Get Your Students Hired
Our institution is very up-front with students fron the beginning about the financial obligations they are entering into and what they can expect their payments to be like upon graduation. Also, we have a student loan help number that students can call for help with anything related to their student loans.
I believe counseling is very important when it comes to student loans. We often have financial counselors speak with our students in a general session, and then appointments are made to discuss at length the students financial situation and offer opportunities that would benefit the student in making a sound well informed decision about loans and repayment plans.
To always make sure that the students understand all of the information when it comes to financial aid and speaks with a financial aid representative.
I feel that the most important thing that can be done is to make sure that students are aware of the amount that they are borrowing and is continually updated each time the borrow. Then they should be consuled about payment plans to help them pay it off.
I think it is important for students to have an entrance and exit counseling so that they know what the consequences are if they default on a student loan and the options they have.
Making sure the student is fully aware of the financial investement is extremly important.
Our institution provides FA counseling prior to enrollment and clarifies student responsibilities with repayment as well as clarifying potential negative consequences for default
One of the most important things that an institution can do to prevent defaulting on student loans is to provide accurate information to students about loans, how much it will cost to pay them back and also to encourage students to borrow the minimum amount of loans to cover their schooling.
In the past, not enough emphasis has been put on the importance of paying back student loan(s) and the effect it has on future credit, especially since the age of computers. The most important things an instution can do to prevent student loan defaults begins with the admission process. No student should be enrolled unless they are passionate and sincere about their career choice, and the college they choose is the best college for them to complete their chosen program. Upon the first initial talk with the financial aid department, if the student is required to take out loans, they must be adequately informed about the responsibility of taking out loans and the importance of repayment of those loans. Also upon completion of the program or withdraw from the program, the student should again be counseled and advised of the consequences of not paying back the loans and what effects it will have on their future credit when applying for any other loans; whether it be for a home, a car, etc, or attending any other college institutions. Students who withdraw before completing the program are especially susceptible to defaulting on loans. An emphasis should be made on the financial aid department before the student withdraws from the program. They should also be given alternatives for them to stay and complete the program as long as it is in the best interest of the student.
The most important thing that an institution can do is provide full financial aid information and obligations.
Consistent counseling! Prior to graduation a student should be made aware of the 6 month policy of payback 6 months before graduation, giving the borrower 1 year to manage their finances.
Make sure that the students knows about all options in regards to paying back student loans. Make sure they do everything in their power to not default.
The most importatnt thing that a institution can do to prevent default is to disclose everything up front so that there are no surprises to the student in the end.
Having a dedicated loan adviser on staff is an excellent way to inform the students of repayment. Someone that they can specifically talk to about the benefits of repaying their debt on time and the issues that non payment can cause may help deter some students from defaulting.
Our students receive a personalized, detailed description of their education debt responsibilities and advising on their debt management including the difference between deferments and forbearance.
Our institution hired a woman who specializes in default management. She goes into the classrooms and gives presentations, and also counsels students individually. Her door is always open to questions and she's become an important part of the campus.
I truly believe we must informa students. I also believe that "ALL" institutions of higer learning whether under OSBCCS, or public should be held to the same level of accountibility.
Financial literacy, motivation and encouragement are very important in default management. Our financial aid administrator is always positive and professional, she makes sure that students understand how to take care of their loans.