College Guide - Fall 2019 by Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier

COLLEGE Guide

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2019 |

Sunday, September 29, 2019

2 | Sunday, September 29, 2019

COLLEGE GUIDE

READY YOUR

TEENS FOR

COLLEGE

Teach kids now about price of higher education

LIZ WESTON | NerdWallet

any families struggle to pay college expenses for one or two kids. Certified financial planner Sarah Carlson, mother of two sets of twins, will soon have all four of her children in college at the same time. The older twins are already there, to be joined soon by the younger two. But years ago, Carlson started teaching her children how to get an affordable education. One of the first steps was making clear what she would contribute. “I let them know early on what I was comfortable spending and what I wasn’t,” says Carlson, who’s based in Spokane, Washington. The time to spell out exactly how much education you can afford is long before the first application essay is written. This summer could be a great time to talk with younger teens about the reality of college costs, how much they can expect you to help and affordable alternatives that can keep your family from drowning in debt.

Start with the sticker prices

A good way to start “the talk” is to have your kids research prices for a variety of colleges — public and private, in state and out, large and small. Sites such as CollegeData show total-cost-of-attendance figures that include tuition, fees, room and board, books and other expenses. That should be an eye-opener for your kids, and perhaps for you. Few people pay the sticker price, but the actual cost can vary dramatically based on your family’s resources and the school’s aid package. Next, use each college’s net price calculator to see how much your family might pay. These calculators, required by federal law, vary in their complexity

and accuracy but can give you a rough idea of the bill after possible financial aid is deducted.

Talk about the gaps

Discussing options can keep your child from fixating on an education you can’t afford. Alternatives might include choosing the school that gives the best financial aid, starting at a community college or living at home rather than in a dorm. Also, be careful about making promises, since life happens. A divorce left CFP DeDe Jones of Lakewood, Colorado, with less money for college than she’d hoped. Her twins, now 26, received a fixed amount for college that would allow them to graduate without debt, but only if they chose in-state schools and lived at home. Both did. Her daughter stretched her college fund to pay for six years of college after she switched majors from nursing to computer science. Her son got both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in just four years and is now pursuing a Ph.D. on a fellowship. “They really took it to heart,” Jones says.

Assess your resources

Families spent an average $19,100 last year on an undergraduate education after scholarships and grants were deducted, according to education lender Sallie Mae. Parents shouldered most of the burden, with $5,109 paid from their current incomes, $3,782 from savings and $2,648 from loans on average. Students borrowed $3,833 on average, and contributed $3,339 from their own income and savings. When toting up your own available resources, be cautious about

tapping retirement funds or borrowing too much. Your child has a working lifetime ahead to benefit from the education and pay back loans. The time until you retire will be much shorter.

Set expectations

Most teenagers can’t “work their way through college” or pay for an education entirely on their own. Working too many hours can result in lower grades and increase the odds of dropping out. But it’s OK — smart, even — to expect

them to contribute something through part-time or summer jobs, says CFP Leon LaBrecque of Troy, Michigan. All three of his kids worked summer jobs, and two worked multiple jobs during the school year. If your child plans to borrow, they probably should stick to federal student loans, which are limited to $5,500 the first year and no more than $31,000 for a typical undergraduate education. Scholarships can be another way to help pay the bills.

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COLLEGE GUIDE

3 steps to achieving your American dream accredited and licensed, if applicable, using the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. And if this all feels complicated, know that it’s not just you.

BRIANNA MCGURRAN

NerdWallet via Associated Press ‌

‌Americans want to believe that we all have the chance to explore our individual brands of limitless potential. We tell young people, “Do what you love and the money will follow.” We say they should take the time to discover who they really are and pick a career that will match. As you might have heard, college isn’t cheap. Increasingly, only those whose families have the resources or the willingness to take on student loan debt can afford to enroll in a fouryear college, explore existential questions, and hope they’ll end up with a fulfilling, well-paying career. “So everybody’s kind of on their own, and it means the advantaged kids get to be Hamlet and the disadvantaged kids don’t,” says Anthony Carnevale, director of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. If you’re considering what to do after high school, or counseling someone who is, here’s how to navigate the options for achieving your very own American dream.

1. Pursue post-secondary education Despite the cost, college has become more and more compulsory. Automation has increased the demand for high-skilled workers, and jobs in the fastest-growing industries — like health care, education and finance — often require education beyond high school. The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce defines good jobs as those that pay at least $35,000 a year for workers under age 45 and $45,000 for workers over 45. In 1991, about 40 percent of those jobs required a bachelor’s degree; by 2015, 55 percent did. While that’s a big jump, it still means 45 percent of good jobs are attainable without a four-year degree. But a high school degree

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO‌

alone likely won’t lead to earnings that are high enough to sustain you. That means you should plan to continue on in school. And don’t wait too long, especially if your family isn’t in the top 20 to 25 percent of earners. In that case, “Every year you don’t go to college increases the chance you’ll never go by almost 25 percent,” Carnevale says.

2. Choose a career path first Unsurprisingly, it will be easier to choose a postsecondary path if you have a career in mind. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start. Search potential careers by pay, level of education needed, growth rate and more. The average bachelor’s degree recipient earns 168 percent of a high school diploma holder’s salary, according to an analysis by the Hamilton Project, a policy initiative affiliated with the Brookings Institution. But a bachelor’s isn’t the only path to good pay. Aircraft mechanics, for instance, enjoy median earnings of about $60,000 a year with a mechanic’s certificate and 18 months of experience, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. By contrast, the bureau says that’s

also how much teachers, social workers and nutritionists make with a four-year degree. A career, of course, isn’t just about making money. The most fulfilling jobs offer autonomy, variety, and opportunities for onthe-job training and advancement, says James Rosenbaum, professor of education and social policy at Northwestern University.

3. Consider small steps to degree Carnevale and Rosenbaum advocate for incremental education, especially for students who don’t have the money to pay for a fouryear education outright or who have concerns about graduating on time. Consider alternative college paths : Start with a oneor two-year certificate at a trade school or community college, get a job at a company that offers tuition assistance, and pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree while you work. “We definitely see that pathway of earning a certificate and then continuing on to earn a degree after that has grown,” says Doug Shapiro, executive research director at the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Make sure both the school and the program of study you choose are reputable. Check that they’re

“It used to be pretty easy: If you didn’t want to go to college, you didn’t; you could do just fine if you didn’t,” Carnevale says. “Now you’ve got to go on to some kind of postsecondary ed, and the choices you make matter a lot.”

| SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

COLLEGE GUIDE

Limit loans to what’s needed Some college students take on debts they can’t repay TEDDY NYKIEL | NerdWallet

tudents take on college debt with the best of intentions. They’ve been told that a college degree is a ticket to success. That they should pursue their dreams. That student debt is good debt. But how do smart students wind up with debt they can’t repay? Here are three reasons, plus ways to avoid these financial traps:

They’re told it’s ‘good debt’

In high school, students hear that they should earn a college degree to have a well-paying, successful career. “We as a society kind of have this compulsory higher education,” says Daniel T. Kirsch, author of “Sold My Soul for a Student Loan.” “We’re encouraging everyone to take out debt and calling it ‘good debt.’” But student debt isn’t good when your degree doesn’t lead to a job that earns enough to repay it. This is the case for 36-year-old Jennifer Atkins of Jacksonville, Florida. A first-generation college student, she believed a university diploma would help her get ahead. “I had the mentality back then that I was doing what I was supposed to do in life,” says Atkins, who earned three degrees, including a master’s of nonprofit management in 2014. Now, Atkins has two kids, over $100,000 in student loan debt and is unemployed. She quit her job in 2017 due to complications with her second pregnancy and hasn’t found a job lucrative enough to justify paying for child care. AVOID THIS TRAP: Limit borrowing so that future monthly payments don’t consume more than 10 percent of take-home pay. By that standard, someone expecting to earn $50,000 a year could afford a monthly payment of about $279. At the current undergraduate federal student loan interest rate of 5.05 percent, that payment would support college debt of about $26,000.

