Working To Learn: Unlocking the Potential of New York’s Adult College Students Tom Hilliard Senior...
-
Upload
trevor-burns -
Category
Documents
-
view
216 -
download
2
Transcript of Working To Learn: Unlocking the Potential of New York’s Adult College Students Tom Hilliard Senior...
Working To Learn: Unlocking the Potential of New York’s Adult College Students
Tom Hilliard
Senior Policy Associate
Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy
September 2007
Adult Students in New York 1.8 million adults (ages 25-49) with a high
school diploma and no college education
207,000 adult undergraduate students enrolled in 2005
Majority (53%) of adults study part-time, compared to 11% of younger students
1995 to 2005: More Younger Students, Fewer Adult Students
28%
4%
24%
-20%
-30%
-20%
-10%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
Ages 18-24 Ages 25-49
U.S.
New York
New York Falling Short Adults as a share of all undergraduate
students: from one-third in 1995 to one-fifth in 2005.
New York now ranks 43rd in rate of adult college attendance.
If New York met the national average, 56,000 more adults would be enrolled in New York’s colleges.
“Some of our students are working full-
time, studying full-time, and raising a
child. They’re burning the candle at three
ends. Is it any wonder they have
academic trouble?”
Brian McGarvey, Director of Financial Aid Schenectady Community College
Why worry about affordability? Independent students in NY are 22% more
likely than those in other states to study and work full-time – a practice that triples the risk of dropping out.
Working poor independent students in NY have remaining financial need of $5,227 – 25% higher than national average
The Two T’s of affordability:
TAP and Tuition
Tuition Assistance Program
Largest state need-based financial aid program in the US
In 2005, TAP provided financial aid to 394,000 undergraduates – 47% of all undergrads in NY
Maximum annual benefit of $5,000 Income eligibility up to $80,000
TAP and Adult Students Part-Time TAP not available in first year
Discrimination against single childless adult students
“Don’t Come Back” Rule
Remedial education penalty
No Part-time TAP for Freshmen
Until this year, TAP available only to full-time students – 12 credits per semester
Part-Time TAP took effect as of September 2007. Provides benefits for 6-11 credits, but…
Only students who have studied full-time for one year are eligible for Part-Time TAP
Students who need Part-Time TAP the most will never qualify for it
Part-time TAP: The Solution
Provide part-time TAP benefit from the first day of college enrollment
The Independent Schedule
Adult students with no children or spouse are placed on the “Independent Schedule”
Maximum benefit of $3,025 annually
Income eligibility threshold of $10,000 net taxable income
Income Eligibility Threshold, Independent and Dependent Schedules
Maximum Benefit, Independent and Dependent Schedules
Independent Schedule: The Solution Raise income eligibility threshold and
maximum benefit
“Don’t Come Back” Rule
A student’s TAP benefit will always be fixed at the time of first enrollment, even if that student leaves and returns years later
Anne enrolled in 1987: Maximum benefit of $2,850
Anne returns in 2007: Maximum benefit now $5,000, but Anne still gets $2,850
Don’t Come Back Rule: The Solution
Put all independent students on current schedule
Remedial Education Penalty
TAP is a time-limited benefit. 8 semesters for Bachelor degree, 4 semesters for Associate degree
Remedial education ensures that TAP will run out before graduation
Remedial Education Penalty: The Solution
Offer performance-based scholarships
Tested in Opening Doors initiative, found to be effective in improving student outcomes
Tuition and Adult Students
More adults attend community college than any other sector of higher education
CC tuition in NY 50% higher than national average, five times higher than CC tuition in California
Why is CC Tuition So High?
1990 Share
2005 Share Change
State Contribution
37% 30% -7%
Local Contribution
33% 30% -3%
Student Contribution
29% 39% +10%
State and Local Government Withdrawing Financial Support
Pulling out of the Tailspin Reform TAP to meet the needs of adult
students Engage employers as partners in funding
and shaping higher education Support colleges that want to try new
strategies Accountability for results
The Working Poor Families ProjectAnti-poverty initiative active in 23 States, funded
by Ford, Joyce, Mott and Casey Foundations
• www.workingpoorfamilies.org
Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy• www.scaany.org
Center for an Urban Future• www.nycfuture.org