Working To Learn: Unlocking the Potential of New York’s Adult College Students

Tom Hilliard Senior Policy Associate

Schuyler Center for Analysis and AdvocacySeptember 2007

Adult Students in New York 1.8 million adults (ages 25-49) with a high

school diploma and no college education 207,000 adult undergraduate students

enrolled in 2005 Majority (53%) of adults study part-time,

compared to 11% of younger students

1995 to 2005: More Younger Students, Fewer Adult Students

28%

4%

24%

-20%

-30%

-20%

-10%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

Ages 18-24 Ages 25-49

U.S.

New York

New York Falling Short Adults as a share of all undergraduate

students: from one-third in 1995 to one-fifth in 2005.

New York now ranks 43rd in rate of adult college attendance.

If New York met the national average, 56,000 more adults would be enrolled in New York’s colleges.

“Some of our students are working full-time, studying full-time, and raising a child. They’re burning the candle at three ends. Is it any wonder they have

academic trouble?”

Brian McGarvey, Director of Financial Aid Schenectady Community College

Why worry about affordability? Independent students in NY are 22% more

likely than those in other states to study and work full-time – a practice that triples the risk of dropping out.

Working poor independent students in NY have remaining financial need of $5,227 – 25% higher than national average

The Two T’s of affordability:

TAP and Tuition

Tuition Assistance Program Largest state need-based financial aid

program in the US In 2005, TAP provided financial aid to

394,000 undergraduates – 47% of all undergrads in NY

Maximum annual benefit of $5,000 Income eligibility up to $80,000

TAP and Adult Students Part-Time TAP not available in first year Discrimination against single childless

adult students “Don’t Come Back” Rule Remedial education penalty

No Part-time TAP for Freshmen

Until this year, TAP available only to full-time students – 12 credits per semester

Part-Time TAP took effect as of September 2007. Provides benefits for 6-11 credits, but…

Only students who have studied full-time for one year are eligible for Part-Time TAP

Students who need Part-Time TAP the most will never qualify for it

Part-time TAP: The Solution

Provide part-time TAP benefit from the first day of college enrollment

The Independent Schedule

Adult students with no children or spouse are placed on the “Independent Schedule”

Maximum benefit of $3,025 annually Income eligibility threshold of $10,000 net

taxable income

Income Eligibility Threshold, Independent and Dependent Schedules

Maximum Benefit, Independent and Dependent Schedules

Independent Schedule: The Solution Raise income eligibility threshold and

maximum benefit

“Don’t Come Back” Rule

A student’s TAP benefit will always be fixed at the time of first enrollment, even if that student leaves and returns years later

Anne enrolled in 1987: Maximum benefit of $2,850

Anne returns in 2007: Maximum benefit now $5,000, but Anne still gets $2,850

Don’t Come Back Rule: The Solution

Put all independent students on current schedule

Remedial Education Penalty

TAP is a time-limited benefit. 8 semesters for Bachelor degree, 4 semesters for Associate degree

Remedial education ensures that TAP will run out before graduation

Remedial Education Penalty: The Solution

Offer performance-based scholarships

Tested in Opening Doors initiative, found to be effective in improving student outcomes

Tuition and Adult Students More adults attend community college

than any other sector of higher education

CC tuition in NY 50% higher than national average, five times higher than CC tuition in California

Why is CC Tuition So High?

1990 Share

2005 Share Change

State Contribution

37% 30% -7%

Local Contribution

33% 30% -3%

Student Contribution

29% 39% +10%

State and Local Government Withdrawing Financial Support

Pulling out of the Tailspin Reform TAP to meet the needs of adult

students Engage employers as partners in funding

and shaping higher education Support colleges that want to try new

strategies Accountability for results

The Working Poor Families ProjectAnti-poverty initiative active in 23 States, funded

by Ford, Joyce, Mott and Casey Foundations• www.workingpoorfamilies.org

Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy• www.scaany.org

Center for an Urban Future• www.nycfuture.org