The loans don’t feel real

Some students are willing to take on large amounts of college debt because they don’t connect with the reality that they’ll eventually have to repay it with interest. This aligns with what behavioral economists call “present bias,” the idea that people often make choices that benefit them in the short term and overlook future consequences. Atkins remembers accepting student loans in small increments throughout 10 years of higher education — $3,000 here, $5,000 there. She worked throughout school, but the loans were crucial to making ends meet. “None of it was real to me back then,” Atkins says. “I had no problem clicking ‘accept’ on those student loans.” In hindsight, Atkins says she wishes she had had a mandatory career counseling session to walk her through the numbers and understand her debt in the context of her future earnings and expenses. Such counseling may have helped. Imagining our future selves can help us overcome present bias, says Jeff Kreisler, co-author of the behavioral economics book “Dollars and Sense.” “If you make the future more specific, then you can connect to it,” he says. AVOID THIS TRAP: Do the math as you go. Every dollar you borrow will have to be repaid with interest. But you can choose to borrow less than you’re offered. It may be tempting to accept the full amount, but you’ll have a lower monthly payment in the future if you borrow only enough to cover tuition and basic living costs.

They lack information

In many cases, students lack the financial education needed to make borrowing decisions. Susan Dawson, 47, who has a Ph.D. in history and works as a historian for a federal agency, can afford her student loan payments thanks to a second job teaching online classes and a federal repayment plan that caps her monthly payments at a percentage of her income. But she says if she had known the earnings potential in her field, she would have chosen a different career. “I feel stupid because I did not know what questions to ask,” says Dawson, who has a six-figure student loan balance, and lives and works in Washington, D.C. Things she wishes she had asked about include:  Typical earnings in her field.  Her future monthly student loan payments.  How student loan interest works. AVOID THIS TRAP: Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook to research wages and education requirements for various fields. Use a student loan calculator to estimate future monthly payments. Interest accrues while you’re in school — unless you have subsidized loans — but you can pay the interest during school to keep your balance from ballooning.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO

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COLLEGE GUIDE

NIACC – The Smart Choice

Deciding which college to attend is a big decision and figuring out how to pay for it can cause a lot of anxiety for you and your family. Choosing NIACC first is the smart choice for a number of reasons: Save money up front: Attending NIACC for your first two years will save you about $6500 over starting at a four-year university. Scholarships: Every year NIACC awards over $1 million in scholarships. NIACC Promise: This income-based last dollar scholarship is available for all program areas. If you qualify your tuition is covered.

1-888-GO NIACC www.niacc.edu

Future Ready Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship: Available to all students pursuing specified degree programs regardless of income. If you qualify your tuition is covered. For all of these reasons and more, NIACC students graduate with the lowest student loan debt of ALL Iowa colleges and universities! Transferability: Articulation agreements with Iowa, IA State, and UNI, as well many private colleges, ensure the work you do here will transfer easily to your next institution.

What about quality? Overall, 98% of our career and technical graduates are employed within their field and most have jobs waiting for them at graduation.

Schedule your campus visit today, we’d love to show you around!

6 | Sunday, September 29, 2019

COLLEGE GUIDE

THINGS

YOU’LL NEED

BEFORE FILLING OUT

FAFSA FORM

‌The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the primary form that the federal government, states and colleges use to award grants, scholarships, work study and student loans. The FAFSA determines how much financial aid (grants, loans, work study) a student can receive. To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, loans, and work-study, you need to complete the FAFSA. Grants and scholarships are free, but you have to earn the work study dollars and pay back the loans. Completing and submitting the FAFSA is easier than ever, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or career school. Students are now able to submit a FAFSA earlier. The earlier submission date is a permanent change, enabling students to complete and submit a FAFSA as early as Oct. 1 every year. This better aligns the financial aid and college application processes and gives students more time to apply for aid. Many states and colleges also use it to determine how much state aid, like HOPE scholarships, and institutional aid to award. The FAFSA is also imperative for parents and students to determine how much of their own money they will have to provide and which colleges they can afford. The U.S. Department of Education’s Home Room blog says these are the seven things you’ll need before filling out your FAFSA form.

1. Your FSA ID‌ An FSA ID is a username and password that you can use to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Each student, and one parent of each dependent student, will need an FSA ID to complete the FAFSA process on fafsa.gov. We recommend creating your FSA ID early — even before you’re ready to complete the FAFSA form — to avoid delays in the process. Anyone who plans to fill out the 2019–20 FAFSA form should create an FSA ID as soon as possible.

If you are required to provide parent information on your FAFSA form, your parent should create an FSA ID too. Because your FSA ID is equivalent to your signature, parents and students each need to create their own FSA IDs using their own email address and phone number. Parents should not create an FSA ID for their child and vice versa. In some situations, you may need to wait up to three days to use your FSA ID after creating it.

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO‌

2. Your Social Security number‌ You can find the number on your Social Security card. If you don’t have access to it, and don’t know where it is, ask your parent or legal guardian or get a new or replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration. If you are not a U.S. citizen, but meet Federal Student Aid’s basic eligibility requirements, you’ll also need your Alien Registration number.

3. Your driver’s license number‌ If you don’t have a driver’s license, then don’t worry about this step.

4. Your 2017 tax records‌ In case you didn’t hear about the changes we made to the FAFSA process, beginning with the 2017–18 FAFSA form, we now require you to report income information from an earlier tax year. On the 2019–20 FAFSA form, you (and your parents, as appropriate) will report your 2017 income information, rather than your 2018 income information. You can import your tax information into the FAFSA form right away using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT). Not everyone is eligible to use the IRS DRT; and the IRS DRT does not input all the financial information required on the FAFSA form. Therefore, you should have your 2017 tax return and 2017 IRS W-2 available for reference. You cannot use your 2018 tax information. If you have experienced a reduction in income since the 2017 tax year, you should complete the FAFSA form with the info it asks for (2017), and then contact each of the schools to which you’re applying to explain and document the change in income. They have the ability to assess your situation and make adjustments to your FAFSA form if warranted. You cannot update your 2019–20 FAFSA form with your 2018 tax information after filing 2018 taxes. 2017 information is what’s required. No updates necessary; no updates allowed.

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COLLEGE GUIDE

5. Records of your untaxed income‌

6. Records of your assets (money)‌

The FAFSA questions about untaxed income may or may not apply to you; they include things like child support received, interest income, and veterans noneducation benefits. On the 2019–20 FAFSA form, you’ll report 2017 tax or calendar year information when asked these questions.

