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Reducing Alternative Loan Debt Reducing Alternative Loan Debt through Financial Literacythrough Financial Literacy
Presenters (Syracuse University):Presenters (Syracuse University):
Youlonda Copeland-Morgan, Associate Vice President for Enrollment ManagementYoulonda Copeland-Morgan, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management
Katrina Delgrosso, Associate Director of Financial AidKatrina Delgrosso, Associate Director of Financial Aid
National Landscape of Financial Literacy
34% or nearly 77 million participants in a 2010 Financial Literacy Survey of adults gave themselves a grade of C, D or F
Over 60% of teachers and prospective teachers said they do not feel qualified to teach their state’s financial education standards
National Landscape of Financial Literacy
23% of 18 to 34-year-olds spend more than their income
An average student left college (in 2009) with $24,000 in student loan debt
Undergraduates have an average of 4.6 credit cards and they carry an average balance of $3,173
National Landscape of Financial Literacy
“The lack of financial knowledge and ability among America’s youth is also a serious problem that is not going to improve on its own. Additional emphasis needs to be placed on teaching personal finance concepts in schools, to prepare young people for their lives as independent consumers rather than waiting to offer remedial financial education after they have begun to make mistakes.” Laura Levine, Executive Director, Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, 2011
Did You Know?
1. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 31 percent of identity theft victims fall into which age group?
A. 18-29 B. 30-40C. 41-52D. 53+
Rising Student Debt Jeopardizes Retention and Graduation
Appeal funding was high ($3 million)
Alternative loan volume was high ($22 million)
Changing economy
Increasing cost of education requires we provide financial literacy to our students
Too many students making poor decisions
Alternative Loan Volume Back Then…
Year Volume Students Average
2007-08 $22,561,854 1514 $14,902
2008-09 $21,385,135 1361 $15,713
2009-10 $28,807,198 2352 $12,248
Perceived Obstacles to Creating a Financial Literacy Program
Lack of sufficient staff
Not enough time
Lack of interest from staff or other barriers
Lack of institutional support
Shrinking budgets
Money Awareness Program (M.A.P.) Grant Program
Created in Spring 2009
Addressed the need for financial literacy In-person or online session required per semesterSign a simple contractReduces future borrowing
Targeted students with high alternative loan debt
Redistributed funds in existing program to pay for program
Here Are Our M.A.P. Students Learning!
It Feels Good to Help Students
M.A.P. Grants
Spring 2009
2009-10 2010-11 2011-12
# students 62 134 131 92
Average grant
$5,413 $6,003 $5,757 $5,243
Low $1,500 $1,500 $2,000 $1,100
High $10,000 $13,000 $13,000 $13,000
What Are We Teaching Students?
Financial fitness
Brings real-life student pitfalls to light
Identity theft
Preparing a budget
Understanding your credit report and credit score
Where does my paycheck go?
Understanding your student loans
Did You Know?
2. What factor influences credit scores the most?
A. Length of credit historyB. Types of creditC. Amounts owed/available creditD. Payment history
Creating a Financial Literacy Program - Building a Brand
Fall 2009—decision to formalize a financial literacy program beyond the M.A.P. program
Multi-leveled program for all student populations
Year one – no budget (so we got creative!)
