An emphasis to counteract the negativism about private colleges.
They're not as expensive as one might think, so says the head of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities ( WAICU ), who invites potential students to attend the annual Wisconsin Private College Week .
"This is an opportunity to go to a campus, eat the cafeteria food, meet with a professor, talk to a financial aid office, and see if it's a good fit for you."
WAICU President and CEO Rolf Wegenke, Ph.D., says if you don't have a job, you might want to think about getting the education you were putting off. He says it's a great way to climb out of the recession. Wegenke adds, if you're one of the many adults who will work while getting that education, they can accommodate you.
"Private colleges in the state were the first all the way back to the 1970s to address the needs of adult learners. So they started weekend and evening programs. Fully 40% of our 59,000 students are over the age of 25. That means they are working adults."
Wegenke says they'll wave application fees for students who attend Private College Week. And, he notes, you will qualify for a "go grant," which is $2,500 applied to tuition if you enroll in any private college. Also, Wegenke emphasizes their generous financial aid packages and small class sizes.
Private college week is July 13-18.
NOTE: Prospective students would need to sign up on the website in order to qualify for the chance to win one of two $2,500 Go Grants to help pay for college.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:28 MP3)