This section includes savings and checking account balances, as well as the value of investments such as stocks and bonds and real estate (but not the home in which your family lives). You should report the current amounts as of the date you sign the FAFSA form, rather than reporting the 2017 tax year amounts.

GREAT CAREERS

BEGIN WITH AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER Starting wages: $53,300 – $84,300

7. List of the school(s) you are interested in attending‌

REGISTERED NURSE

Be sure to add any college you’re considering, even if you haven’t applied or been accepted yet. Even if there is only a slight chance you’ll apply to a college, list the school on your FAFSA form. You can always remove schools later if you decide not to apply, but if you wait to add a school, you could miss out on first-come, first-served financial aid. The schools you list on your FAFSA form will automatically receive your FAFSA results electronically. They will use your FAFSA information to determine the types and amounts of financial aid you may receive. If you add a school to your FAFSA form and later decide not to apply for admission to that school, that’s OK! The school likely won’t offer you aid until you’ve been accepted anyway. You can list up to 10 schools at a time on your FAFSA form. You can find more information about federal student aid through the following sources: Visit StudentAid.gov.

Starting wages: $44,300 – $57,900

Ready to start? Once you’re ready, you have several ways to complete the FAFSA form, including the fafsa.gov website or the new myStudentAid mobile app. Using the app, you can fill out the FAFSA form safely and securely from your mobile device. On the app, you can also manage your FSA ID, view your federal student aid history and loan information, and more. The myStudentAid app is available from both the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android).

HUMAN RESOURCE SPECIALIST Starting wages: $36,300 – $56,000

RESPIRATORY THERAPIST Starting wages: $43,800 – $51,500

ROBOTIC TECHNICIAN Starting wages: $42,300 – $55,100

Computer Network Administrator Starting wages: $36,700 – $51,600

CLASSROOM TO CAREER IN TWO YEARS

Discover opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, business, agriculture, and more. www.hawkeyecollege.edu 319-296-4000

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO‌

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COLLEGE GUIDE

St. Ambrose University gives future engineer perfect environment for practical learning ‌DAVENPORT — Perla Hernandez ’20 never met a machine that didn’t spark her imagination. As a child, she dissected alarm clocks and toy cars to see how they really worked. She begged her parents for a microscope, a telescope and binoculars — anything to explore the intricate details that make our world tick. As a St. Ambrose University mechanical engineering major, Perla discovered a field that rewards her hungry mind — and her drive to explore caught the attention of her professors, who invited her to join a research project on climate-friendly biofuels. Then a service trip to Memphis opened her eyes to the problem of riverfront pollution and sparked a plan to seek solutions in graduate school. This summer, Perla completed an internship in the Environmental Compliance department at Archer Daniels Midland in Cedar Rapids. At St. Ambrose, your education goes far deeper than reading chapters and writing papers. Through internships, service projects, student clubs and events, we push you to be hands-on, wide-eyed and even a bit uncomfortable. This is how you discover how your education, abilities and compassion connect with the world. At some point, as it did for Perla, it clicks. You realize just how much you can contribute. “St. Ambrose has elevated my expectation for myself and the skills I want to develop. I want to reduce pollution in any shape it comes in,” said Perla, whose goal is to be an environmental engineer. She was one of five St. Ambrose students who

spent spring break cleaning the waters and banks of the Mississippi. They joined 70 college students from across the U.S.in a week of service, working sideby-side with the crew of Living Lands & Waters and its founder, Quad Citian Chad Pregracke ’03 (HON). “There were tires buried under layers of dirt, entire refrigerators on the sides of the river, and the amount of plastic was appalling. But the worst of it was the Styrofoam,” Perla said. In less than five days, they collected 40,000 pounds of trash. “The amount of trash we saw in the river that week can make anyone start to feel hopeless. But witnessing the number of people my age and older whom care so deeply about making a difference, big or small, inspired me to appreciate the fact I am pursuing a major that is not only useful, but also necessary,” she said. Perla realized environmental engineering focuses on more than just respecting natural resources — it is also a way to help people. “Maintaining responsible and ethical practices for current and future generations is essential, but I also understand opportunities to practice this type of lifestyle varies from person to person. I really enjoyed how Living Lands & Waters gives anyone an accessible chance to make a difference. I want to create opportunities for convenience in everyday living to be environmentally friendly and accessible to everyone as well.” At St. Ambrose, your education will take you far — inside the classroom and way beyond.

SAU PHOTO‌

Perla Hernandez from St. Ambrose University joined 70 other college students to help clean up the banks and waters of the Mississippi River. Student organizations like the Marketing Club and the Student Nurses Association let you explore career possibilities right away. Athletic teams and musical groups show you what it feels like to join something larger than yourself. Model UN and Ambrosians for Peace and Justice illuminate the world you’re ready to change. Experiential learning opportunities send you into the working world with practical experience that employers want. Service learning opportunities provide working skills and inform passions you will use to enrich lives off the job.

Volunteer service, like Perla’s trip to Memphis, will change you in ways you have never imagined, so you can go forward and do the same for others, too. “This trip really solidified how each person can contribute to a problem, but more importantly, how each of us can help solve it. Chad Pregracke is only one person, but through continued efforts and help he has made an immense impact on the environment and people wishing to learn more. It really encouraged me that people should work for solutions in the problems they see in the world. “Acquiring skills and knowl-

edge are useless unless they are used for the betterment of all. Going to college and attaining a degree is an amazing accomplishment, but if the sole focus is to just work for the collection of money, there is a lack of fulfillment and self-actuation that comes from helping others,” Perla said. Learn more about service learning, experiential learning, Campus Ministry and the St. Ambrose University core commitment to service and social justice at sau.edu today. Schedule a visit to St. Ambrose at www.sau.edu/setupvisit

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COLLEGE GUIDE

Great careers begin with Hawkeye Community College WATERLOO — Hawkeye ‌ Community College offers students a clear path to achieving their goals, whether that’s hands-on training for a high-demand career, or the small classes and affordable tuition to jumpstart a four-year degree.

Classroom to career in two years

Jacob Boeschen started working odd jobs after high school and quickly decided he wanted more. He began in general education classes at Hawkeye before a career exploration course pointed him toward Sustainable Construction and Design. Jacob worked part-time for a local construction company while attending classes, both experiences adding to his growing skill set. When the program began construction on its Newell Street house, Jacob got hands-on

experience with every aspect of residential construction and took lead on building the home’s stairs. “My time at Hawkeye has really helped develop my skills and give me a lot of the tools necessary to be successful in my field,” Jacob said. “It’s molded me to be a successful employee wherever I go, whether it’s working for someone or owning my own

business someday.”

conditioning. Applying for the scholarship is simple: complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by July 1, 2020, and enroll in an eligible program. “In some instances, students are able to reduce or even cancel the student loan that they may have intended to borrow,” said Nadine Torsrud, a financial aid analyst at Hawkeye. “Students can already begin looking ahead to the 2020-2021 school year and HCC PHOTO‌ begin filing their FAFSA as early as October 1, 2019.”

