Availability Of Financial Aid Research Articles

Identifying factors influencing program selection in health sciences by underrepresented minority students—a scoping review

There is a critical need to diversify health professionals to better serve the growing minority population in North America. Unfortunately, minority groups remain underrepresented in health professions. Despite recruitment efforts by government and academic institutions, fewer underrepresented minority (URM) students choose careers in healthcare. Identifying the key factors influencing URM students’ decisions to pursue health sciences programs could enhance diversity in these programs through targeted admissions strategies, ultimately leading to a more diverse future healthcare workforce. This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. Five electronic databases and gray literature were searched to identify North American papers published between 1942 and 2022. Identified studies focused on URM students’ perceptions of facilitators and barriers to matriculate into a health science degree. Twenty-one articles were analyzed. Following content analysis, the facilitators and barriers identified comprised personal, socio-cultural, institutional, and financial. The most frequent facilitators reported were scholarships, family support, and the presence of role models. Common barriers included high tuition fees, pre-admission criteria, lack of awareness about the health profession, availability of financial aid, and the admission process. The findings of this review will facilitate the development and implementation of customized, comprehensive strategies to recruit more URM students to health science programs in the future, thereby improving efforts toward creating a diverse healthcare workforce.

Occupational Licensing and Minority Participation in Professional Labor Markets

ABSTRACTWe examine the staggered adoption of additional educational requirements (“150‐hour rule”) for Certified Public Accountants (“CPAs”) to understand the effects of occupational licensing on minority participation in professional labor markets. The 150‐hour rule increased the educational requirement for CPAs from 120 to 150 credit hours, effectively adding a fifth year of study. We find a 13% greater entry decline following the requirement's enactment for minority than nonminority CPA candidates. Our analyses of parental income and financial aid availability point to a socioeconomic status channel explaining the differential entry declines. Studying exam passing patterns, professional misconduct, and job postings we find a deterioration, or at best, no change in CPA quality following enactment.

WEP (Women Entrepreneurship Platform): Top Business Ideas for Women Entrepreneurship in India

Abstract: In India, there are large demographics of the women which are estimated about 48.5% of 121.06 Cr populations (as per census 2011). But 13.76% approximately (as per sixth economic census 2013-14) owned businesses which is very less in all. Apart from this a majority of women entrepreneurs have small businesses. On the other hand, other countries like China, U.S, Japan, UK, Russia etc have much more entrepreneurship than India. Indian economy is a growing economy which has always focused on ‘Women Empowerment’ requires to be more focused on “Women Entrepreneurship Platform” as this is a great way to empower as well as economically sound them in the field of business. The main objective of the paper is to promote women entrepreneurship with new ideas. The other aims are to study the availability of financial aid to women of India, to find out regarding bottlenecks faced by the women entrepreneurs, to increase the number of women entrepreneur in India, to build an ecosystem for women entrepreneurs with available government & other innovative initiatives, sustainable and long- term strategies for their businesses. The research paper will be based on available data and information provided by the women entrepreneurs and their suggestions, government and repute publications, other researches etc. There are so many concepts to start new ventures or to engage and elaborate with the existed running ones. So, this time is to liberate the powerful Indian women with new and exciting, creative and unique business ideas to become great womenentrepreneur in the country to place themselves as superhero in the world.

Inclusiveness in Graduate Education in Developing Countries: A Document Analysis of Diversity and Inclusion in the PhD Postings

This article aims to give insights into inclusiveness in graduate education and examine the admission procedures in developing countries. In this study, doctoral postings in the developing countries with the highest scores on the Inclusive Development Index were examined in terms of diversity, equity, access, and inclusion. From the perspective of diversity, it has been uncovered that PhD postings emphasize internationalization by highlighting lecturers from different fields, countries, and cultures. This research found that Polish PhD postings have more inclusive statements. This matches Poland's high Inclusive Development Index ranking. In terms of equity, PhD postings that highlighted opportunities for collaboration and teamwork encouraged candidates to participate in an egalitarian environment. The study found that postgraduate education in developing countries is increasingly emphasizing inclusion, but more work is needed to create an inclusive learning and working environment. This study revealed that PhD advertisements aim to attract qualified applicants with factors such as language proficiency, availability of financial aid, and lack of tuition fees. This study found that doctoral advertisements do not offend or hinder candidates. The last of the most obvious conclusions reached by this study is that doctoral advertisements do not offend or hinder candidates.

