Are Colleges Offering Tuition Discounts When Students Go To Online Classes?

online college classes financial aid 2021

We are starting to get calls are colleges offering tuition discounts when students go to online classes for the 2020-2021 school year? Coronavirus outbreaks on campus following the arrival of students have caused a number of major universities to dropped their plans for in-person classes for the fall semester and are offering exclusive online instruction.

The shift to remote education has left many students and parents upset that they are asked to pay the same amount for what they see as a lesser learning experience. Students at dozens of universities have started demanding tuition discounts.

A handful of schools have started to lower costs. Georgetown and Princeton are among universities that decreased tuition by 10 percent for the fall. However, many other colleges from elite private universities to publicly funded state schools are charging the same price despite going entirely online.

Students and parents seeking a tuition discount concur that it’s unfair for schools to charge the same amount of money for an inferior experience. The spring semester showed that online classes are not nearly as effective as in-person instruction, they argue. Beyond the educational point of view, students are missing out on the benefits of on-campus life, which will help guide their decision to enroll in the first place.

Many say a tuition discount would show that colleges understand the tough financial circumstances many students and their families are experiencing amid economic difficulties and unemployment brought on by the pandemic.

Universities say requests for a tuition discount ignore the extreme financial stress the pandemic has put on colleges. Declining enrollment, lack of housing revenue from dorms and the cancellation of sports mean many schools are losing millions of dollars in revenue. Even with tuition at normal rates, some smaller colleges may have to shut down because of the severe financial blow. While holding classes online may seem cheaper, the logistics of building a remote education system from scratch have actually made things more expensive at many schools.

Some say decreasing tuition right now would ultimately hurt low-income students. Lower tuition revenue would mean less money would be available for financial aid and scholarships for students who may have no other means of paying for college in 2021 and beyond.

Students at more than 100 colleges reportedly filed lawsuits seeking tuition refunds after in-person classes were abruptly canceled in the spring as the coronavirus pandemic first began to spread around the country. The resolution of those cases could provide a model for similar suits that may be filed in the fall semester.

Students shouldn’t have to pay the same amount for a worse education. There is a long list of problems with teaching over Zoom. Internet problems, the condition of the student’s computer, easy access to cheating, lack of social interaction, and Zoom fatigue are all problems that make a high standard education a lot more difficult in a situation of solely teaching over Zoom.

Parents and students should be persistent with the college(s) when attempting to obtain a tuition discount. As time goes on, I predict colleges will be more flexible with families pertaining to college costs.

If you would like more information on college costs and other educational topics, please contact our staff.

MarketWatch Interview On 2020 College Financial Aid

MarketWatch Interview 2020 College Financial Aid

Ronald Ramsdell just completed a MarketWatch Interview on 2020 college financial aid.  They reached out to him because it looks like the majority of colleges will not be conducting classes on campus for the fall semester in 2020. If students are forced to do online classes, parents should contact the student’s financial aid counselor or one of the assistant directors of financial aid and request a tuition discount or any other discount and other appropriate adjustment(s) on their semester bill. E.g. if the student does not utilize campus housing, meal plans etc.

The unfortunate thing on campuses shutting down is that students will not be able to experience the “campus life” interacting with other students etc. Let’s hope that this does not continue into the spring semester. Students may want to consider taking a gap year in their first year. Many of our students are doing just that. There are benefits in taking a gap year(s).

If you wish to learn more about gap years or any financial aid topic, please contact our office.

Opinion: Advice to parents: Drive a hard bargain over college costs for this fall
COVID-19 has thrown the usual rules and timetables out the window
MarketWatch

COVID-19 and Fall 2020 College

Given the unknowns around COVID-19, many colleges are now considering keeping their campuses shut to students in the Fall semester. Most institutions have students that are coming from all different states around the country and some states are still in the middle of the crisis. In addition, many international students will be enrolling in US colleges from all over the world.

If the student is forced to do online classes at their college choice, parents should contact the bursar’s office and kindly ask for an adjustment in the cost for the Fall semester that was quoted in the initial financial aid offer. This is one of the many college financial aid areas we can offer expert guidance. If you would like a complimentary review of your financial aid please fill out this form so we can help.

College Financial Aid Awards 2020

College Financial Aid Awards 2020

The majority of college financial aid awards have been going out to students since late February 2020. We have noticed that many awards that our clients have been receiving this year are not appropriate.

For example, students who qualify for a Pell Grant are not receiving them in the awards. If a student does receive a Pell, the majority of them will not receive another grant that they will qualify for.

Moreover, how does a student or parent know if an offer is a fair one? Most don’t. That is why our services and expertise are invaluable to families. If you would like more information or would like a complimentary assessment please contact us, we would be happy to answer your questions.

