Money.
We often have emails we send out with extra information about scholarships. However, people aren't always open to talk about their financial situation and whether they don't WANT to pay for school or that CAN'T pay for school. Referring them over to financial aid places a lot of the responsibility onto someone else.
I have an email template that lists different scholarship opportunities that are available to students. Usually, when students bring up the financial concern, even after submitting their federal financial aid forms, I send them this email template. It helps and calms them to know that there are opportunities out there, if they are willing to put in the effort to earn a scholarship.
The dependent students without parental support can be challenging, but approaching the conversation of cost with all students in a positive manner and working to overcome their fears is an important process. As noted in other posts, the "compared to what" question is a great way to find out their point of reference. This provides you with the opportunity to overcome any misconceptions the student may have and to help create an action plan for their future. Thank you for your post.
Finances are the number one concern for most potential students and it is also a challenge that is difficult to overcome at times. When a student seems concerned with the cost of the program and how they will afford it, I find it best to reassure them that our financial aid office will assist them with applying for grants and students loans and that there are many options available. Also, they must consider that their educaiton is an investment in their future. The most difficult ones are when a dependent student does not have any parental support at all and higher education becomes less achievable due to lack of support.
Miriam,
Yes, a lack of childcare is definitely a hard obstacle to help students overcome. What are some other options (i.e. online courses, evening courses)?
Dr. Jean Norris
In general for my female potential students, childcare has been the most challenging one. Our school does not offer this support. Childcare in our area is offered only in the mornings. If the potential student is a mother and works outside of the house, there is no choice for her. It is somehow frustrating to not have options to offer. I am happy for extended families; they play a very important role in the education of mothers that want to pursuit their academic dreams.
Susan, thanks for sharing your experience here. Based on this, what questions do you ask students about their understanding of tuition?
Dr. Jean Norris
Of course financial is always a big issue. The challenge for us is that we haven't been open long enought to qualify for the VA benefits. So we have to tell the students that they can either wait the 2 years until we hopefully get approval or they can take out Title IV funding. Other than that the challenge is when younger students don't have their parents support and they can't come to school simply for that fact.
Someone who has a work schedule that conflicts with our school schedule I believe is one of the hardest problems to solve. If they have to find another job and learn how to do the tasks of the new job in order to begin classes- it is extremely hard to find a solution.... especially if they are comfortable and have been at current job for years and must be taken out of their element.
The financial commitment is by far the most common as well as difficult. In this economy money is the bottom line. No matter how much they want to enroll, if they can't pay for it, it's not going to happen.
Corin, that certainly is a difficult situation. I would also find this confusing. I wonder, what have you done in these situations in the past?
Dr. Jean Norris
I struggle when the student seems to have no passion for what they are looking into. When they sit and stare at you and you can tell they want to leave your office. I wonder what it is I am not doing to help them feel comfortable and excited for school. How do i get them excited?
Sandra, sure. And what alternatives would you suggest?
Dr. Jean Norris
Renee, that is a very valid point. Education is a large investment and it's important to be transparent with the student right up front regarding the cost of the program. Then we can work with the student to help them find solutions.
Dr. Jean Norris
I guess we just have to encourage them the best we can to try to find alternatives.
I agree with this comment. I definitely think a person's financial burden is the hardest to overcome. Yes loans and grants are available, but sometimes students still need to come up with some money and it is heart breaking when they can't or share what they will sacrifice in order to come up with the money. Ultimately their education will pay off and I think it is important to keep that in mind.
Sandra, great question. Parents of dependent students do need to be considered in the decision making process, but how can we partner with them? I'm curious as to what others think in this situation?
Dr. Jean Norris
Andrew, that is a great point. Childcare can be a difficult challenge to overcome. So I'm curious, what are some suggestions that you give the students now?
Dr. Jean Norris
I've found that another difficult challenge is parental support. On several occasions the student was excited and ready, but due to being a dependant student parent involment was a must; however parents were not willing to budge. Many times for selfish reasons. When this is the case there is absolutely nothing we can say or do. Or is there?
I feel that the most difficult challege is childcare. In our community many of the childcare options and programs have been shut down due to budgetary reasons. If the potential student doesn't have any family or financial resources it is very difficult to solve the childcare issue.