Rural postsecondary encouragement through a land grant university county extension office

AbstractRural students graduate from high school at higher rates but go to college at lower rate than their urban and suburban peers. To take on the educational attainment challenge for rural students, we need to know more about postsecondary encouragement programs. This study examined a pilot postsecondary encouragement program in 11 rural high schools with two questions: How do high school counselors support students’ plans for life after high school through a land‐grant outreach program? How is a university outreach program utilized in these schools? This qualitative case study used 17 individual interviews with school counselors and county extension agents. According to school counselors, the postsecondary encouragement program increased financial aid applications and student interest in college going. County extension agents were a trusted bridge between the program and the local high schools. Tracking student milestones helped school counselors serve all students, and program experts provided workshops for students and parents. Campus visits helped students visualize themselves as college students, yet financial concerns dominated the students’ college choices.Practical Takeaways Postsecondary encouragement through information from experts combined with local support can be a cost‐effective intervention to increase rural students’ college going. Counselors tracking all students for college and career readiness milestones ensure all students are given the message that they are college material, a predictor of enrollment. Counselors and students lack clear information about costs and financial aid availability, but these are important to rural families’ decisions. Local county extension agents can serve as the bridge between the rural student population and the 4‐year universities. Extension agents and school counselors gave credibility to outside experts.

Values and perceptions of landowners within remaining breeding territories of Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata in Ireland

Habitat loss and degradation have been identified as some of the main threats to breeding Curlew (Numenius arquata) across much of Europe. In Ireland, marginal habitats such as rough or wet grasslands and peatlands have been fragmented or degraded by activities including afforestation, drainage and intensification. The management implemented by landowners directly affects Curlew breeding territories. However, the values and perceptions held by landowners whose lands contain Curlew breeding territories, or the factors driving the decisions behind farming practices in these areas are rarely considered when looking at the causes of changes in these bird populations. This study, as part of the Curlew Conservation Programme established in 2017, gathered data through the distribution of questionnaires to landowners found within three kilometres of Curlew breeding territories in Ireland. In this study, we identify the current land uses being employed in Curlew breeding territories, and query future projections of land use in these areas. We investigate landowners’ perceptions of the requirements to sustain favourable environments for breeding Curlew. We also explore landowner values with respect to farming. The landowners in this study identified habitat loss and predation as the main drivers for Curlew declines. The majority of farming systems in this study were cattle rearing, the sustainability of which is under threat across Ireland. The results indicate that these landowners are not financially motivated, however, the availability of financial aid and expert advice are listed by landowners as requirements for traditional farming practices to continue. These results give an insight to the lifestyle, values and perceptions owners of land adjacent or within Curlew breeding territories. This information can be used to design Curlew conservation programmes that align with these values.

A Narrative Literature Review Addressing the Relationship between Students Enrollment and Campus-Based Financial Aid in United State of America

This article utilizes narrative literature review method to examine the impactful effect of financial aid on students’ enrolment in general. As part of the narrative literature review analysis a Boolean search of 50 articles met the criteria for inclusion. In relation to the literature search, the data collection procedure considered the first and second authors of the completed simultaneous electronic and ancestral searches for peer-reviewed articles by using the following online databases: APA-PsycINFO, Education Research Complete (ERC), Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Education Index, Education Full Text, Crossref, IndexCopernicus, and SPORTDiscus as well as Google scholar and advanced Google scholar. As part of the findings for the study utilized for the article, many scholars made specific inferences to the campus-based financial aid in their studies as the main fiscal management determinants of students’ enrollment. Out of the fifty articles, 25 of the researchers, thus 50%, underscored and also perceived fiscal management as a determinant of students’ enrolment by utilizing the concept of campus-based financial aid availability or tuition waiver. Researchers of 25 articles—thus 50% -- explicitly stated that participants had difficulty connecting financial aid availability with students’ enrolment. A total of 13 (25%) researchers have explained in their research that student’ and management teams were able to make the connection between financial aid availability and students’ enrolment (or choice of school). Above all, the article has unearthed implications as well as made cogent suggestion for future research in order to contribute to overall educational policy of society. Keywords: Students’ enrolment, financial aid, fiscal management, tuition cost, realist, idealist, HBCU, and education. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-34-02 Publication date: December 31 st 2021

Growing the IBCLC Workforce: A Florida Needs Assessment.

