| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 45.81 |
| Liaison | Sb Loder |
| Submission Date | Nov. 12, 2013 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
The College of Wooster
PAE-10: Affordability and Access Programs
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 3.00 |
Sb
Loder Sustainability Coordinator Grounds |
Does the institution have policies and programs in place to make it accessible and affordable to low-income students?:
A brief description of the institution’s participation in federal TRIO programs:
The College of Wooster does not receive any TRIO funding, but the admissions office collaborates with high schools and community-based organizations that participate in TRIO funding. Admissions staff members actively recruit TRIO students in addition to the college hosting group visitation and educational sessions for participating schools and non-profit organizations.
A brief description of the institution’s policies and programs to minimize the cost of attendance for low-income students?:
Our financial aid advisors review each aid application one at a time in order to award the appropriate amount of need-based aid. We have an extensive institutional need-based aid program to assist students who demonstrate need. This aid stems from institutional funding, participation in federal and state need-based aid programs, and endowed scholarships. Many of the endowed awards require recipients to demonstrate high need. The College also works with outside organizations/foundations to secure funding for low-income students. One example is the Resch Foundation Scholarship. This scholarship provides funding for students who demonstrate a need and reside in Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties (OH).
A brief description of the institution’s programs to equip the institution's faculty and staff to better serve students from low-income backgrounds:
We have had several workshops on teaching first-generation college students. New Faculty orientation addresses issues of race/class/gender in the classroom
A brief description of the institution’s programs to prepare students from low-income backgrounds for higher education:
Each year, The College of Wooster hosts over 25 visitation programs for students primarily from low-income school districts or community-based organizations (CBO); examples include Yes Prep, Upward Bound and College Now Greater Cleveland. The programs provide college planning sessions with topics ranging from completing an application to understanding financial aid.
Additionally, for years, Wooster has provided the opportunity for academically-gifted students from low-income households in Youngstown, Ohio to attend a special two-week on-campus, overnight educational experience. The session includes class experiences, one-on-one tutoring with faculty and current students as well as information sessions with various student services offices on campus.
A brief description of the institution's scholarships for low-income students:
Through a program called POSSE, we provide full scholarship to 10-11 students annually.
Our financial aid advisors review each aid application one at a time in order to award the appropriate amount of need-based aid. We have an extensive institutional need-based aid program to assist students who demonstrate need. This aid stems from institutional funding, participation in federal and state need-based aid programs, and endowed scholarships. Many of the endowed awards require recipients to demonstrate high need.
A brief description of the institution’s programs to guide parents of low-income students through the higher education experience:
Annually, members of the admissions and financial aid offices travel to regional and national high school college night programs and CBO-related events to provide information regarding college planning and the financial aid process.
A brief description of the institution’s targeted outreach to recruit students from low-income backgrounds:
Each fall and spring, Wooster’s admissions staff members dedicate over ten weeks of extensive national (and international) travel to connect with counselors, students and families regarding the Wooster experience. Each week includes a variety of college night programs and fairs, individual high school visits and off-campus admission interviews. The staff’s charge includes identifying high schools and regions that serve low-income, underrepresented populations.
The College of Wooster is a proud member institution of the POSSE scholarship program in Atlanta, Georgia since July 2007.
A brief description of the institution’s other admissions policies and programs:
In addition to need-based assistance, The College of Wooster provides a robust merit-scholarship program to recognize all students’ achievements in- and out-of-the classroom. Scholarships range from $2,000 (performing arts scholarships) to $25,000 (competitive-based scholarships) annually and are guaranteed each year (for four years) if the student remains in good academic standing.
A brief description of the institution’s other financial aid polices or programs:
The College of Wooster provides a customized financial aid and scholarship estimator to high school seniors between August-December of their senior year. The Early Aid Estimator differs from the federally-required Net Price Calculator; the estimated package is determined by human beings (not software) and uses current institution’s packaging polices. This tool provides the admissions and financial aid offices the opportunity to counsel families earlier in the process regarding the affordability of Wooster.
A brief description of the institution’s other policies and programs not covered above:
The average indebtedness of a Wooster graduate is less than the national average of all liberal arts colleges and universities.
The website URL where information about programs in each of the areas listed above is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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.