| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 68.78 |
| Liaison | Amber Saxton |
| Submission Date | Sept. 9, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
George Mason University
PA-8: Affordability and Access
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.94 / 4.00 |
Tyler
Orton Projects Innovation Coordinator Office of Sustainability |
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indicates that no data was submitted for this field
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Does the institution have policies and programs in place to make it accessible and affordable to low-income students?:
Yes
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A brief description of any policies and programs to minimize the cost of attendance for low-income students:
George Mason University (Mason) has multiple programs to minimize the cost of attendance for low-income students. Grants, low-income specific scholarships, work studies, or federal student loans are available to low income students. The Early Identification Program (EIP) helps low-income students by guaranteeing admission to Mason for those who successfully complete both the EIP program and an academic program in high school. These students have the opportunity to apply and interview for full tuition scholarships and smaller awards.
Mason also has a financial aid workshop in the winter to help seniors in the process of applying for aid via the FAFSA.
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A brief description of any programs to equip the institution’s faculty and staff to better serve students from low-income backgrounds:
N/A
None
A brief description of any programs to prepare students from low-income backgrounds for higher education:
The Early Identification Program (EIP) is an innovative, multi-year college preparatory program for high school students. Program activities are free and are held on the Fairfax and Prince William Campuses of George Mason University. Examples of activites include mentoring; math, science, and English aid; and preparing the family about college. Admission to George Mason University is guaranteed to those who successfully complete both the EIP program with at least a 3.2 GPA and an academic program in high school. Financial aid is available to program participants who apply to George Mason University and show need.
Each year Mason and EIP offer participants the opportunity to apply and interview for four-year, full-tuition scholarships and other smaller awards. Currently to be considered for a scholarship, an EIP student must be receiving a high school diploma with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 and apply for Federal Financial Aid. A student’s participation in EIP and academic performance will dictate their ability to apply for any of the scholarships offered through the scholarship process. Once students are identified as being eligible for the scholarship, they will submit an application and be interviewed by a committee comprised of individuals from Mason and other EIP stakeholders.
The four-year, full-tuition scholarship covers the cost of in-state tuition only, and does not cover room and board, meals, books, or lab or other fees. The EIP actively pursues support for other scholarships from private sponsors and donors, but cannot guarantee the number of scholarships offered in a given year.
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A brief description of the institution's scholarships for low-income students:
The Association for Legal Professionals Scholarship (VALS) -Scholarship will be awarded to a student based on need, ambition and merit for the purpose of furthering his/her education in the legal field.
The Bailey Family Foundation-College Scholarship Program - Applicants for the Bailey Family Foundation College Program Scholarship must possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and be registered at a participating college or university. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be U.S. citizens pursuing their undergraduate degree.
Infinite Acts of Kindness (IAK) Scholarship – Infinite Acts of Kindness (IAK) is a nonprofit organization that enhances the personal and professional development of low income single mothers. Applicant must be a single mother currently residing in the United States; a single mother who has earned a high school diploma or GED; enrolled or planning to enroll in a full- or part-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school; enrolled and attending the full 2014-2015 academic school year; and in good standing.
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A brief description of any programs to guide parents of low-income students through the higher education experience:
As part of the Early Identification Program, parents are offered training about preparing for the student’s academic experience and provides parents with insight and skills to help their students prepare for college. Topics covered include adolescent issues, parent involvement, communication, advocacy, responsibility, and cultural diversity.
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A brief description of any targeted outreach to recruit students from low-income backgrounds:
Mason College Dream Tour Day: The program targets disadvantaged youth who would otherwise not likely be considering going to college and exposes them to college life. The program targets youth between age 11 and 15, who still have the opportunity to improve their grades and get ready for college.
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A brief description of other admissions policies or programs to make the institution accessible and affordable to low-income students:
N/A
None
A brief description of other financial aid policies or programs to make the institution accessible and affordable to low-income students:
Mason's Financial Aid office assists low-income students to apply for grants and scholarships to assist in making Mason accessible and affordable. Mason also offers a deferment program for the application fee for low-income students.
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A brief description of other policies and programs to make the institution accessible and affordable to low-income students not covered above:
N/A
None
Does the institution have policies and programs in place to support non-traditional students?:
Yes
None
A brief description of any scholarships provided specifically for part-time students:
N/A
None
A brief description of any onsite child care facilities, partnerships with local facilities, and/or subsidies or financial support to help meet the child care needs of students:
The Child Development Center (CDC) opened August 31, 1992, at 4400 Patriot Circle. The Center has since doubled in size and currently has an enrollment of 120 children with two classrooms for each age group. The center is licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
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A brief description of other policies and programs to support non-traditional students:
Within Mason 2014-2024 Strategic Goal, Goal Two is creating accessible pathways for non-traditional students. Initiatives to support this include:
--creating new collaborations with Virginia community colleges and other institutions to facilitate affordable access;
--strengthening pathways for international student access;
--creating online pathways for students to complete the general education requirements in high-demand disciplines and to extend our reach to students who cannot attend class at our campuses.
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Does the institution wish to pursue Part 2 of this credit (accessibility and affordability indicators)?:
Yes
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Indicators that the institution is accessible and affordable to low-income students::
| Percentage (0-100) | |
| The percentage of entering students that are low-income | 25 |
| The graduation/success rate for low-income students | 69 |
| The percentage of student financial need met, on average | 58.50 |
| The percentage of students graduating with no interest-bearing student loan debt | 42 |
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The percentage of students that participate in or directly benefit from the institution’s policies and programs to support low-income and non-traditional students:
52
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The website URL where information about the institution's affordability and access programs is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Data is for FY14
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.