Florida has fewer International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) per 1,000 live births than the national average. An important strategy to support breastfeeding entails creating opportunities to prepare and train IBCLCs from underrepresented groups. However, it can be difficult for individuals to access lactation education and gain clinical experience necessary to become an IBCLC. Research aim: The Building a Better Breastfeeding Network project was a needs assessment designed to assess the interest in an IBCLC training program in Florida and perceived barriers and facilitators to completing such a program. An online survey was distributed via email to non-IBCLC students and maternal and child healthcare workers in Florida. Microsoft Excel was used to complete descriptive analyses. Surveys were initiated by 1,939 eligible individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds across the state, 86% of whom responded that they would be possibly to very interested in an IBCLC training program. For those interested, cost was perceived as a potential barrier to enrolling in a program, but flexible course schedules and scholarship or financial aid availability would further attract participants. More than half were interested in working with underserved populations or in low-resource settings, but Black and Hispanic participants were significantly more likely to express interest in working in those settings. Due to the high level of interest in an IBCLC training program in Florida, a formal lactation training program may be successful in attracting diverse students, particularly if funding and program flexibility needs are met.

Identifying Issues Surrounding First Generation Students

First-generation students compose a subpopulation within the institution of higher education, which exhibits its own set of resources in areas such as academic preparation, support systems, family background, and finances to apply to education. This quantitative study examined gaps and barriers to resources currently available to assist the population. The researchers utilized four pre-developed demographic questions along with a 34-item survey instrument assessing the experiences of first generation students, to gather the data presented in the study. The analysis involved coding and elementary data analysis of demographics and reporting frequencies. The 200 participants in the study identified as first-generation students at four-year universities within the United States. The majority of the participants surveyed were white (69.5%; n= 139), between the ages of 17 and 26 (94.5%; n=189), and from families within the middle-class income bracket of (39.5%; n= 79). The results indicated that most common barrier to participants attending college was tuition-cost (63%; n=126), followed by a lack of information about a college, such as financial aid availability and required documents (34.5%; n=69). Over 64% (n=129) received support or guidance from support networks in the form of parents and/or guardians. The study provided information about the issues encountered by first-generation students, as well as the accessed support networks, and preferred resources. KEYWORDS: First-Generation Student; College Retention; Academic Preparation; Financial Assistance; Support Systems

Cost Analysis of Oral Cancer Treatment in a Tertiary Care Referral Center in India

Introduction: As much as the number of oral cancer patients is a heavy burden to the health care system in India, so much is the economic burden to the patient and the relatives, especially in India where most do not have any financial cover for their medical expenditure. Objectives: To find out the approximate cost of treatment of oral cancer through various modalities, and calculate the proportion of direct and indirect expenses, and then identify the factors which would increase the indirect expenses so as to come up with recommendations which will reduce the indirect cost thereby reducing the financial burden to the patient.Methods: A retrospective observational study was done in a tertiary care center for cancer treatment and the direct cost (medical expense), indirect cost (non-medical expense) incurred by the patients, their economic status and source of fund for payment of the expenses were obtained. Results: The proportion of indirect cost was about 38.72% of the total cost for patients who underwent a single modality treatment with surgery, around 34.73% for a combination treatment with surgery and RT (Radiotherapy), about 79.63% for treatment with conventional Radiotherapy without surgery and about 49.61% for treatment with IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radio Therapy) without surgery. Availability of financial aid or cover is abysmally poor. The rate of discontinuance of treatment is also very high according to this study.Conclusion: The proportion of the indirect cost is very high and the total expenditure can be reduced by approximately 30% by following measures discussed in this article.

