| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 53.54 |
| Liaison | Stephane Menand |
| Submission Date | June 22, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Missouri University of Science and Technology
PA-7: Affordability and Access
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.59 / 4.00 |
Bridgette
Betz Director Student Financial Assistance |
Does the institution have policies and programs to make it accessible and affordable to low-income students?:
A brief description of any policies and programs to minimize the cost of attendance for low-income students:
Beginning in Fall 2014, Missouri S&T instituted a pilot need-based work program for Pell eligible freshmen. In this program, low-income first-year students are paired with 'champion' departments across campus and are given a job (similar to federal work study) but a part of the program allows departments to be a mentor to those students along the way during their first-year. The first year saw a 90% retention rate from first to second year.
Also, scholarship administrators across the campus are encouraged to take into account a student's financial need if determining awards between all-else-equal scholarship applicants.
A brief description of any programs to equip the institution’s faculty and staff to better serve students from low-income backgrounds:
A brief description of the institution’s programs to guide and prepare students and families from low-income backgrounds for higher education:
Missouri S&T has several programs that help prepare all students, including students and families from low-income backgrounds for higher education. For instance, the Student Financial Assistance office conducts several Financial Aid & FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) nights at local, some that might be considered rural, high schools. Financial Aid nights help students understand what aid might be available and the steps to take to receive that aid. FAFSA nights allow students to complete the FAFSA by priority deadlines in order to receive the most need-based aid available from the state and the institution. At these events, the Student Financial Assistance office will also provide free publications from the state of Missouri regarding college and financial aid.
The Student Financial Assistance Office also has a financial literacy program, named Miner Money Management, that focuses on specific financial literacy topics such as budgeting, credit score basics, managing checking and savings accounts, etc. These sessions are open to all, but are geared to those that might not have received this type of education in the past.
Missouri S&T also has a group on campus for first generation students that can typically come from low-income families. This group helps students navigate the college environment.
A brief description of the institution's scholarships for low-income students:
Missouri S&T participated in both of the UM system programs to successfully solicit matching funds from alumni for UM system funds to create scholarships designated for very high need students. We currently have around 65 scholarships that are awarded solely to students whose combined family income is less than $40,000.
Missouri S&T promotes a summer bridge program for students who may need some assistance starting their college career on the right foot (named Hit the Ground Running). This program is a 3 week summer program and the office of Undergraduate Studies will offer scholarships to students who are Pell Grant eligible.
Also, scholarship administrators across the campus are encouraged to take into account a student's financial need if determining awards between all-else-equal scholarship applicants.
A brief description of the institution’s targeted outreach to recruit students from low-income backgrounds:
The Missouri S&T Admissions's office visits schools in specific geographic areas that will have predominately low-income families, in both rural and urban areas.
At the request of the Missouri Department of Higher Education, Missouri S&T and East Central College will conduct a pilot concurrent enrollment project, starting with 10 students admitted to the fall 2017 class. These students will attend both ECC and S&T and will be able to obtain some credits at a lower cost while utilizing some state need based grant aid that is specific to community college.
A brief description of the institution’s other policies or programs to make the institution accessible and affordable to low-income students:
The Admissions office as well as the New Student Programs office (that manages new student orientation) have the ability to waive certain application or registration fees for students in low-income areas.
Does the institution have policies and programs to support non-traditional students?:
A brief description of the institution’s scholarships provided specifically for part-time students:
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:
A brief description of the institution’s other policies and programs to support non-traditional students:
Missouri S&T has a Student Veterans Resource Center on campus that advocates for Veterans on campus and allows for a place for Veteran students and their families to gather. Offices around campus, including the Student Financial Assistance office, frequently provide presentations to these students in the evening or late afternoon hours when it is more convenient for these students.
Missouri S&T also has a separate living facility, called Miner Village, that is apartment style but is offered to transfer, international and/or married students first.
Does the institution wish to pursue Part 2 of this credit (tracking accessibility and affordability)? (If data is not available, select 'No'):
The percentage of entering students that are low-income (0-100):
The graduation/success rate for low-income students (0-100):
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):
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):
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):
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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.