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Winter 2009
In this issue:
Counselor breakfast on April 20
Learn more about our 17 private colleges and universities at the third annual Counselor’s Breakfast on Monday, April 20 at the Prom Center in Oakdale. There will be brief presentations from each campus followed by networking time for you to visit and connect with college representatives. Gather for breakfast and networking at 8 a.m. Presentations begin at 8:30 a.m. followed by a college fair from 10 to 11 a.m. RSVP as soon as possible to reserve your spot to Monique Korn, 651-228-9061 or colleges@mnprivatecolleges.org. Map and Directions
Key reasons why a private college education is worth it
An education at our institutions is a worthwhile investment. Students on our 17 campuses engage in a profound learning experience that prepares them for life after college:
Our focus is on excellence in undergraduate teaching and learning.
- Courses are taught by highly-qualified faculty. 84 percent of full-time faculty members hold doctorates or other terminal degrees in their fields.
- We have one professor for every 13 students.
- 58 percent of classes have less than 20 students.
- Our graduates benefit from personal interaction with professors. When we've surveyed alums on this, our colleges rated higher than those from public and highly selective institutions.
We have the best graduation rate in the state.
- 65 percent of our bachelor’s degree seeking students graduate within four years and 74 percent graduate within six years (among full-time, first-time students).
Students gain critical life experiences and workforce preparation, including off-campus study, faculty-directed research and internships.
- After graduation, three out of four go immediately into full-time employment, while 23% pursue graduate programs.
- 97 percent of our graduates believe the amount they or their family paid for college was “worth it.”
Read more Facts about our colleges.
College Goal Sunday
A few March and April dates remain for College Goal Sunday, where families can receive free information and assistance with filling out the FAFSA. Locations are Anoka, Lake Elmo/Woodbury, Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Financial aid updates
Funding for college is as available as it has always been, but there are some changes:
- The maximum Pell Grant award in 2009-10 will be $5,350 — a 13% increase over 2008-09. To qualify for a Pell Grant, a student must demonstrate significant financial need on their FAFSA.
- Minnesota State Grants are awarded to 80,000 students — that’s one in four students. Most recipients have incomes below $70,000.
- Scholarship search engines are still a good bet. Try FastWeb or Scholarships.com. Students can use these scholarships wherever they go to school.
- Most campuses have substantial student employment programs so students can earn money to help finance their education.
- Student loans are still available. Many campuses are participating in the Direct Loan Program of the US Department of Education. Private lenders are still interested in working with our member schools because our students have an excellent track record of repaying their loans.
- The Minnesota Office of Higher Education's Get Ready for College Web site offers information and tips on paying for college.
- The financial aid officers at our 17 institutions are great resources. See our links to campus offices.
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