Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 60.66
Liaison Enid Cardinal
Submission Date March 30, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Rochester Institute of Technology
PA-7: Affordability and Access

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.09 / 4.00 Enid Cardinal
Senior Sustainability Advisor to the President
Office of the President
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have policies and programs to make it accessible and affordable to low-income students?:
Yes

A brief description of any policies and programs to minimize the cost of attendance for low-income students:

The New York State Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) provides up to 10 semesters of financial support per student.
The Rochester City Scholars (RCS) Program provides an unlimited number of academically qualified and financially eligible incoming freshmen with a tuition-gap scholarship for their time at RIT. RCS has a limited number of supplemental scholarships and funds that cover everything from books to housing and even study abroad.
Additionally, the following programs provide high-need students with assistance in acquiring textbooks: RCS Textbook Scholarship Program, MCAS Textbook Lending Program, and the Collegiate Science and Technology Program (CSTEP).


A brief description of any programs to equip the institution’s faculty and staff to better serve students from low-income backgrounds:

RIT Diversity Theater presents interactive learning workshops using theater and theatrical techniques to engage participants in meaningful experiences within the context of diversity and inclusion education.

Rochester Institute of Technology is one of 24 institutions nation-wide funded through the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) to conduct a 5-year project to increase diversity and inclusivity among undergraduate science majors, which includes developing a strategy for supporting their success. The project is intended to increase infrastructure, resources and expertise to strengthen inclusion in STEM education by embracing perspectives, strengths and insight from a multicultural base of faculty, staff and students in the natural sciences.

Through the Multicultural Center for Academic Success (MCAS), the MCAS Advocates Program is intended to educate strategic partners on the issues and needs of underrepresented and low-income students.


A brief description of the institution’s programs to guide and prepare students and families from low-income backgrounds for higher education:

The Multicultural Center for Academic Success (MCAS) is committed to maximizing the academic potential and holistic development of students by creating an inclusive, student-centered environment. There are numerous ways for any student to participate and engage with MCAS including personal advising, leadership development opportunities, cultural diversity education, and cultural programming.

MCAS Summer Bridge Program is a 4-week intensive, fully residential program that provides incoming students with two credit-bearing courses, Academic Support workshops, an introduction to Research, and a chance to get acclimated to all things RIT. The cohort of students receives extended support and coaching throughout their first year, and is connected to their Summer Bridge group as well as the entire MCAS family and network of students.

MCAS Pre-Orientation Program is designed for Rochester City Scholars who are unable to attend Summer Bridge, as well as students who aren’t accepted into Summer Bridge. The 3-day program introduces students to RIT, MCAS, and further connects them to the people and programs that will aid them in their success.

The New York State Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) is sponsored jointly through a grant from New York State Education Department and RIT. HEOP is committed to the recruitment and academic success of students with strong academic potential and personal initiative who would otherwise be excluded from higher education due to academic and economic disadvantage. The program provides academic support, financial assistance, and advocacy for eligible students in an effort to maximize their success.

Through the HEOP Summer Program, all incoming HEOP freshmen must successfully complete a 4-week pre-freshmen preparation program. Students live on campus while taking two 3-credit courses and one non-credit course in study skills. Students attend mandatory study hours in the evenings where they have access to a computer lab and tutors. In addition, students participate in cultural and social activities sponsored by RIT. HEOP counselors meet regularly with each student. Summer tuition, room, board, and other costs are provided at no charge to the student.

Rochester City Scholars Program is designed for high achieving Rochester City students, who are selected based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and desire to make a difference in the RIT and surrounding community. In addition to funding, the students receive one-on-one coaching and preferred access to the offerings and pipelines of the Multicultural Center for Academic Success.

RIT’s Upward Bound Classic program supports and challenges high school students in their efforts to apply and gain admission to college. The program is designed to help first-generation and/or low-income students who are enrolled in the Rochester City School District (RCSD) and other participating school districts.


A brief description of the institution's scholarships for low-income students:

The Rochester City Scholars (RCS) program is targeted towards graduates from approved RCSD schools. The Rochester City Scholars Program takes students whose family income is less than $66,000 and provides them with a full-tuition (tuition gap) scholarship. In addition to funding, the students receive one-on-one coaching and preferred access to the offerings and pipelines of the Multicultural Center for Academic Success.

The New York State Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) provides up to 10 semesters of financial support per student.


A brief description of the institution’s targeted outreach to recruit students from low-income backgrounds:

Staff members from the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), in collaboration with admissions, visit high schools and participate in college recruitment fairs. HEOP staff also present to high school students who visit the university.

Through the Rochester City Scholars (RCS) Program, outreach efforts include presentations at local churches, visits to high schools, and coverage of Admissions fairs and special events for RCSD schools.

RIT’s Upward Bound Classic program supports and challenges high school students in their efforts to apply and gain admission to college. The program is designed to help first-generation and/or low-income students who are enrolled in the Rochester City School District (RCSD) and other participating school districts.


A brief description of the institution’s other policies or programs to make the institution accessible and affordable to low-income students:

The Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) is an access program specifically geared towards low income New York State students. The program provides up to 10 semesters of financial support per student.

The Rochester City Scholars (RCS) Program provides an unlimited number of academically qualified and financially eligible incoming freshmen with a tuition-gap scholarship for their time at RIT. RCS has a limited number of supplemental scholarships and funds that cover everything from books to housing and even study abroad.
Additionally, the following programs provide high-need students with assistance in acquiring textbooks: RCS Textbook Scholarship Program, MCAS Textbook Lending Program, and the Collegiate Science and Technology Program (CSTEP).


Does the institution have policies and programs to support non-traditional students?:
Yes

A brief description of the institution’s scholarships provided specifically for part-time students:

Part-time students apply for financial aid programs in the same manner as traditional full-time students. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at RIT administers federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. RIT Part-time Studies Grants and Graduate Scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students respectively.


A brief description of the institution’s on-site child care facility, partnership with a local facility, and/or subsidies or financial support to help meet the child care needs of students:

Margaret's House Child Care Center at RIT strives to support families with young children in the RIT community so that students can study, faculty can teach, and staff can work, knowing that their children are learning and growing in a happy and safe environment.


A brief description of the institution’s other policies and programs to support non-traditional students:

RIT’s Professional Re-employment Education Program (PREP) is a grant-sponsored program that gives qualified individuals 60% of their tuition costs for up to one year. https://www.rit.edu/emcs/ptgrad/parttime_financial.php

The Office of Part-Time and Graduate Enrollment offers Adult & Continuing education programs to support non-traditional students.

Additionally, RIT provides a tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and eligible family members.


Does the institution wish to pursue Part 2 of this credit (tracking accessibility and affordability)? (If data is not available, select 'No'):
Yes

The percentage of entering students that are low-income (0-100):
32

The graduation/success rate for low-income students (0-100):
66

On average, the percentage of need that was met for students who were awarded any need-based aid (e.g. as reported to the U.S. Common Data Set initiative, item H2) (0-100):
87

The percentage of students graduating with no interest-bearing student loan debt or for whom no out-of-pocket tuition is required (i.e. the percentage of graduates who have not taken out interest-bearing loans) (0-100):
24

Estimated percentage of students that participate in or directly benefit from the institution’s policies and programs to support low-income and non-traditional students (0-100):
33

The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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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.