Last-Dollar Scholarship

Sustainable Construction and Design is one of 22 Hawkeye programs eligible for the new Last-Dollar Scholarship. This Future Ready Iowa initiative pays up to 100 percent of tuition and fees in high-demand career areas like nursing, web programming, ag business, and heating and air

Jumpstart your four-year degree

Alyssa Stephens started her four-year degree at Hawkeye because she knew Hawkeye’s partnership with the University of Northern Iowa and other four-year colleges and universities would make transfer easy. Her two years on campus helped

her explore different subjects and get involved with projects like the Little Free Pantry, all of which helped her focus on social work as her career path. Now continuing her education at the University of Northern Iowa, when friends ask why she started her education at Hawkeye, the answer is simple. “The teachers are wonderful, they’re available, and they genuinely care,” she said. “You’re not a number to them, you’re a student. You have a name.” With more than 45 academic programs, 13 intercollegiate athletic teams, an average class size of just 14 students, and the lowest tuition in the Cedar Valley, the path to a great career begins at Hawkeye Community College. Contact Hawkeye and schedule a campus visit by calling (319) 296-4000 or visit www. hawkeyecollege.edu/visit.

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10 | Sunday, September 29, 2019

COLLEGE GUIDE

SAVINGS

AT SCHOOL LAURA MCMULLEN | NerdWallet

hat you do with your paychecks in college can affect your financial life long after you toss your graduation cap. By saving money and repaying debt now, you’re doing Future You a huge favor. Of course, you need to take care of Present You, too. Set aside what you’ve budgeted for this year’s expenses that aren’t covered by financial aid or family contributions. And give yourself a high-five for making money in the first place. If you have money left over or come into extra cash — thanks for the birthday check, Grandma! —

here are a few ideas of what to do next. Keep in mind that everyone’s financial situation is different, so some tips may be more relevant to you than others:

Build an emergency fund

Stash some of your earnings in a high-yield savings account that should be tapped only to cover unexpected expenses, like a car repair. (In a high-yield savings account, your money will earn more interest than in a traditional account — and you’ll still be able to easily withdraw or transfer money when you have to pay for that new transmission.)

Fall 2019 College Guide

If you’ve earned a lot and can drop $500 into the account, you’re off to a solid start. Or if it’s more realistic to gradually build those savings — say, by automatically transferring $10 a month to it from your checking account — you’ll still be in better shape than if you had no fund at all. Without an emergency fund, you’d likely have to borrow money to cover curveballs, says Lynn Ballou, certified financial planner and senior vice president and partner with EP Wealth Advisors in Lafayette, California. “Those who end up in financial trouble at whatever point in life are those that have no emergency savings,” she says.

healthier credit score. Plus, as Ballou puts it, you don’t want to start your adult life digging out of a financial hole. If you don’t have these kinds of debts, consider beginning to pay off student loans if you’re able, says Erin Lowry, author of “Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together.” As long as you’re enrolled in school, there’s no penalty for starting to pay your loans and then stopping. So it’s OK to pay a little bit every month or a single lump sum after a fruitful summer gig, Lowry says.

Pay down high-interest debt

If you’re contributing to an emergency fund and still have money to save, keep it in a separate account. These savings will be useful after college. “When you graduate, you’ll probably need money immediately,” Lowry says. “There’s a lot of adult things that you suddenly

Pay some of your extra earnings toward high-interest debts, like those that may come from credit cards or personal loans. You’ll save money on interest, and you’ll be headed toward a

❑ Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Calmar Campus 1625 Hwy 150 South; P.O. Box 400 Calmar, IA 52132 Admission: 833-NICC-EDU Website: www.nicc.edu

2018 Spring College Guide

❑ Ellsworth Community College 1100 College Ave. Iowa Falls, IA 50126 Admission: 641-648-4611 or 800-322-9235 Website: ecc.iavalley.edu ❑ Hawkeye Community College 1501 East Orange Rd. Waterloo, IA 50704 Admission: 319-296-4000 Website: www.hawkeyecollege.edu ❑ Iowa State University 2433 Union Drive Ames, IA 50011 Admission: 515-294-5836 Website: www.iastate.edu ❑ Mount Mercy University 1330 Elmhurst Dr. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Admission: 319-368-6460 Website: www.mtmercy.edu

Check out the Spring College Guide at the link below: http://wcfcourier.com/app/bookshelf/special/

Start saving for post-college life

❑ North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) 500 College Dr. Mason City, IA 50401 Admissions: 1-888-GO-NIACC Website: www.niacc.edu

To request more information, check the desired box and mail form or go online to www.wcfcourier.com ATTN: SHEILA KERNS P.O. Box 540, Waterloo, IA 50704 | sheila.kerns@wcfcourier.com

❑ Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Peosta Campus 8342 NICC Drive. Peosta, IA 52068 Admission: 833-NICC-EDU Website: www.nicc.edu ❑ Prairie Lakes Church 1907 Viking Rd. Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Admissions: 319-266-2655 Website: prairielakeschurch.org/cll ❑ St. Ambrose University 518 W. Locust Street Davenport, IA 52803 Admissions: 563-333-6300 Website: www.sau.edu ❑ University of Iowa 108 Calvin Hall Iowa City, IA 52242 Admission: 319-335-3847 Website: www.uiowa.edu

have to do.” For housing alone, these “adult things” could be paying a security deposit and first month’s rent, and perhaps a moving truck, renters insurance, furniture and utilities. Other expenses may include a car and a professional wardrobe. To get a sense of how much to save, Lowry recommends researching the cost of living wherever you plan to live. (Make an educated guess if you’re not sure yet.)

Spend a bit on yourself

Saving is important, but so is living life. As Lowry puts it: “Money is a tool that’s meant to be used, and you can’t constantly focus on the future.” You’re about as free as you’re ever going to be if you don’t have kids, pets, mortgage payments or a salaried job. So Ballou suggests using this time and some of your earnings to travel. “You’ll never ever get an employer who will tell you, ‘You know what, I think you deserve a gap year,’” she says.

❑ University of Northern Iowa 002 Gilchrist Hall Cedar Falls, IA 50614 Admission: 319-273-2281 Website: www.uni.edu ❑ Upper Iowa University - Cedar Rapids 700 Bell Dr. SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 Admission: 319-848-8488 Website: www.uiu.edu/cedarrapids ❑ Upper Iowa University - Fayette Campus 605 Washington St., PO Box 1857 Fayette, IA 52142 Admission: 563-425-5281 Website: www.uiu.edu ❑ Upper Iowa University - Waterloo Center 3563 University Ave. Waterloo, IA 50701 Admission: 319-232-6980 Website: uiu.edu/waterloo ❑ Waldorf University 106 S. 6th St. Forest City, IA 50436 Admission: 800-292-1903 Website: waldorf.edu

Name: ___________________________ Address:_____________________ City:________________ State:________ Zip Code:_____________________ High School:________________________Year of Graduation:_____________ Phone Number:__________________ Email:__________________________

Sunday, September 29, 2019 | 11

COLLEGE GUIDE

DROPOUT WARNING SIGNS RYAN LANE | NerdWallet

orty percent of students who enroll in a four-year college don’t graduate within six years, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. These students miss the benefits of a degree, but they may still pay dearly for their education: According to the office of Federal Student Aid, students who don’t complete college are three times more likely to have loans default than those who earn degrees. To avoid this negative outcome and stay on track, colleges and researchers say to watch for these eight warning signs that can derail your education:

Not accepting help

Some colleges offer programs that spot students who need help. Georgia State University monitors 800 factors to identify at-risk students. “We brand our system ‘GPS Advising,’” said Timothy Renick, the univer-

sity’s senior vice president for student success. “Students are notified the moment that they make a wrong turn, and we can advise them about what they need to do to get back on path again.” But it’s up to students to take advantage of assistance, at Georgia State and elsewhere. Don’t be embarrassed to use tutoring services, writing centers and other on-campus resources; they’re there to help you.

