On-Demand Webinar
Avoid Sticker Shock: Addressing Students' Fears About College Financing
For many students, the prospect of financing a college education is daunting. From concerns about debt to uncertainty about the aid process, financial fears can significantly influence college choices and even deter students from pursuing higher education. We delve into the latest research on the financial anxieties of high school students, shedding light on the deep-seated fears and emerging trends shaping the college financing landscape.
We explore the following key findings and discuss strategies to address the fears and anxieties students face:
- The overwhelming importance of financial aid in the college search process and how institutions can provide transparent, personalized guidance to alleviate fears and misconceptions.
- The significant role of cost in shaping students' interest in colleges and strategies for clearly demonstrating affordability and value beyond sticker shock.
- The profound impact of financial difficulties and loan concerns on application completion rates and how financial aid offices can proactively address loan anxieties through education on responsible borrowing.
- The common practice of ruling out colleges based on sticker price and effective ways to demystify the difference between sticker and net prices while highlighting the various available aid forms.
- The primary reason applications go unfinished—perceived expense—and how colleges can provide flexible financing options while demonstrating a commitment to accessibility.
Watch to better understand the financial fears and anxieties shaping students' college journeys. We discuss how we can work together to provide reassurance, education, and support to make higher education feel within reach for all.
Watch now
Who You’ll Hear From
Dr. Raquel Bermejo
Associate Vice President for Market Research and Planning, RNL
Dr. Raquel Bermejo analyzes existing research, inquiry, and conversion data in addition to conducting original research with college-seeking students and parents to understand the trends and student behaviors. Her research informs and enhances the services the company provides.
Katie Condon
Vice President, Enrollment Management, Eastern Michigan University
Katie leads efforts to enhance student access, affordability, and success. With a deep commitment to higher education, Katie has implemented innovative strategies to increase enrollment, including optimizing financial aid packages and building strong community partnerships. Her work focuses on ensuring that students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, can pursue their educational goals without financial barriers. With experience across multiple institutions, she is passionate about leveraging data to create impactful, student-centered enrollment strategies.
Matt Osborne
Senior Vice President of Client Service, Ardeo Education Solutions
Matt serves the needs of Ardeo's clients and their students, bringing with him experience in a long, successful career in higher ed and a passion for helping students pursue their callings. He has extensive knowledge of the higher ed industry, having previously served in roles within student development, admissions, and for the majority of his career, in enrollment management, where he oversaw financial aid and admissions for trad/non-trad programs. He was most recently the Vice President of Enrollment at Spring Arbor University, where he helped increase their main campus undergraduate enrollment by over 60% with Ardeo's LRAP.
Derek Flynn
Vice President, RNL
Derek Flynn offers more than a dozen years of experience in enrollment management. He specializes in admissions strategies and maximizing the impact of an institution's financial aid packages on enrollment. Derek has consulted with more than 20 colleges and universities. His work has helped institutions increase enrollments, net revenue, and academic profiles.
©1998-2024 Ruffalo Noel Levitz, LLC. All Rights Reserved.