State Budget Crises and Access to College for Undocumented Students in the United States

The financial crisis has intensified the concerns over the availability of financial aid for all students in the public higher education system of the United States. Even in better economic times, financial aid and access to in-state tuition often determine whether or not a student is going to attend college. This is all the more relevant for minority and low-income students, among whom are some undocumented immigrants. This paper examines the relationship between the 2007-2008 financial crisis and state laws related to undocumented students’ access to in-state tuition and financial aid. Along with the rest of the unauthorized population living in the United States, these youths now have to face a serious backlash from state legislatures claiming to cut costs for their own government. Despite a recent ruling by the California Supreme Court favorable to in-state tuition for undocumented students, several state legislatures have enacted policies which will marginalize them even further. The crisis has in fact toughened the relationship existing between state government and public institutions of higher education. The article shows that the economic downturn has accelerated the change in the role of public universities, and especially their exploitation by state legislatures in their opposition to undocumented immigration.

The Role of Financial Aid in Promoting College Access and Success: Research Evidence and Proposals for Reform

Since the passage of the Higher Education Act of 1965, great progress has been made in increasing college enrollment rates for qualified students. But gaps in enrollment and completion by family income have persisted and even widened over time. These gaps are both troubling, given the high returns gained by attending college, and puzzling, given the growing availability of financial aid. This essay discusses key lessons that have emerged from decades of research on the impacts of student aid, suggests high-priority directions for federal policy reform, and examines implications for financial aid administrators.

Back to the Future: What Previous HEA Reauthorizations Might Say About the Next One

For 50 years, the Higher Education Act has been the primary vehicle for advancing federal higher education policy. Many policymakers and interested observers expect its upcoming reauthorization to address three overarching topic areas: college affordability, institutional quality, and student safety. Indeed, previous reauthorizations have addressed specific issues within each of these areas—expanded financial aid availability and process simplification, third-party (accreditors and states) oversight of institutions, and assurances that students have safe learning environments. Yet we cannot say that these are settled issues. This article describes previously implemented policies in the hope that a better understanding of the past might help policymakers craft policies that further advance the primary goal of the HEA: widespread access to quality postsecondary education opportunities.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Pursuit of College Finance Literacy

In the United States there are significant gaps in college-going between high-income and low-income students and between White students and African American and Latino/a students. A number of factors contribute to this persistent gap. Among these factors are the rising cost of college attendance and the complexity of the financial aid process. The present study describes how a group of low-income students of color at a New York City high school learned about the costs associated with college attendance and participated in the financial aid process. Drawing on data collected during a one-year ethnographic study, this article examines what students initially believed about the cost of college and the availability of financial aid, how the students’ high school supported them through the financial aid process, and challenges students faced. Results from the study suggest that the textual complexity of the financial aid process, uneven support from counselors, and the high cost of college posed challenges for many students. However, those students who formed relationships with trusted advisors or “literacy sponsors” were more likely to successfully complete the financial aid process and enroll in college. The article ends with a discussion of implications for theory and practice.

The Effect of College Selection Factors on Persistence

The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship (if any) between college selection factors and persistence for Black and Latino males in the community college. Using data derived from the Educational Longitudinal Study, backwards stepwise logistic regression models were developed for both groups. Findings are contextualized in light of Paulsen and St. John's (1996) financial nexus model. In line with this model, this study found that financial matters indeed impacted college selection. In particular, this research illustrated that the availability of financial aid and low expenses at the institution were integral selection factors. Implications for future research are extended.

Integrity versus access? The effect of federal financial aid availability on postsecondary enrollment

It is generally believed that access to financial aid will increase the likelihood that students will attend and graduate from college. There is a surprising lack of research, however, on the consequences when postsecondary institutions lose eligibility to disburse financial aid. This paper provides among the first causal estimates of institution-level financial aid funding loss on enrollment and composition of student bodies. I implement a dynamic regression discontinuity design using a multi-year rule that restricts institutions' eligibility to offer federal aid such as Pell Grants and subsidized loans when alumni's loan repayment rates are below allowed thresholds. Results suggest that financial aid loss discourages enrollment at for-profit institutions and institutions that offer programs of two years or less. The decline in enrollment appears to be driven by fewer new enrollees, particularly at for-profit colleges. I find less conclusive evidence that ineligibility to disburse federal financial aid substantially alters student body composition. This research is particularly relevant considering recently proposed federal rulemaking that will further limit the number of institutions eligible to disburse financial aid based on additional student loan debt repayment requirements. Restrictions such as these are intended to protect students and the integrity of federal aid programs, but may also have implications for access to higher education.