2 Choosing unnecessary

or imbalanced courses

The 15 credits you take to stay on track shouldn’t be for just any courses. You want classes that count toward your major, said Bruce Vandal, senior vice president of the national nonprofit Complete College America. “The more credits you take in your major the first year, the better off you

are,” Vandal said. He recommends nine as a goal. Balance the types of classes, too. Renick said Georgia State University identified “toxic combinations” of courses. For example, they found students struggle when taking calculus and physics in the same semester.

3 Taking too few credits each semester

The Community College Research Center found that students at four-year colleges who take 15 credits their first semester are 11 percent more likely to earn a degree than those who take 12 credits. That’s partly due to basic math. Many colleges consider 12 credits a full course load. But taking 12 credits each semester will leave you 24 credits shy of graduating after four years. To help you graduate on time, take at least 15 credits each semester or catch up

with summer classes.

class 4 Skipping Students who don’t attend class

struggle academically. “This view is not just what faculty members claim to get you to show up,” Renick said. “The data support the claim.” If you’re not putting in the necessary effort, ask yourself why. Regularly skipping class is likely symptomatic of a bigger issue. Figure out the root problem and address it before your grades suffer too much.

in your major 5 Struggling Pay attention to your grades in

courses related to your major. They predict your chances for success. “If you barely pass that first course, talk to a faculty member or advisor about how you can strengthen your skills before attempting upper-level and more difficult coursework in the field,” Renick said.

Degree and certificate programs from Accounting, Agriculture and Conservation to Criminal Justice, Equine Science, Medical Assisting, Nursing and more. Save from $8,475 to $38,380 by taking freshman and sophomore courses at ECC and then transferring to a public university or private college. Admission partnerships with UNI, Iowa and Iowa State make it easy to transfer your Ellsworth credits. Call or visit the ECC Admissions Office to visit the campus and apply for scholarships!

EXPERIENCE ELLSWORTH

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

1100 College Avenue, Iowa Falls 1-800-322-9235 EllsworthCollege.com ECCAthletics.com

ELLSWORTH Community College iowa valley community college district

12 | Sunday, September 29, 2019

COLLEGE GUIDE

WHY WALDORF UNIVERSITY?

Student shares her ‘right decision’ for opportunities DIANA HUMBLE

Waldorf Class of ’20‌

‌During my junior year of high school, I definitely didn’t think I would end up going to college in the middle of an Iowa cornfield. In high school, I had a really supportive group of writing friends, and I was determined to retain that breed of literary fellowship in college. In my mind, the natural next step was to major in creative writing — no matter where that left my career prospects financially. I was going to be a writer. Thankfully, my parents were incredibly supportive of the endeavor and toured seven or eight schools with me throughout my junior year. In my 16-year-old mental spreadsheet, Waldorf in Forest City was my third choice. My top school was Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minn. They offered a professional writing and communication degree that I felt would be a great companion to a creative writing major. I liked the close-knit feel Waldorf had, but I had a poor experience touring the college. A faculty representative of the creative writing department told me there was a very low likelihood I would ever publish a book or make a living as an author — which is true, but very disheartening for a starry-eyed kid to hear. There also wasn’t a professional writing degree to use as a fallback to the creative writing. Meeting with Dr. Suzanne Falck-Yi and seeing her genuine enthusiasm for the honors college is what kept Waldorf in my top three. I applied to Waldorf in Fall 2015. When doing so, I stumbled upon the Chantel Cooley Leadership scholarship for women. I didn’t consider myself a leader, but I decided to take a chance and apply. A

WALDORF PHOTO‌

Diana Humble month later, I received an email from the college congratulating me on being awarded one of the full-tuition scholarships. I was ecstatic! I planned on going to grad school, so the opportunity to save money at Waldorf was very enticing. My college decision was made. I enrolled as a triple major (creative writing, communications and English) in the honors college. On a secondary visit to the college Dr. Falck-Yi recommended that I add communica-

tions as a second major. I met with Professor Carlos Ruiz in the communications department for an hour, and he sold me on adding it as a second major — he does not remember the conversation. Between the two majors’ overlap I was less than 15 credits from an English major, so I added it for fun. As soon as I arrived on campus in Fall 2016, I knew I made the right decision. The small campus provided a multitude of opportunities for leadership and growth. Beyond

the Cooley Scholarship group (now Warrior Women in Leadership/WWiL), I found a home in the communications department and the supportive professors at its helm. The communications practicum courses provide substantial real-world training with industry standard technology and allow students to sharpen their leadership skills. My sophomore year, I applied to be assistant marketing director of KZOW 91.9 (Waldorf’s student run radio station/

practicum), and I was selected for the position after an interview process. As a sophomore, I was inspired by the team of directors I was working with and the projects I was doing. Being able to help local businesses connect with students was very rewarding. This led me to become heavily invested in the station and rise through the ranks to station manager. The skills I’ve learned over the past three years at Waldorf have shaped me into a better student, leader and employee. Proceeding my sophomore year, I was hired as an undergraduate intern by the Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development in Rochester, Minn. After a successful summer with them, I was asked back for summer 2019. What Waldorf lacks in name recognition is made up in the quality of its education. The Mayo Clinic interns in positions similar to mine come from Harvard, UC Berkley, Ohio State, the University of Minnesota, Virginia Commonwealth University, Michigan State and Rush University, to name a few. I can confidently say that the hands-on knowledge I’ve gained from Waldorf University prepared me well for a fruitful professional career working in technology. While I was apprehensive at first, I’m proud to say I go to Waldorf University. The support I’ve found in WWiL, KZOW, the Lobbyist, Rotaract, Student Senate, the Honors college and the professors have made Waldorf into a second home. The opportunities at Waldorf are endless, and I’m so excited to begin my senior year this fall! Are you ready to discover your future at Waldorf University? Visit Waldorf.edu to start your journey.

