimator that helps prospective students and their families understand the cost and affordability of the school.
I have always thought that it is of utmost importance to be realistic about everything associated with a student's education. The student needs to understand that a college education is a privelege, and is not for everyone. It takes determination and persistance to succeed in higher education. I think that it is important to discuss the job outlook and potential wages realistically, as well. If we don't supply students with this info, then we are simply setting them up for failure. Word of mouth is a very powerful thing, and if you are truly keeping the student's best interest at heart, it will pay off in the end with more students hearing about the quality of our university.
We, too, are completely open about our program costs. Admissions reviews costs and then before a full FA packaging meeting takes place, potential student receive an estimate of how much the program will cost. We empahsize "estimate" before, during and after the appointment. This includes an estimate of their federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans. The candidate can then take the information home and have a discussion if needed to see if, financially, they can afford the program.
