{"id":8939,"date":"2021-06-25T08:04:12","date_gmt":"2021-06-25T12:04:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=8939"},"modified":"2024-12-16T17:04:17","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T22:04:17","slug":"is-college-worth-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/is-college-worth-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Is College Worth it?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Top three questions to consider when choosing the right school for your success\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Given the economic recession, global pandemic, and student loan debt crisis, the number of students who question whether college is worth the effort and cost has risen significantly over the past year. (Ruffalo Noel Levitz, LLC., 2021). In 2020, with institutions adhering to social distancing procedures recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), learners quickly moved from on-campus classrooms to curricula solely online. Yet, in 2021, even as physical limitations are lifted, students are left wondering about the realities of return on investment in higher education.<\/p>\n

This year, student FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) filing rates dropped more than nine percent \u2014 when typically, the rate differs by only a point or two per year (Ruffalo Noel Levitz, LLC., 2021). As a result, now more than ever, many traditional-aged and adult pupils alike are hesitant to push forward with their educational plans.<\/p>\n

Are you a learner in limbo, unsure of how to proceed with your professional goals?<\/em>\u00a0Below are three crucial questions to contemplate when carefully examining the best academic course of action for your career.<\/p>\n

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  1. How does the college or university support its students academically?<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    When looking to hang your hat in a place of higher education, prospective students should consider cost, curriculum, and factors of academic assistance first.<\/p>\n

    For instance, when it comes to higher education costs<\/strong>,\u00a0how transparent is the institution you\u2019re researching when it comes to the total school sticker price? Are the financial aid counselors patient people willing to sit down and explain all of your options?\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

    The good news about Goodwin:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    At Goodwin University, our\u00a0Financial Aid<\/a>\u00a0department is on a mission to make your academic experience as affordable as possible. From help with filling out student\u00a0FAFSA<\/a>s to enlightening learners about financial aid packages<\/a>, our\u00a0Financial Aid Counselors\u00a0explore every avenue of financial assistance, including grants<\/a>,\u00a0scholarships<\/a>,\u00a0student loans<\/a>, and\u00a0work-study opportunities<\/a>. This way, when you graduate, you can leave school with minimal debt and concentrate on making a difference with your degree.<\/p>\n

    Financial aid fast fact:<\/em><\/strong> In fall 2020, 98% of Goodwin University students received grant or scholarship aid, 49% of Goodwin undergraduates received Pell Grants<\/a>, and 3.8 million dollars in institutional scholarships<\/a> was awarded.<\/p>\n

    Here\u2019s what a Goodwin graduate has to say: <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

    \u201cFrom the very beginning, Goodwin made the process easy. The\u00a0financial aid department\u00a0was amazing and stood out immediately in comparison to other schools. My financial advisor really went in-depth about the\u00a0financial aid packages, the differences between\u00a0grants\u00a0and\u00a0loans, and what they can do. It was wonderful to walk away with a better understanding of the financial aid process.\u201d
    \n<\/em>\u2014 Lauren Gee, graduate<\/p>\n

    Another educational area to explore when looking at colleges and universities are the programs\u2019 curricula<\/strong>. Is course content <\/em>readily accessible<\/em><\/a> for those in need of accommodations? Are the <\/em>lesson plans inclusive and innovative?<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

    The good news about Goodwin:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    At Goodwin, we believe that a quality education should be easily accessible by all learners. We value the diversity of our student population<\/a>, and our faculty and staff are determined to ensure your educational success.<\/p>\n

    Starting strong academically is crucial to student retention, and students are more likely to complete their degrees if they perform well from the beginning (Ruffalo Noel Levitz, LLC., 2021). Because of this, those looking for schools should also research institutional academic assistance<\/strong>. Once enrolled and engaged in the classroom, what resources do students have to succeed?<\/em><\/p>\n

    The good news about Goodwin:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Goodwin University\u2019s <\/strong>applicant advisors foster student success through 1:1 sessions \u2014 discussing academic goals, course selections, and degree planning based on your program of interest. Even better!<\/em> Goodwin advisors are available from your first semester through graduation, so you can take advantage of all that Goodwin has to offer academically.<\/p>\n

    At Goodwin, we know that some classes aren\u2019t always the easiest; that\u2019s why our Academic Success Center<\/a> (ASC) is here to help \u2014 providing professional and peer tutoring to all students. Tutoring sessions range from biology, psychology, time management, and study skills to writing essays, research papers, and more. The Academic Success Center also includes a math lab<\/a> specifically for mathematics and statistics support.<\/p>\n

    Here\u2019s what a Goodwin student has to say<\/em><\/strong>: <\/em><\/p>\n

    \u201cThe Academic Success Center is true to its name and was a breath of fresh air for me. I always found math challenging, and when I was introduced to the ASC and my tutor, I was in my second semester of Math 095. The tutors empowered me and ensured that I would overcome my academic struggle. They do anything and everything in their power to guarantee the success of their students. They aren’t just tutors. They are people who have once been in our position and can relate to us. If it had not been for the ASC, I wouldn’t have the drive and confidence that I have today, and for that, I am thankful. The resources and help I was given made me the student I am and will someday make me the nurse I aspire to become.\u201d
    \n<\/em>\u2014 <\/em>Olivia Stacey, student<\/p>\n

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    1. How does the higher education institution serve learners on a personal level?<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Although education is certainly the cornerstone of all academic institutions, prospective students should also ponder what the school offers students personally.<\/p>\n

      For example, what are higher ed. schools doing for their learners\u2019 basic needs? Do students feel comfortable at the college or university? Do they feel a sense of belonging? What are institutions doing to foster friendships and the feeling of accomplishment?<\/em><\/p>\n

      The good news about Goodwin:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Our faculty and staff are committed to helping you not only propel academically but thrive as a member of our caring community<\/strong> as well. The following resources are available to members of the Goodwin family through each season and semester.<\/p>\n