Sunday, September 29, 2019 | 13

COLLEGE GUIDE

Experience close-knit Ellsworth Community College ‌IOWA FALLS — What does it mean to experience Ellsworth? A close-knit atmosphere makes Ellsworth Community College students feel right at home. Located in Iowa’s “scenic city,” the beautiful campus is located near the Iowa River. ECC’s campus is just a short walk away from downtown, which is full of fun shops and delicious restaurants. ECC has a variety of career and technical programs ranging from accounting to nursing to swine management. These one-year and two-year programs lead directly to careers after graduation: Accounting, Ag Practitioner, Ag Science, Agribusiness, Agriculture, Animal Science, Business Administration, Business Administrative & Information Services Assistant, Business Computer Applications, Computer Applications in Business, Conservation Technology, Criminal Jus-

ELLSWORTH PHOTO‌

tice (Corrections or Law Enforcement), Customer Service, Equine Management, Equine Science, Farm Management, Marketing, Medical Assistant, Medical Office Practitioner, Merchandising & Retail Management, Mobile Service Technician, Nursing (Practical or Associate Degree) Precision Ag, Small Business Practitioner

and Swine Management. The majority of ECC students enroll in the transferrable Liberal Arts Associate of Arts (AA) degree program, which is accepted at Iowa’s Regent universities and most private colleges. All coursework for the AA degree can be taken either on campus or online. ECC has one of the highest student success rates (graduation rate + transfer rate) of any community college in Iowa! Another reason so many students start their college experience at Ellsworth and then transfer credits for a bachelor’s degree is because ECC has dual enrollment agreements with the University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa and Iowa State University. That means when you enroll at ECC, you can also be enrolled at one of the Regent universities at the same time. Dual enrollment gives ECC students the same stu-

dent resources as those attending a Regent university. Many ECC students interested in a bachelor’s degree choose to take freshman and sophomore classes at Ellsworth to save money. Students who transfer to one of the Regent universities will save an average of $8,475 per year by taking their freshman and sophomore classes at Ellsworth; those who transfer to a private college will save an average of more than $35,000 per year! Here’s more good news about Ellsworth: More than $800,000 is awarded in ECC scholarships each year. More than 90 percent of ECC students receive some type of scholarship or financial aid. ECC isn’t the biggest — just the best! Our smaller class size allows you a more hands-on approach to learning, and our in-

structors are outstanding. Our faculty and staff are known (and appreciated) for their support of and commitment to their students. Our intercollegiate athletic programs are among the best — football, volleyball, wrestling, basketball, baseball, sports shooting and softball. There are a lot of activities, events, clubs and organizations for students. You can be highly involved, meet lots of people and build a great college resume at Ellsworth. ECC offers Panther Preview Days for prospective students. For Panther Preview dates/times or to reserve a space for yourself and a parent or friend, contact the ECC Admissions Office at (641) 648-4611 or 800-322-9235 or eccinfo@iavalley.edu. There’s more information online at EllsworthCollege.com.

14 | Sunday, September 29, 2019

COLLEGE GUIDE

Start at Northeast Iowa Community College. Go anywhere

MMU PHOTO‌

Mount Mercy University’s Warde Hall cupola sits atop the oldest building on the Cedar Rapids campus and is a beacon for students, alumni and the surrounding neighborhood.

Mount Mercy University emphasizes hands-on, real-world skills

‌CEDAR RAPIDS — Mount Mercy University’s acccomplishments are many: MMU was named a 2019– 20 College of Distinction, based on engaged students, vibrant communities, great teaching, and successful outcomes. MMU launched Cedar Rapids’ first doctoral programs in 2018: Doctor of Nursing Practice and PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy. Hands-on work in the community often accompanies classroom learning, giving students the experience needed to start their careers with confidence. Established on five critical concerns — earth, immigration, nonviolence, anti-racism, and women. MMU’s curriculum guides students in working towards a more just, equal and peaceful world.

that easily open the doors to professional opportunity. More than 98 percent of our students start careers or enter graduate school within nine months of graduation, thanks to the time they spent working on in-depth research alongside professors, learning on study-abroad trips, or participating in other unparalleled experiences. Alumni launch careers at places like Google, Milwaukee Brewers, Boeing, Kellogg’s, Blue Cross Blue Shield and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Academic excellence and career preparation

Mount Mercy was named a 2019–20 College of Distinction, based on engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities, and successful outcomes. Our dedicated faculty members inspire students to lead fearlessly by blending Success follows Mount an outstanding liberal arts education with superior career Mercy Mustangs preparation. Our students Mount Mercy emphasizes participate in internships with hands-on, real-world skills international corporations like

Transamerica, Quaker Oats, and Collins Aerospace, often resulting in full-time employment after graduation.

Athletics and clubs

The Mount Mercy Mustangs compete in the NAIA Division I as part of the Heart of America Athletic Conference. Our 18 intercollegiate athletic teams own more than 40 conference championships and have made numerous NAIA national tournament appearances. Intramural sports like basketball, volleyball, golf, flag football, and softball provide students with opportunities to compete in a less structured environment. Students can also choose from several campus clubs and organizations, including Enactus, Student Government Association, Frisbee Club, Theater Club, and Black Student Union. Mount Mercy also offers a cardio room, a weightlifting room, an outdoor volleyball court, racquetball and basketball courts and fitness classes. Please see MOUNT MERCY, Page 15

‌CALMAR — Students enroll at Northeast Iowa Community College for many different reasons. They want to complete a transfer degree at NICC first before earning a degree from a four-year university in Iowa or out of state. Students earn certificates, diplomas or degrees to start a successful career right after graduation. Whatever drives your ambitions and career plans, Northeast Iowa Community College provides the resources and oneon-one support you need to help you achieve your goals. Megan Schultz, a second-year associate of arts student, chose Northeast Iowa Community College to complete a transfer degree. She wasn’t decided on her career path when she enrolled and worked closely with academic advisors to find a good match. Now she plans to begin a career in student services to help other college students, the same way NICC advisors helped her. Megan found NICC to be a perfect fit, close to home, from day one. “There are so many ways

to get involved, and I love the small campus environment. For me, the benefit of coming to Northeast Iowa Community College was that I could explore different options to transfer my credits and learn about possible careers. I found a place at the college where I could learn and grow,” Megan says. Megan’s academic and career goals reflect a successful trend among NICC graduates. According to the Education Outcomes Report from the Iowa Department of Education, 96 percent of the college’s graduates are employed or continuing their education one year after graduation. For many students, enrolling in a career and technical program at Northeast Iowa Community College is the best preparation for a successful career in two years or less. Bridget Saxton, a large animal veterinary technician student, knows that NICC provides a solid foundation for a lifelong career in agriculture. “I grew up on my family’s Please see NICC, Page 15

NICC PHOTO‌

Megan Schultz

Sunday, September 29, 2019 | 15

COLLEGE GUDIE

Mount Mercy

Degrees

From Page 14

45+ programs of study

Rinderknecht Athletic Center

Just across the road from the Robert W. Plaster Athletic Complex (completed in 2017), the Rinderknecht Athletic Center was established in 2019 as a place where student-athletes can train for their sport while still accommodating other students, faculty and staff. The center features weightlifting and cardio equipment, putting greens and driving ranges, batting cages and a short track.

Community service

Service learning and social justice are the backbones of a Mount Mercy education and are core to the curriculum. At the start of each academic year, the freshmen class goes out into the community to volunteer their time and services as part of the Mustangs in Action event. Mount Mercy infuses community service into all aspects of campus life, encouraging students who are driven to help others and alumni who are ethical leaders.

