New Publication Helps Adults Find Success In College

Through a collaborative effort between the National College Transition Network and the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) a new publication has been made available to address the financial concerns of nontraditional, adult students who are considering a postsecondary education. "Mapping Your Financial Journey: Helping Adults Plan for College" is a free 56-page booklet that contains financial planning worksheets, information about money pitfalls, financial aid, and tips for a successful college experience.

Adults list financial concerns as their greatest barrier to college. Mapping Your Financial Journey was created to address those financial concerns by explaining - in plain language- some of the basic financial ideas and skills adult learners need to make it through college.

"Adult student learners are different than traditional students because they have families to support and many times, a college education is part of a long-term transitional goal they may have," says Brent Neiser, NEFE director of collaborative programs.

Neiser explains that adult nontraditional students generally take longer to complete their educations due to their unique circumstances and the financial and other demands on their time. Those unique circumstances can create financial difficulties that require a high amount of financial literacy.

The publication uses examples that are familiar to adult students to help them work through many of the barriers that may keep them from college. Some of the common situations that adult students who are considering college may include possible job loss, decreases in income, and lack of educational benefits. The booklet can be used individually by students and prospective students, or in a classroom or study group setting.

Sections of the booklet include:

Starting Your Journey
Understanding Yourself and Your Goals
Financial Basics and Record-Keeping
Money Pitfalls
The True Cost of College
Financial Aid and Sources of Income
Other Financial Resources and Tax Benefits
Tips for a Successful College Experience
Making the Most of Your Education While Working
Other Resources

Order information is available online at http://www.collegetransition.org/mapping.html.

By Justin Draeger
NASFAA Assistant Director for Communications

Posted 07/31/07 to www.NASFAA.org. Redistribution to non-NASFAA institutions is prohibited. Please submit Web Site questions or comments to Web@NASFAA.org.