Thanks for sharing Rebecca. With majority of our students having technology at their fingertips, they can access tuition information so easily these days. How do your students typically respond when you acknowledge their great question and let them know that it will be discussed soon?
If in interview, I say great question, and say we will talk about soon, then when appropriate tell them all about tuition etc. If they really want right away tell them sooner. I also say that they can choose between payment plans or meet with my financail advisor and get an individualized session to find out what they are qualified for.
That's a great approach Laura. Using professionally printed documentation during the tuition/cost conversation helps the student put all of the pieces together in a visual way. It's also important to recognize what conversations belong in admissions and what should be discussed in Financial Aid. As you noted, adding the "Compared to what?" question will allow you more opportunity to address the cost concern. Thank you for your post.
I address tuition directly, whether it comes up at the natural place in the meeting with a student, or whether they bring it up before that. We have great visual handouts with program cost, as well as an outline of the financial aid opportunities that may be available to them. I go over what's available in general (stressing that each person's situation is different) and that they will be albe to meet with a Financial Aid Administrator to go over what may be specific to them.
I think what I will do differently going forward is that if a student isn't comfortable with the tuition that I will clarify what type of insitution the student is comparing the tuition with so I can address those concerns directly.
We definitely go over the price, but we also have the student meet with the FA Advisor while they are on the tour to ensure they get more specific questions answered that the admissions rep can't talk about. It is best to address these concerns as soon as they come up but sometimes the FA Advisor isn't available right away so you have to work around that and just make sure they meet before they leave or they are called by the rep if there is no one available before they leave the campus.
I address the cost challenge but listing everything that our tuition covers, along with the fact that we do have a Financial Aid Officer in the building that can assist them in payment options. I then ask what was it that they were expecting and what tuition they were comparing our school to. I stress that this is an investment in themselves and their future.
I think I should try to be upfront and not dance around the price this may make students feel uncomfortable when dealing with finaces
Lead into with it is a lot more affordable than most people think- its not like 60 k or anything ridiculous- that is the joy of going to a trade/ vocational school- you aren't having to pay for all the prerequisites.- what I woudl do different- is explain - if they think it is a lot- explain more so on the quality of education and instructors credentials/ credibility of our school
Tina, it sounds like you have a new plan moving forward. I would be interested in hearing how your new approach works out.
Dr. Jean Norris
Usually I show the cost of the program after the powerpoint presentation but before the tour. I think I am going to ammend that and cover cost after the tour and adding that question "is this about what you expected?" so I can gage their response. Usually I dont spend too much time talking cost and leave that to Financial Aid.
Katie, this is a great point. Allowing the students to see their different options and having a transparent conversation about tuition can really ease their mind.
Dr. Jean Norris
Mike, thanks for sharing this. Yes, students today have a lot more choices and a lot more ways to research or shop before making the decision. What we can do is partner with them throughout the process to help them make the best decision for them. Great work.
Dr. Jean Norris
I go over the financial options that are presented at the school. I usually suggest that if finances are a concern, that they make an appointment with our Financial Aid Director or fill out the FAFSA as soon as they go home so that they can see what they are eligible for.
Many students seem to have found this helpful and say that they didn't realize that it would be affordable. This also lets them build a relationship with the Financial Aid Director, who has more extensive knowledge on what is available for student financing.
Addressing tuition with prospective students effectively is important during the discussion. Today's prospective students do more shopping than ever before and in most cases they are only shopping price. It is important to make every attempt to build value, identify student's needs then discuss financial options including tuition. I really like how the module walked through these steps adn will work to train others in this process.
Interesting point Maria. What do you typically find out from these students?
Dr. Jean Norris
i discuss their current situation and ask if cost of tuition is all that really matters to them
Elizabeth, it sounds like you are transparent with your students when it comes to the tuition discussion. I wonder, how do your students typically respond to this?
Dr. Jean Norris
I give them the tuitona and all that it includes.
Jonathan, great point. It sounds like you are interested in helping the student find the best fit and also providing them with all the options for funding as possible.
Dr. Jean Norris
When the cost is brought up by the student, I answer them honestly and assure them that as long as they feel that our school is a good fit then we will find a funding option that works. I would then follow up with a question like "You had mentioned financial aid earlier; Were you planning to apply today?"