Bachelor’s:

Master’s: Business Administration (MBA) Criminal Justice (MACJ) Education (MAEd) Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Nursing (MSN) Strategic Leadership (MSL) Doctoral: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DPN) PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT PhD) Accelerated (evening undergraduate classes): 11 majors and 4 minors Online: BA: Religious Studies BAS: Applied Management BBA: Business BBA: Human Resource Management BBA: Management BBA: Marketing BS: Health Care Administration MA: Criminal Justice MBA: Master of Business Administration RN—BSN

Total cost (undergraduate) Tuition & Fees 2019–20: $33,862 Room & Board: $9,915 Total Cost: $43,777

NICC

Financial assistance

dairy farm and I’ve always loved cows. While searching for colleges in high school, I knew I didn’t need a four-year degree to work on a dairy farm and the programs at Northeast Iowa Community College are among the best anywhere,” Bridget explained. New research published by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, “Good Jobs That Pay without a BA,” indicates that the median earnings of individuals without a bachelor’s degree in Iowa are $53,000. In fact, 68 percent of all employed Iowans do not have a four-year degree, and many earned a two-year degree at a community college. The top five industries in Iowa for non-B.A. degree earners are manufacturing, construction, transportation and utilities, health services and the financial sector. These industries are positioned for growth and employers need qualified graduates. Check out all the programs we offer at www.nicc.edu/academics.

All of our first-time freshmen receive financial aid, and all students are eligible for institutional scholarships and grants that do not require repayment. Mount Mercy is proud to offer partial- and full-tuition scholarships to qualifying students. Work-study opportunities, state and federal grants and low-interest loans are also widely available.

Catherine McAuley Scholarship

Education shouldn’t be a luxury. It’s what Sisters of Mercy Foundress Catherine McAuley believed in 1827, and it’s what Mount Mercy University still believes today. That’s why, in 2014, Mount Mercy announced the Catherine McAuley Scholars Program. To qualify, students must graduate from an Iowa high school and meet an annual family income of $50,000 or less. Contact Mount Mercy University at 1330 Elmhurst Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402, (319) 368-6460; admission@mtmercy. edu or mtmercy.edu

From Page 14

NEW IN 2019

Undergraduate | Graduate | Accelerated | On Campus | Online RIND

ERKNECHT

ATHLETIC CENTER

A COLLEGE OF

2019-2020

DISTINCTION

based on engaged students, great teaching, a vibrant community, and successful alumni.

of freshmen

RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA

100%

VARSITY ATHLETIC TEAMS NAIA Heart of America Conference

98% of MMU alumni

ARE EMPLOYED OR START GRADUATE SCHOOL WITHIN NINE MONTHS OF GRADUATION

16 | Sunday, September 29, 2019

COLLEGE GUIDE

UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY Unwavering commitment to accessible higher education, lifelong learning

‌FAYETTE — Since its inception in 1857, Upper Iowa University’s unwavering commitment to accessible higher education and lifelong learning ensures that current and future UIU students are provided with the skills they need to be successful in the classroom, career and life. A private, nonprofit university, UIU provides undergraduate and graduate degree programs to about 5,200 students worldwide. Students get a traditional college experience of excellent education, tradition and innovation within a comfortable and welcoming campus environment in Fayette. However, as a UIU education is an “Education Built for Life,” the university also has 21 locations across the United States — as well as in Hong Kong. To further inspire success and empower lives, UIU provides evening classes, expert faculty and supportive staff that students need to advance their career while still tending to family, job and other day-today responsibilities. UIU is also a recognized leader in online and self-paced education, so students never need to go far for an exceptional education. Students have more than 40 majors to choose from, and all utilize a unique, flexible course schedule. Each academic year consists of five eight-week sessions and one accelerated six-week summer session, so UIU students typically take less classes at a time. Many students blend their degree plan by taking both face-to-face and online courses. Other students get a jump on completion by easily transferring in up to 90 undergraduate credits or 12 graduate credits from other schools. Credits may also be earned through an individual’s work experience via an experiential learning portfolio or various

UIU PHOTO‌

college examinations. With a university-wide 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the UIU experience helps students become confident in their abilities, challenges them to achieve their educational and career goals, connects them with professionals within their desired field, and inspires them to reach their full potential. This kind of hands-on learning is a key reason why 94 percent of graduates are employed or continuing their education shortly after commencement. UIU has competitive tuition and highly skilled professionals to help students understand and make the most of financial aid. In addition, most students are eligible for endowed or institutional scholarships to further lower the cost of their UIU education. Students who are completing a two-year degree at another college are encouraged to inquire about UIU’s new transfer tuition scholarship program; eligible students earn a scholarship of up to $19,910. In addition, UIU’s Corporate Advantage Program provides tuition grants and other benefits to employees

of participating companies.

Military and international support UIU offers a wide variety of educational opportunities tailored to fit the dynamic lifestyle of today’s military personnel and their families. The University is a proud participating institution in the Principles of Excellence and Yellow Ribbon programs, having been repeatedly named a top Military-Friendly University by Military Advanced Education & Transition and Viqtory Media. Located at Fayette campus, the UIU Military and Veterans Service Center provides a relaxing physical space for veterans and military-affiliated students to study and connect with other students. Assistance is available to students and the University’s total military family who need help navigating all of UIU’s resources. In addition, Upper Iowa is a member of the PAVE (Peer Advisors for Veteran Education) network. Headquartered at University of Michigan Medical School, PAVE is a peer support program that connects incoming student

UIU PHOTO‌

veterans with student veterans already on campus in order to help them navigate college life, identify challenges they face, refer them to appropriate resources on or off campus, and provide additional ongoing support. The UIU Center for International Education is responsible for all initiatives related to internationalizing the campus. The CIE includes education abroad, international admissions, Intensive English Program and International Student and Scholar Services to help international students with immigration and cultural adjustment.

Graduate programs

Many current graduate students take one class at a time to allow them to balance work, family and other commitments in their busy lives. The most recent of the UIU graduate programs, the master of sport administration is an online degree program in a fast-paced curriculum. Each student is required to complete a minimum of 36 credits with an emphasis in sport management or coaching and leadership

education. An 18-credit leadership certificate also is available to students not seeking a college degree. The UIU master of education is tailored to the needs of classroom teachers and accommodates the tight schedules of working adults. The master of business administration is a forward-thinking curriculum providing students a perspective in leadership, functional department integration, ethical management and risk assessment. The program provides learners the opportunity to examine ethical and managerial issues in a respected educational environment supporting life-long learning. The master of public administration degree provides learners with the current theories, concepts and learning models necessary to assume leadership roles with a nonprofit agency or in the public sector. In addition, UIU will soon introduce the master of science in counseling through its online program. For additional information about Upper Iowa University and Fayette campus, visit uiu. edu or call 800-553-4150.

Sunday, September 29, 2019 | 17

COLLEGE GUIDE

How colleges are adapting for today’s students ‌ T oday’s college students bring a wide variety of needs and manage a constant juggle of responsibilities while pursuing a degree. According to the Department of Education, 74 percent of undergraduate students, described as the “new normal,” have at least one nontraditional characteristic such as being a first-generation student, having at least one dependent, or working either full or part time. Further, nearly half of students enrolled today are age 25 or older and are working to complete an unfinished degree, returning to advance their career or re-skill for a new opportunity. As students are redefining their roles, higher education is reimagining pathways for today’s rapidly growing number of nontraditional students who are committed to earning a degree by offering more robust support programs, new technologies and flexible course schedules.

