July 9, 2015Sympathy as a call to act

Perhaps you’ve read the Facebook entry that Sheryl Sandberg posted in early June, marking the end of the 30-day religious mourning period for her husband, Dave Goldberg. In it, she offers a powerful and deeply personal reflection on that first month and the lessons she’s only begun to learn. Her posting has gone viral, launching discussions about loss, grief and living.

What does this have to do with returning to college? Towards the end of her reflection, Sandberg writes “I am truly grateful to the many who have offered their sympathy. A colleague told me that his wife, whom I have never met, decided to show her support by going back to school to get her degree—something she had been putting off for years. Yes! When the circumstances allow, I believe as much as ever in leaning in.”

Enrolling in college isn’t a common expression of sympathy. But it’s certainly a thought-provoking one.

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May 12, 2015Being Savvy about Financial Aid

High school seniors getting ready for college aren’t the only ones who might need advice regarding student loans.   Adult students should know their options as well. Federal Student Aid, a division of The U.S. Department of Education, also provides a comprehensive overview of financial aid for students of all ages and backgrounds.   Simply type in “adult student” in the search box on the upper right of the page.

Are there other things you want or need to know as you consider your options for finishing your degree? Sign up for our Adult Undergraduate Information Session on Tuesday, June 9^th at 6:30 p.m., where you can speak with admissions staff and adult advisors who can help get you on the best path to completion.

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April 7, 2015Multiple Pathways to the Same End Goal

Some statistics for you:

According to a new report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, 46% of all students who earned a bachelor’s degree had attended a community college at some point in the previous 10 years.

Furthermore, studies show that 62% of students who transfer from two-year to four-year institutions go on to earn bachelor’s degrees within six years of transferring. The rate is even higher for students who complete a credential at the two-year college before transferring — at 72 percent.

The takeaway message?   There is no “right” or “standard” pathway to earn a bachelor’s degree. For many adults, their degree will be comprised of credits earned at multiple institutions over an extended period of time.

Find out how Ramapo can help you make the most of your previous credits at our Adult Undergraduate Information Session on Tuesday, April 28th at 6:30 p.m. There, you can speak with admissions staff and adult advisers to learn more about your best path to completion.

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March 4, 2015Avoiding an education mismatch

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, managers and professionals today stay with an organization for an average of 5.7 years. This means that over the course of a 35-year career, they will switch employers five to six times.

Changing jobs and questions about returning to school often go hand-in-hand.  You might need to finish that bachelor’s or associate’s degree, want to pursue an advanced degree, or focus on a short-term professional training or certificate program.  Matching your career goals with the appropriate level and/or type of education can help you avoid costly mistakes that waste your time and money.    Careeronestop.org, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, offers a wealth of advice on career planning, training resources and even financial aid tips to help you make an informed decision.

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February 3, 2015Getting the information *YOU* need

Here are five great things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about returning to school as an adult.

Are there other things you want or need to know as you consider your options for finishing your degree?  Sign up for our Adult Undergraduate Information Session on Feb. 26^th at 6:30 p.m., where you can speak with admissions staff and adult advisors who can help get you on the best path to completion.

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January 9, 2015FAFSA fun

What is on your New Year’s to-do list? Committing to an exercise routine? Cleaning out the basement or garage? If you are currently enrolled in college–or planning to return to school this year–and you want to use loans or grants to help pay for your education, it’s also time to prepare for the 2015-2016 FAFSA.

Stay informed with these useful resources:

Ramapo’s Degree Completion Program provides this handy financial aid tip sheet for adult students. First-time aid applicants might want to attend an upcoming NJ FAFSA Day to receive free on-site professional assistance from financial aid professionals on filling out the FAFSA.

Also check out this Dec. 30^th New York Times article which highlights an error adults frequently make on their forms:

“A common mistake applicants make on the Fafsa is to include the value of their or their parents’ retirement plans, or the value of their family’s primary home, said Martha Holler, a spokeswoman for the student lending giant Sallie Mae. Neither is used by the Fafsa to calculate financial need, so including them could hurt an applicant’s chances. “This is not a time to overstate the value of your assets and investments,” Ms. Holler said.”

Happy filing!

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