Coronavirus And College Financial Aid

Coronavirus And The Effect On College Financial Aid

Our office is starting to receive calls about the effect of coronavirus might have on college financial aid. We just received notice that U.S. Department of Education announced that it would make significant adjustments to college financial aid in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

During this time many colleges are using the ability to switch from in-person classes to distance ed and not have to go through all of the approval processes. They can just make that change right now in the middle of the term.

If an institution chooses this option, those students are fully eligible for the financial aid they have received and there will not be financial aid disruptions there would be if the institution completely closed.

In addition, some students may receive more financial aid as many families are dealing with special circumstances. For example, in cases where a parent loses his or her employment as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, financial aid administrators may be able to adjust and thereby increase a student’s aid.

The use of professional judgment where students and or their families have been affected by COVID-19/coronavirus and college financial aid is permitted, such as in the case where an employer closes for a period of time as a result of the disease.

Regarding student loans, President Trump announced that he has waived interest on all student loans held by all federal agencies until further notice.

If you would like more information about coronavirus and college financial aid and how to properly interpret any and all college financial aid changes, please contact our office.

FAFSA Application 2020 Deadlines

fafsa application 2020 deadlines

We have been receiving many calls from panicking parents regarding FAFSA applications 2020 deadlines. Many parents are being told that the deadline for FAFSA is October 1st. Not true!

What parents need to know: As of Oct. 1, the federal government begins accepting the Free Application for Federal Aid for the 2020-21 school year. Same for the CSS Profile processed by the College Board. Another misconception is that families have until June 30, 2020 to file FAFSA which is the federal deadline. If a family follows that train of thought, they will lose out on good financial aid. The family needs to go by the college’s own deadline for FAFSA and Profile.

One more thing on FAFSA. A family should always complete a FAFSA if they think they will qualify for aid or not. Why? The FAFSA in some cases will stimulate financial aid from sources other than the college. In addition, if the family wants to utilize federal loans, the FAFSA is required.

If you would like more accurate information on financial aid and/or FAFSA application 2020 deadlines please contact one of our experts.

2020 Student Loan Advice

2020 Student Loan Advice

Parents have already started calling for 2020 student loan advice. Recently the first thing that has come to mind is an article I read about student loans. The writer states that a family who needs to utilize a student loan(s), typically is the family’s best option. Not true in many cases. What he meant to say that a Federal subsidized loan should be considered first. Regarding unsubsidized Federal loans, it should be the family’s last resort. Why? Things have changed in recent years regarding private educational loans.

We advise our clients if they need to utilize a loan(s) to take the time to shop around at local community banks, credit unions, and even the large banks. Every year I am told by clients that they have secured a private loan at a better rate compared to a Federal loan. In addition, if a student needs a Federal loan(s), a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted.

If you have any additional question about 2020 student loan advice/financial aid or would like to take our advantage of our complimentary consultation just contact us now!

More Students and Families Should Consider Community Colleges

For a long time, I have been a proponent more students and families should consider community colleges for a number of good reasons given our firms experience with college financial aid.  For example, if a family cannot afford a 4-year state university or private college in the beginning, a community college will allow the student to obtain their valuable credits at an affordable cost that will transfer to their 2nd or 3rd year at a four-year college.  Another good one is the fact that the quality of an education at a community college has risen over the years across the US.  Also, depending on what career choice the student is pursuing, an associate degree for many will be adequate to secure a good job and future.

Read more here on community colleges: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/10-reasons-attend-community-college-180500922.html

If you want a complimentary consultation to understand your financial aid potential and options please feel free to contact us to set up a time.

College Debt And Financial Aid

College Debt And Financial Aid In 2019

The topic of college debt comes up in many of the conversations with the FAFSA, the CSS Profile and financial aid consulting clients.  Recently I had the opportunity to speak to Alexa Sauvagere with College Magazine on the and why it is so important to plan your financial aid efforts ahead for a college education.

Since the cost of college continues to dramatically increase, I always recommend that parents start a college fund within 3-6 months after they have their precious child. Many parents procrastinate in the college planning process and are shocked at the fact that they cannot afford to send their child to a college they deserve to attend.

If you would like to know more about our financial aid consulting services and a complimentary assessment of your opportunity to maximize your awards please contact us for a no-obligation review of your FAFSA.

FYI, College Magazine is a great source of college information for students who are currently experiencing campus life across the US.

Debt Management Tips from the Pros – College Magazine

Q&A Appealing Financial Aid Offers to Maximize Your Money

I just did recorded an interview with Jocelyn Paonita Pearson from The Scholarship System. In this helpful interview, we talk about when to appeal financial aid offers, how you can possibly damage your chance of receiving more money, how to approach financial aid appeals versus scholarship appeals and much more.

The 30-minute Q&A is part of a series on “Appealing Financial Aid Offers to Maximize Your Money” in the Debt-Free Degree Lab, a monthly membership to assist families in securing a debt-free degree.

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