In a bold initiative, Georgian Court University in Lakewood is joining a small number of New Jersey Colleges and Universities now offering a two-year guarantee on grants, loans and scholarships as way of attracting more students to the private institution.

GCU Dean of Admissions Justin Roy/photo by Tom Mongelli, TSM News
GCU Dean of Admissions Justin Roy/photo by Tom Mongelli, TSM News
loading...

Justin Roy, Dean of Admissions at GCU, discussed the program on  "Townsquare Tonight" with host Tom Mongelli this week on News Talk 1160 & 1310 WOBM-AM.

Students would have to maintain required Grade Point Average standards tied to the funding to be eligible for GCU's program, according to Roy.

To ensure students are able to maintain GPA standards, Roy pointed out that GCU has a student success team that provides mentoring.

"That team oversees our tutoring centers, our writing centers, our math labs and centers, to make sure that those students are on track," said Roy.

He said faculty members also provide extra help to students who may need it.

In addition, GCU recently launched a program specifically for first-year students to help them maintain an average of 15 credits per semester, according to Roy.

"Students who are not on track, they can take a course in the winter or in the summer term at no charge to ensure they end up at the 30 credits, because a student who has 30 credits after their first year, is more likely to graduate on time in those four years," Roy said.

For families who may shy away from sending their child to a more expensive, private institution, Roy advised them to compare the options and not to run away from the sticker price.

"There are a lot of scholarships, and more so, at the private institutional level that are endowed and available to students to apply to, and so there are multiple sites out there, with the college score card that came out, I think within the past year, can help families understand really what the average net price for a student going to that private institution verses a public institution," said Roy.

Roy suggested parents also break down financial aid award letters and ask institutions questions such as, which aid is renewable, which aid is for that year only, and which aid has to be paid back.

"You don't want to get into your following years now only having some of your aid for one year, or learning that this aid you've been taking advantage of, has to be paid back," said Roy.

Roy added that families with students who submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA, should be prepared to undergo a verification process, which involves providing copies of tax forms and W2 forms.

 

 

More From Beach Radio