| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 69.35 |
| Liaison | Mary Lucus |
| Submission Date | March 14, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Belmont University
PA-8: Affordability and Access
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.31 / 4.00 |
Mary
Lucus Director, IR Provost |
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Does the institution have policies and programs in place to make it accessible and affordable to low-income students?:
Yes
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A brief description of any policies and programs to minimize the cost of attendance for low-income students:
In the awarding of institutional grants based on need, a priority is placed on students with zero or low Expected Family Contributions (EFC’s). Most University grant assistance is reserved for low and middle income families.
None
A brief description of any programs to equip the institution’s faculty and staff to better serve students from low-income backgrounds:
Enrollment Services staff are overall veterans in the field of admissions and financial aid counseling. Belmont places a significant emphasis on the care and concern for all students, including those from low income backgrounds. Students and parents are welcome to schedule personal appointments to discuss their individual questions.
None
A brief description of any programs to prepare students from low-income backgrounds for higher education:
The Office of Student Financial Services sponsors as well as participates in several community based efforts to assist low income students with financial aid counseling. Participating and hosting College Goal Sunday for the State of Tennessee is one of our primary community outreach efforts. Presenting at local community schools on Financial Aid Nights reaches a diverse student population, representing all economic backgrounds. See note above regarding Bridges to Belmont Program.
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A brief description of the institution's scholarships for low-income students:
Scholarships (merit-based) are primarily based on academic achievement, and thus are need-blind. However, these merit-based scholarships help to meet at least a portion of a student’s demonstrated need (the difference between cost of attendance and Expected Family Contribution).
None
A brief description of any programs to guide parents of low-income students through the higher education experience:
Parents are encouraged to participate in our community outreach programs. Prospective parents may visit Enrollment Services for individual admission and financial aid counseling. Upon admission to Belmont, orientation is provided to all parents. Belmont provides literature and online information to all parents and students that will guide them through the higher education experience.
None
A brief description of any targeted outreach to recruit students from low-income backgrounds:
Belmont works closely with the Office of Community Relations to identify prospective students from targeted low income areas in Metro Nashville – to both encourage applications for admission and opportunities to address financial need in the enrollment process. This effort includes a series of special scholarship programs, up to full tuition in some cases, for students from historically low income areas. See note above regarding Bridges to Belmont Program.
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A brief description of other admissions policies or programs to make the institution accessible and affordable to low-income students:
Belmont considers all applicants for admission without consideration of need, encouraging students from all economic backgrounds to seek admission to the University. All admitted students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for full consideration of all applicable federal, state, and institutional aid programs.
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A brief description of other financial aid policies or programs to make the institution accessible and affordable to low-income students:
Belmont has a simplified financial aid process to include one application for financial aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Belmont will generate a financial aid award package based on the data that was entered into the FAFSA. The financial aid award package will be created based on need, merit and talent. Low income students will receive a financial aid package including federal and state scholarships and grants if eligible. In addition, Belmont will award institutional scholarships and grants reserved specifically for low income students.
None
A brief description of other policies and programs to make the institution accessible and affordable to low-income students not covered above:
none
None
Does the institution have policies and programs in place to support non-traditional students?:
Yes
None
A brief description of any scholarships provided specifically for part-time students:
Through the University College, Belmont University addresses the learning needs of adult, non-traditional students. Because traditional four-year degree programs cannot accommodate the educational needs of many adults, the University College provides opportunities to pursue education based on individualized goals and flexible time schedules through degree-granting programs and continuing education experiences.
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A brief description of any onsite child care facilities, partnerships with local facilities, and/or subsidies or financial support to help meet the child care needs of students:
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A brief description of other policies and programs to support non-traditional students:
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Does the institution wish to pursue Part 2 of this credit (accessibility and affordability indicators)?:
Yes
None
Indicators that the institution is accessible and affordable to low-income students::
| Percentage (0-100) | |
| The percentage of entering students that are low-income | 15 |
| The graduation/success rate for low-income students | 57 |
| The percentage of student financial need met, on average | 59 |
| The percentage of students graduating with no interest-bearing student loan debt | --- |
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The percentage of students that participate in or directly benefit from the institution’s policies and programs to support low-income and non-traditional students:
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The website URL where information about the institution's affordability and access programs is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.