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Statement by NAICU President David L. Warren on the "College Is Possible" Public Awareness Project


October 27, 1998


"Independent colleges and universities have long been dedicated to providing a quality education to students of all economic backgrounds. As private institutions continue to improve their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and affordability, they must also redouble their efforts to explain the many student aid opportunities that make private higher education a wise and viable choice.  We recognize the need to give families more and better information on how to prepare financially and academically for higher education. 

"The 'College Is Possible' effort gives institutions an opportunity to convey this much-needed information to the American public. We hope this project, coupled with other efforts by individual colleges and universities, will help students and families realize that a college degree truly is possible.

"At private institutions, eight out of 10 full-time undergraduates receive some type of aid grants, work-study jobs, or subsidized loans that significantly reduces their out-of-pocket expenses.  The average award is $10,794. Two-thirds of all full-time undergraduates at independent colleges and universities also receive grants from institutional, government, or private sources. The average institutional grant averages $5,400. 

"This means that most students at independent institutions pay much less than the published tuition. High four-year graduation rates at independent institutions also help students keep their costs in check, by reducing the need for an extra year or two of study.

"The bottom line for families is that there are countless sources of aid for students who want to take advantage of the benefits of private higher education quality instruction, a wide diversity of institutional missions and academic programs, and close interaction between students and faculty and administrators. They should not let initial impressions of high prices prevent them from seriously exploring this option.

"The organizations most responsible for communicating higher education financing information to the public colleges and universities, state and federal governments, and the news media must work harder to give students and parents easily understood information that is accurate, constructive, and easily accessible. Independent colleges and universities are committed to answering this call."


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