Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 67.98
Liaison Peter Barker
Submission Date March 14, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

St. John's University, New York
PA-8: Affordability and Access

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.90 / 4.00 Beth Evans
Vice President of Enrollment Management
Office of Enrollment Management
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have policies and programs in place 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:

St. John's University's financial aid awarding policy is based on the student’s financial need, as demonstrated by the completion and results of the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA), as well as the students high school performance. Our institutional financial aid awarding policy favors those students that show financial need (low-income students), by awarding them a higher amount of financial aid. Additionally, there are federal financial aid programs, that are geared towards low-income students and we ensure that we assist those students by awarding them those financial aid programs.


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

Faculty are consistantly offered training in different aspects of student engagement and respongin to the special needs of students on campus. Current training programs can be found at http://www.stjohns.edu/about/administrative-offices/human-resources/training-and-development. Programs change throughout the year to meet the changing needs of the faculty community.


A brief description of any programs to prepare students from low-income backgrounds for higher education:

The University Freshman Center and University's Office of Transfer Student Services are committed to the academic success, personal development and overall satisfaction of every new student. Each student is assigned a personal advisor who will guide him or her through the first year at St. John’s,answering questions and providing support when needed. All student advisors are trained to assist with the overall transition and acclimation to a college setting.

The University starts assisting low-income students from an early age through the "Jumpstart" program which "strives to combat the statistics suggesting that low-income children are 60 percent more likely to start kindergarten unable to read", helping them on their way to a brighter and college-bound future.

See more at: http://www.stjohns.edu/about/news/2013-12-31/jumpstart-%E2%80%9Cignite-passion-learning%E2%80%9D


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

St. John's University offers a number of scholarships that are available to only low-income students (Pell eligible). The scholarships are awarded by the Office of Student Financial Services.


A brief description of any programs to guide parents of low-income students through the higher education experience:

St. John's University offers financial aid workshops to assist families in the completion of the financial aid application. We also have dedicated financial aid counselors to help low-income families navigate through the financial aid process.


A brief description of any targeted outreach to recruit students from low-income backgrounds:

We partner with various Community Based Organizations (CBO) that work with disadvantaged students. We conduct visits, attend their college fairs and sponsor bus trips for the students to visit the St John’s campuses during the college search process. In addition, we host financial planning sessions on campus and at local high schools for parents and students to help them navigate the financial aid process. Lastly, Admission staff members serve as mentors at the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling’s Camp College which is designed to give high schools students to have a college experience to understand the benefits of attending college.


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

We wave the application fee for low income students and offer an array of scholarship opportunities rewarding students with good grades, community service, and those active in the church. Our financial aid office works closely with students and families allowing them to find the best way for paying for college. Students are encouraged to submit a letter of recommendation from their college adviser and a personal statement.


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

The University offers merit based scholarships awarded to those with good acadmic standing and indicates external opportunities for scholarships for students with specific needs. More informations about merit based and external scholarships can be found via
http://www.stjohns.edu/admission-aid/scholarships and http://www.stjohns.edu/admission-aid/scholarships/external-scholarships.


A brief description of other policies and programs to make the institution accessible and affordable to low-income students not covered above:

The University offers a "Gift Aid" Grant Program, including the TEACH Grant and Federal SEOG Grant, which provides funds to ease the financial burden on low-income students.
Information about these grants can be found at http://www.stjohns.edu/admission-aid/tuition-and-financial-aid/undergraduate-aid/understand-your-award-offer/gift-aid.


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

A brief description of any scholarships provided specifically for part-time students:

The University requests application for "Endowed Scholarships" which have been established due to the generosity of our donors who include trustees, alumni, parents and friends of St. John’s. Each of the available endowed scholarships have specific requirements based on the students academic status and/or need. Students must read the criteria for each and see which one is applicable to them. Some Endowed Scholarships may specify that a part-term status is needed or eligible for application.

More information on the 2015-2016 Endowment Scholarships can be found at: http://www.stjohns.edu/admission-aid/scholarships/endowed-scholarships


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:

There are no on-site or local facilities that support childcare needs through the University.


A brief description of other policies and programs to support non-traditional students:

St. John's University will schedule and administer C.L.E.P. exams on campus for those who wish to take the exam. If the student receives the needed passing score for the University course, course credit is awarded to the student (3 credits).

The university also offers many courses online that can be completed at the speed of the student by administering due dates/exams within a window of time.


Does the institution wish to pursue Part 2 of this credit (accessibility and affordability indicators)?:
Yes

Indicators that the institution is accessible and affordable to low-income students::
Percentage (0-100)
The percentage of entering students that are low-income 20
The graduation/success rate for low-income students 80
The percentage of student financial need met, on average 85
The percentage of students graduating with no interest-bearing student loan debt 5

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:
92

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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