1 in 5 undergrads don’t apply for financial aid because they believe they won’t qualify or don’t need it

According to a new report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 1 in 5 college undergraduates don’t apply for financial aid because they believe they would not qualify, or they think they can afford school and don’t want debt. The NCES report was based on data from the 2011-12 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS),… Continue Reading 1 in 5 undergrads don’t apply for financial aid because they believe they won’t qualify or don’t need it

Legislative committee meeting discusses student debt and higher ed costs

The Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee of the Utah Legislature met on Tuesday. Their discussions focused on the issues of student debt and increasing costs for higher education. The rising costs for students to enroll in college is a prominent topic nationally, and higher education institutions mistakenly shoulder the blame. However, a recent special report by… Continue Reading Legislative committee meeting discusses student debt and higher ed costs

Students increasingly rely on scholarships & grants to cover the cost of college

A new study, How America Pays for College 2016, surveyed nearly 1,600 undergraduate students ages 18-24 and parents of undergraduate students ages 18-24. This survey looked at their attitudes toward college, how much they spent, and the sources they used to pay for it. 97% of American families believe college is an investment in their children’s future, and… Continue Reading Students increasingly rely on scholarships & grants to cover the cost of college

National survey finds 80% of college seniors feel prepared for the workforce

Last week, McGraw-Hill released its third-annual Workforce Readiness Survey, which includes responses from 1,360 current college students across the country (from freshmen to graduate students). These students were asked for their opinion on how they perceive college has prepared them for their future career. Career preparedness 80% of college seniors felt either somewhat or very prepared for a professional career.… Continue Reading National survey finds 80% of college seniors feel prepared for the workforce

Board of Regents approves second-lowest tuition increase in 17 years

Continues trend of keeping average tuition increase as low as possible The Utah State Board of Regents approved an average system-wide tuition increase of 3.7% for the 2016-17 academic year—the second-lowest average increase since 1999—at their meeting today at Dixie State University. The increase is 3.5% at six of Utah’s eight higher education institutions. Commissioner… Continue Reading Board of Regents approves second-lowest tuition increase in 17 years

Using the state’s Education Fund for higher ed is not only appropriate, it’s critical to Utah’s success

It’s been proven time and again that those with a college education have a significantly higher earning potential, lower unemployment rates, and better health and well-being than those with only a high school diploma. Higher education also breaks the cycle of intergenerational poverty and reduces reliance on government assistance.   Utah’s affordable and high-quality public… Continue Reading Using the state’s Education Fund for higher ed is not only appropriate, it’s critical to Utah’s success

StepUp/UHEAA’s “You CAN Pay for College” event attendance increased 25% from last year

From September through November, Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority’s (UHEAA) Outreach team (operating under a joint StepUp/UHEAA platform) hosted 24 regional “You CAN Pay for College” evening events throughout Utah where high school students and parents learned about college savings, scholarships, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), grants, work-study programs, and student loans. The events… Continue Reading StepUp/UHEAA’s “You CAN Pay for College” event attendance increased 25% from last year

Workforce Services publishes annual report on intergenerational poverty

The Department of Workforce Services (DWS) released the 2015 Utah Report on Intergenerational Poverty, Welfare Dependency and the Use of Public Assistance. Overall, the report shows a growing economy influences the intergenerational  poverty (IGP) in Utah families. From 2013-2014, the share of both the adult and child intergenerational poverty cohorts decreased slightly. However, 31 percent… Continue Reading Workforce Services publishes annual report on intergenerational poverty