Involve the staff Create a committee Contest to create logo/theme
Accomplish with no new staff
Use resources that are already there, especially if you have no seed money
Get buy-in from across the institution
I Otto Know This! Program Components
1. Money Awareness Program (M.A.P.)
2. Life Skills
3. Presentations
4. E-News
5. Federal TEACH Grant
Top 3 Theme Ideas
1. Orange You $mart
2. Financial Cents
3. I Otto Know This!
Then an office vote ensued…
Tie Back to What You’re Already Doing
We realized that our prior program labeled “Retention Grant” fits nicely into our goals for a financial literacy program
Students otherwise withdrawing from university due to money – no other options
Multi-year commitment to students
Get the Word OutBuild awareness – announcements Launch party April 2010Campus buy-inTarget audiences
On campus and beyondCapitalize on National Financial Literacy MonthFreshmen classesUtilize Federal Work Study students for targeted ideasThe easiest way? We all meet with students every day! Teach them now
A Reason to Celebrate
Teaching Real-Life Examples
E-News Samples
Keep the Brand Going Every Day
Email signature of all office staff includes logo:
Katrina M. Delgrosso | Associate Director | Office of Financial Aid & Scholarship ProgramsSyracuse University200 Archbold NorthSyracuse, New York 13244
t: 315.443.1513 f: 315.443.4396 e: kdelgros@syr.edu w: syr.edu/financialaid
Check out SU’s financial literacy program:
The Chronicle of Higher Ed
USA Funds Case Study and Annual Report
SU Magazine
On-Campus Events
Rotating Tips of the Month on FAO Website
Ads in Campus Newspaper
Create a Video with FAO Staff as Stars (it can be low budget)!
How Did We Do in Inaugural Year?How many students did we reach?
How did we get them to attend sessions?
Pitfalls and struggles
Alternative loan volume drop
M.A.P. program growth
Video
Did You Know? – Rotating tips of the month with suggestions from FWS students
Student Testimonials
M.A.P. has saved me $34,000 in student loans. Enough said!
I think M.A.P. is a great program. It helps me tremendously. I'm so grateful for the extra help. It's nice to know there's a place that is sensitive to my situation during this financially and emotionally taxing college experience.
Student Testimonials
I am very satisfied with the program, I almost transferred to another school because of the financial burden, but M.A.P. has allowed me to stay at Syracuse.
I think this program is great. I've learned a lot of new things about money awareness, reiterated some old concepts, and have a lot of new information to consider with my parents. I think the program is low maintenance and lends well to a college lifestyle, but it still provides a lot of useful information. I feel very lucky to be a part of this program.
Student Testimonials
M.A.P. saved me when I was down and out with almost no way of paying my college debt. It opened the road for a lot of opportunities and ultimately helped me register for classes and avoid a campus eviction.
Constructive Feedback from Students
I think M.A.P. should check in with or make one on one meetings with students to make sure all is going well financially for students. Right now I don't feel that is something I can come into the office and do. I don't even know if I can actually.
Spread the word on campus more! I feel like a lot of seniors don't know what the program is and it should be well-known by everyone because of all the good it does!
Last Chance – Did You Know?
3. If you are offered an annual salary of $35,000, what is a realistic view of your take-home pay (assuming 5% state taxes and single tax-filer)?A. $31,472B. $27,138C. $35,000D. $32,506
Alternative Loan Volume Dropped
Year Volume Students Average
2007-08 $22,561,854 1514 $14,902
2008-09 $21,385,135 1361 $15,713
2009-10 $28,807,198 2352 $12,248
2010-11 $17,297,361 1197 $14,451
M.A.P. Grants
Spring 2009
2009-10 2010-11 2011-12
# students 62 134 131 92
Average grant
$5,413 $6,003 $5,757 $5,243
Low $1,500 $1,500 $2,000 $1,100
High $10,000 $13,000 $13,000 $13,000
Phase 2.0 of I Otto Know This!
Future of M.A.P.—how to sustain the program
Assess growing pains and how to improve
Rotated financial literacy committee for new ideas
Promote brand recognition on campus
Be proactive (e.g. email blasts)—target your audiences
Giveaways in FAO to promote signing up for online financial literacy program
Phase 2.0 of I Otto Know This!
Ask for money
More videos
Peer mentors
Freshmen plan
Contact students who receive refunds (e.g. budget tips)
Entrench in counseling sessions
You Can Do This, Too
Provide incentives to staff to brainstorm ideas and build a formalized program
Make a banner instead of buying one
Staff contest for theme
Reach out to publications area to give you ideas
Reach out to other departments to advertise the program
You Can Do This, Too
Stay upbeat—bring in bagels or fruit to celebrate the idea
Students develop trust of your office
This is good for your students
You can learn new things and spread the word to family and friends
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