First-generation, first-year college students face many unique challenges that put their college success at risk. Lack of knowledge about the financial aid process is one of these challenges. This topic was explored in a recent study by Carmelitia J. Coleman and published in the latest College & University.
Coleman examined the struggle of first-generation, first-year students in understanding and completing the financial aid process at a private, four-year college in Louisiana. Coleman’s qualitative research study asked: How do first-generation, first-year students who are enrolled in college construct knowledge about the financial aid process? and What resources do first-generation, first-year students need to help them complete the financial aid process?
The ten interviewed participants shared that “they felt they did not understand the terminology, the necessary steps required, or had enough guidance throughout the financial aid process. They stated that being introduced to financial aid earlier in their educational careers during high school would have significantly helped them construct financial aid knowledge.”
Coleman offered several recommendations for improving financial aid knowledge among this student population, including: partnering with local high schools to promote financial aid awareness; developing mandatory financial aid orientation sessions during the first semester of college; and mandatory sessions with financial aid counselors.
"In considering the results of this study, administrators can develop programs to affect student knowledge regarding the financial aid process positively," Coleman concluded.
Other articles in this issue include:
Features
Financial Aid’s Role in Strategic Enrollment Management by Stephen McDowell
An Interview with Marie Bigham by Nick Heisserer
An Interview with Dr. Karen Stout by Jairo McMican
Commentary
Why Test-Optional and Other Test-Light Options Have Worked So Well in College Admissions by Robert Sternberg
The Bermuda Triangle of the Iron Triangle: Three Angles, The Unholy Trinity, the Holy Grail and the Triple Constraint (and a Tetrahedron) by Christopher W. Tremblay
AXACT (Crest Tower), Karachi, Pakistan: “World’s Largest Diploma Mill” Criminal Enterprise: A Glimpse Behind the Veil of Legitimacy by Allen Ezell
Research in Brief
The Importance of a Strong Campus Visit: A Practice Brief Outlining Collaboration Between Admissions and Facilities Management by Alicia Kornowa and Eleonora Philopoulos
Direct Admissions: Policies and Principles by Jennifer A. Delaney, Thong Minh Trinh, and Taylor K. Odle
Campus Viewpoint
Why Adults Should Be and Are Becoming a Prominent Piece of the SEM Puzzle by Katie Taylor
The AACRAO Review
Rethinking College Admissions: Research-Based Practice and Policy reviewed by Brenda Schumann
Basic Guide to Financial Aid reviewed by Dr. Stephanie L. Krusemark