1. Supporting students beyond the classroom Considering today’s college students are seeking a worklife-school balance, there is an increased demand for student support services to deliver helpful tools, resources and programming designed to aid students from enrollment to graduation. Many online students are stepping back into school after years of taking time off and greatly benefit from personalized resources and support like those offered at Arizona State University Online where students are paired with an online success coach from day one. Success coaches are a lifeline as these learners juggle life with studying and coursework. By proactively reaching out to students, coaches can quickly assist in overcoming obstacles and work to ensure online students stay on the path to graduation.

2. Technology in the classroom A recent study found that the number of students taking online courses grew to over 6.3 million students in the U.S. and that number continues to rise. More degree specializations are now available as universities scale and expand to meet the evolving needs of students. New technologies are also changing the way professors deliver information and how students can apply key learnings in real time. Virtual reality tools enabling completion of lab sciences courses are helping to expand the types of degrees available to online students. Courses are designed using state-ofthe-art technology and tools providing students with a direct connection to the knowledge and expertise of university faculty.

3. Introduction of flexible class schedules Universities are now designing flexible learning models and accelerating course offerings that better fit the modern-day student’s schedule as they balance work, parenting, education and family. Online learning provides an opportunity for students to design their own path — putting them in control. Being able to study at a time that’s most convenient — whether it’s late in the evening, early morning before kids are awake or over a lunch break—is a game changer for many busy adults. Dealing with a commute or missing class is no longer an issue as students can manage their time and create a schedule that works best for their lives. The flexibility allows online students to be anywhere in the world while studying or attending a lecture. Further, online learners are now able to log into class at their convenience, which allows students to work at a pace that best suits them.

WEEK CLASSES

ONLY NCAA DIVISION II SCHOOL IN

2-3 CLASSES PER SESSION

2019-20 GROUP VISIT DATES Saturday, September 7, 2019

SPORTS TEAMS

(Visit Day)

Saturday, October 5, 2019 (Open House)

Saturday, November 23, 2019 (Early Accepted Student Day)

Monday, February 17, 2020 OVER

BRANDPOINT

SCHEDULE A CAMPUS VISIT TO UIU Today!

GRADUATE & UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

Office of Admissions -Fayette Campus 605 Washington Street ̶ Fayette, IA 52142 563.425.5281 ̶ admission@uiu.edu

Saturday, March 7, 2020 (Junior Visit Day)

Saturday, April 18, 2020 (Accepted Student Day)

Saturday, July 18, 2020

18 | Sunday, September 29, 2019

COLLEGE GUIDE

College life made easy Tech gadgets students will love CHRISTEN A. JOHNSON | Tribune News Service

ollege is all about having fun and making memories — all while focusing on those studies, of course. In today’s world, it’s literally impossible to do any of those without technology. If you’re determined to make this semester better than the last, start the year off on the right foot with these awesome tech gadgets. They won’t leave you disappointed.

Nanoleaf Light Panels Rhythm Edition

Create a design in your off-campus apartment with these modular light panels, then sync your music to watch the panels dance along. Your kickbacks just got taken to a whole new level. $199.99 for nine panels, nanoleaf.me

Chipolo Bluetooth Tracker

Are you the roommate who always loses your keys (and cell phone and wallet)? Then this little bluetooth tracker is just what you need. Attach it to your frequently misplaced items, then use the free Chipolo app to locate it. Comes in six colors. $24.95, nordstrom.com

Bose Audio Sunglasses

You’re sure to feel like Tony Stark while walking to class in these audio sunnies. Discreetly listen to your favorite jams while you cram for that quiz you forgot about. $199, nordstrom.com

Crosley Radio

Polaroid Mint Camera

Executive Bluetooth USB Turntable

AMAZON PHOTOS

When you want a sleeker, chiller, more old-school vibe and aesthetic than a speaker — but all the same functions — go with the vinyl turntable. Bluetooth included, so it’s modern. $99.95, nordstrom.com

BUQU Piggy USB Portable Charger

Don’t be the little piggy who cries all the way home because your phone died and now you’re stranded. Don’t be that piggy. Get a portable charger. Seriously, your safety can actually depend on it. $19.99, macys.com

A modern spin on the classic Polaroid camera, this little device — designed for photos to be taken vertically like on a smartphone — will capture all your college mems, and then instantly print the stickyback pictures. $99, macys.com

Sunday, September 29, 2019 | 19

COLLEGE GUIDE

Paying for college:

4 ways to help lower START HER E. your education costs BRANDPOINT

‌ otal student loan debt has T surpassed $1.5 trillion, with 4 in 10 students carrying over $30K in outstanding student loans. Getting accepted into college or graduate school is an exciting time for students and parents. As college continues to get more expensive, determining how you’ll fund your education is a big decision. Review these tips to help keep costs down as you navigate this exciting time in a student’s life.

Stay in state

Consider attending school near home. In-state tuition is much less expensive than attending school out of state. Plus, you’ll save on transportation—and even room and board if you live at home. Public universities are also generally more affordable than private universities. Additionally, you might be able to save on tuition and related costs by taking classes at a local community college before school begins or during summer breaks. Be sure to confirm that the credits will transfer to the college or university of your choice prior to enrolling in these community classes.

Take advantage of financial aid Some students and parents are able to finance college or graduate school with their savings, while others may qualify for federal student loans, grants, scholarships and workstudy programs. “A student loan is often the first loan product for a young borrower,” said Carrie Foran Sepulveda, manager of education lending at Navy Federal Credit Union. “It can have a significant impact on their post-

school financial life, so it’s important to do your due diligence and explore all of your financial aid options.” If your student aid award or the federal student loan amount granted to you doesn’t cover all your college expenses, private student loans can help fill the gap. For example, at Navy Federal Credit Union, members can apply for student loans with variable rates as low as 5.32 percent APR or fixed rates as low as 5.99 percent APR with automatic payments — both for 10-year terms, up to the school-certified cost of attendance. Whether you choose federal or private student loans, make sure you fully grasp the loan’s terms, conditions, and repayment requirements.

Gain college credits in high school If your high school offers Advanced Placement programs, you may be able to receive college credits at no cost or test out of some requirements—saving money that would have been spent taking the class during college. Check with the school for their rules on granting AP credits.

Earn money while in school Apply for on-campus jobs if you have work study granted to you by the school, or look for part-time jobs off-campus to earn extra cash. During school breaks, consider finding a job with full-time hours, but on a short-term basis, to make the most of your time off. Whether you’re a student or a parent, paying for your education can be doable with these tips in mind.

GO A NYW HER E!

We won’t waste your time. Whether your goal is to transfer and complete a four-year degree, gain cutting edge hands-on training to start your career - or if you’re somewhere in between - you’ll find your place at Northeast Iowa Community College.

VISIT CA MPUS! 833.NICC.EDU • 833.642.2338

www.nicc.edu/visit

STAYCONNECTED. @neiowacc

20 | Sunday, September 29, 2019

COLLEGE GUIDE

Explore the world from your own backyard A world-class education at an affordable price — that’s

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the promise of Iowa’s public universities.

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