Higher Education: How Freshmen And First-Year Journalism And Mass Communication Students At HBCUs And PWUs Used The Internet In Their Decision

This study set out to explore how the Internet was used by Journalism and Mass Communications Program students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominately White Universities in their college choice and if these institutions were able to provide the information the respondents were looking for in their search. The study found students that attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities still report the availability of financial aid and other funding as a major reason they make their college choice. The study also found Journalism and Mass Communications units as a whole may not be providing this information to students that are using the Internet to research their future college opportunities.

The association between financial aid availability and the college dropout rates in Colombia

The main objective of this study is to estimate the association between financial aid and college dropout rates of postsecondary students in Colombia. We use a unique dataset from the Colombian Ministry of Education that includes all enrolled college students in the country between 1998 and 2008. Logistic regression is used to identify the correlation between receiving different forms of financial aid on the dropout rates of the students. The main results of the study suggest that the probability of dropping out decrease between 25 and 29% according to the type of financial aid received. There is also evidence that the financial aid is more effective in reducing dropout rates at the beginning of the student’s college careers. This result holds after controlling by type of postsecondary institution attended. These findings suggest that financial aid is an effective tool to reduce dropout rates, and therefore increase persistence and expand access in Colombia.

Student recruitment marketing in South Africa - An exploratory study into the adoption of a relationship orientation

Changes in the competitive environment, largely spurred by restrictions in government funding and an increase of educational service providers in the market, have forced higher education instructions to become more proactive in terms of student recruitment. In response, many institutions have turned to corporate principles to run their operation and to recruit their ‘customers’ (that is, the students themselves). This exploratory study serves to ascertain whether using a relationship marketing approach is conducive to the task of identifying, selecting and recruiting highly desirable students. In this respect, particular emphasis is placed on whether these individuals are actually interested in establishing a pre-application relationship with a selected number of institutions, as well as the benefits they hope to accrue from such relationships. A hypothesized framework is thereafter appended as a guide for initiating and developing relationships with prospective students. Key variables influencing the decision process were probed. The reputation of the institution was found to be the most important factor in a scholar’s decision of a place of further study, followed by geographic location and thereafter campus safety. However, these differed between ethnic groups. Scholars’ receptiveness to the prospect of entering into a pre-application relationship with a tertiary education institution was found to be favourable. A mere eight percent of respondents claimed that they didn’t wish to have a relationship with an institution prior to the applications period. The remainder wished to be associated with one or more institutions. It was concluded that on average, the more serious scholar is interested in relationships with two institutions. In this regard, the factors attracting scholars to such relationships were identified. The availability of financial aid was found to be the most prominent factor, followed by curriculum advice and reduced application fees. It was therefore concluded that scholars seek real value and are less concerned with social benefits. Key words: Student recruitment, marketing, higher education, relationship marketing, customer relationship management, South Africa.

A unique solution to solve the pending medical school tuition crisis

The increasing cost of undergraduate medical education and the decreasing availability of financial aid have resulted in the accumulation of a large debt for medical students that requires a reasonable solution. After reviewing suggested solutions to alleviate medical student debt, we have developed a unique proposal. The Strategic Alternative for Funding Education (SAFE) has the practicing physician pay for his or her medical school education after completion of residency/fellowship over a 10-year time interval when income will likely be rising. The amount paid yearly is calculated as a percent of the physician's professional income. A strategic alternative for funding education has the potential to alleviate the pending crisis in medical student debt, allows medical schools to compete for students based on the educational experience offered, and allows a student of any socioeconomic status to attend medical school and choose a medical specialty based solely on ability and desire.