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Financial Aid Survey
Fall 2001 Financial Aid Survey
In October, 2001, the "Fall 2001 Financial Aid Survey" was delivered via Web
to 300 new freshmen and 300 continuing students who had received financial aid totaling $1000 or more for the academic year.
In addition, a paper
questionnaire with a web option was sent to the parents of the 300 new freshmen. The response rates,
which are shown in the table below, ranged from 46% (parents of freshmen) to 55%
(freshmen).
| Group |
Response rate |
| Freshmen |
55% |
| Continuing students |
49% |
| Parents of freshmen |
46% |
Results
Summary of Results for Students
- About half (49%) of students reported that they receive parental
assistance when completing the FAFSA. More freshmen than continuing students
reported that they receive such assistance (60% vs. 36%, respectively).
- More than half (56%) of students use the Financial Aid Web page to get information.
Freshmen are much more likely than continuing students to use written materials
from the Department of Education. In addition, half of freshmen get information
from fellow students, whereas only 26% of continuing students do so.
- In general, continuing students reported somewhat greater ease than did
freshmen in finding out about certain financial aid processes. They are,
however, more likely than freshmen to report that it is difficult to learn
how to apply for scholarships and to learn about scholarship and grant opportunities.
- Most students (71%) reported that they have read publications
from the CU-Boulder Financial Aid office.
- Freshmen reported more often than did continuing students that
Financial Aid publications contained the information that they needed (60%
vs. 47%).
- The telephone was reported to be the most popular method for getting financial aid questions answered. Other often-reported forms of contact included in-person and e-mail.
- Most students (63%) have not discussed their financial situation
with a counselor. Continuing students are more likely than freshmen to have had
such a discussion (51% vs. 24%).
- In general, students reported positive experiences when
interacting with the Financial Aid staff. Large percentages of students
reported that staff members were informative (64%), courteous (74%), sensitive
(48%), and efficient (63%); that they explained information clearly (58%), and
that they provided correct information (63%).
- Thirty-three percent of freshmen and 42% of continuing students reported
that an offer of financial aid affected their decision to come to CU-Boulder.
- The overall service at Financial Aid was rated good or better by
about 90% of students.
Summary of Results for Parents of Freshmen
- Most parents (55%) reported completing the FAFSA with their students.
- Sixty-two percent reported that they use the Financial
Aid Web page at least somewhat for financial information. Very few parents
reported that they use other parents/friends or other internet Websites for
this purpose.
- Most parents (56%) reported that finding information on loans is easy.
- Substantial percentages reported that it is difficult
to find out about scholarship opportunities and availability of grants (44%
and 50%, respectively).
- Sixty-two percent indicated that financial aid was
important in determining college choice.
- About three-fourths reported that they have read
publications from the Financial Aid office. Over one-half would, however,
prefer to speak to someone in that office rather than read the publications.
Parents reported that they typically get their questions answered by
telephoning the Financial Aid office (42%) and by using publications (28%).
- Parents prefer to contact the Financial Aid office by telephone,
but also like to get information from that office through the U.S. mail.
- About two-thirds of parents reported that they have not discussed their
student's financial situation with a Financial Aid counselor.
- Even larger percentages of parents than students
reported that Financial Aid staff members were informative (76%), courteous
(82%), sensitive (72%), and efficient (70%); that they explained information
clearly (74%), and that they provided correct information (74%).
- The overall service at Financial Aid was rated good or
better by about 95% of parents.
The following links provide summary tables of the Financial Aid Survey results:
L:\ir\consult\FA\Srvyf01\Report\FA_results.htm
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