Maybe you have always wanted a college degree and life got in the way. Or, perhaps the current economy has you thinking about a degree. Dr. Patricia Jefferson, Dean of the School for Adult Learning at the Universtiy of Indianapolis has some guidance for you.

First, You CAN finish a college degree in a reasonable period of time.  Many adults fear that scheduling courses around family and work obligations means it will take them a decade or longer to finish a bachelor's degree program.  That doesn't have to be the case.  The University of Indianapolis has accelerated classes for adult learners that will get you there in just a few years - perhaps sooner, if you have transfer credit.  

Your life experiences ARE important.  You may not have taken formal college courses, but the knowledge and skills you've gained on the job or while raising a family can translate into course credit.  Don't undervalue what you've learned in your lifetime.

Some people-even those closest to you- may not believe in you.  There is support for you in college- from advisors and professors, to writing and math labs.  At the  University of Indianapolis, you get help brushing up on rusty skills; there's even a free "Topics in Math" class to prepare you for your first math class.

Don't assume you can't afford college.  There is state and federal financial aid out there, as well as sources of scholarship money.  The university will help you navigate the system, which is confusing to college applicants of any age.

You can expect to earn a lot more money in your lifetime with a college degree than without one.  In fact, whlie no job is recession-proof, individuals with high school diplomas are more vulnerable to reductions in workforce than those with college degrees.

Our summer classes begin May 4th.  You have time to begin classes this summer.   Call Laurie at 317-788-3393  or email her at sal@uindy.edu to find out more about our accelerated degree program for adults.



It is never too early to start searching for scholarships! You can start searching as early as your freshman and sophomore year of high school.

Collegeboard.com and Fastweb.com are just two of the many free scholarship resources. There are a plethora of scholarships with different criteria. While some scholarships are based on GPA, others are based on community service, background, and potential area of study. It is important to read through the scholarship information and take note of the deadlines. Your guidance counselor can also steer you in the right direction of places to look for scholarships. Admissions counselors at the University of Indianapolis will be able to give you information on Indiana scholarships, Indiana student grants, Indiana college financial aid, and financial aid in Indiana.

Here are four national scholarships that you may consider applying for: 

The American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarships
Description:To provide financial aid to high school seniors and introduce them to the fire sprinkler industry. Applicants must be high school seniors. Students must read the Fire Sprinkler essay online and take an online quiz. Award $2,000

Billy Welu Scholarship

Description:  Applicants must be amateur bowlers who are currently attending college. They must have a 2.5 or higher GPA. Award $1,000

Coca-Cola Scholars Program

Description: Applicants must be high school seniors. Selection is based on character, personal merit and commitment. Award $4,000 to $20,000

Best Buy Scholarships
Description: Applicants must be graduating seniors residing in the U.S. or Puerto Rico, live within 75 miles of a Best Buy store, have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and have community service or working experience. Award $1,500 to $10,000




Clearly the economy is affecting all of the financial decisions that we make and you may be concerned about how you will pay for college or acquire Indiana college financial aid. Here are some facts that may help you put the financial aid and college financing issues in perspective.

1. More than $60 million in financial assistance was available to University of Indianapolis students, of which about one half was scholarships and grants.

2. More than 80% of UIndy students receive some form of financial aid, including Indiana scholarships and Indiana student grants.

3. Federal, state, and University financial aid funds awarded to UIndy students will continue to be awarded at or above previous year levels.

4. UIndy will continue to award scholarships and grants based on merit and need.

5. Stafford Federal Loan limits were increased by $2,000 this year and are accessible for any and all students who need to borrow. 

6. Federal PLUS Loans will continue to be available for credit-worthy parents up to the full cost of attendance.

7. Families should apply for federal loans first, but supplemental private loans are still available to credit-worthy students or parents if needed.

You must take the first step toward receiving financial aid in Indiana by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online no later than March 10, 2009!  The UIndy Financial Aid Application, available from the financial aid office, must be submitted to the University to supplement the FAFSA. Call the financial aid office at 800-232-8634 or (317) 788-3349 if you have questions.


It may become confusing to parents and students when applying for Indiana college financial aid. However, no matter the income of your family household, each student should apply for aid and search for Indiana scholarships. By completing a FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office at the University of Indianapolis can determine which aid you qualify for. Here are some important factors to keep in mind when applying for financial aid in Indiana or across the country:

1. Students should apply for aid and submit a FAFSA each year. Be sure to turn in all applications on time. Deadlines are important. Be aware that different colleges and universities may require different aid forms.

2. Students should be knowledgeable that there are different forms of aid. Federal, state, grants, and loans are all considered a source of aid. Upon receiving an award letter, be sure to note if this aid is renewable on a yearly basis.

3.There is a difference between eligibility and need. For instance, a student may be eligible to receive a grant, but the institution may not see the student as being need- based on their aid rankings.

4.Merit aid is primarily in correspondence to academic performance. Merit aid can also be based on criteria such as having a particular major or residing in a certain location.

5. Parents and students should take into account all cost intended when entering college, which includes tuition, books, housing, and transportation.

If you're looking for financial aid in Indiana, you may be eligible for some of the scholarships and grants that are offered at the University of Indianapolis.

The Frank O'Bannon Grant (formerly the Indiana Higher Education Award) and Freedom of Choice Grant offers assistance to eligible full-time Indiana resident students attending public, proprietary, or private institutions.

The Indiana State Part-time Grant is awarded to eligible part-time undergraduate students who are committed to furthering their education and show financial need. 

The scholars program Twenty-First Century offers a scholarship that is awarded to high school students who meet scholarship guidelines and are enrolling as full-time undergraduates.

These three Indiana scholarships and grants are based on financial need, though additional Indiana college financial aid may be available. The annual amount of each scholarship and grant varies. Don’t forget to have your FAFSA and University of Indianapolis aid application turned in by March 10!

The campus visit is an invaluable piece of the college selection process. A firsthand account of any college or university, from meeting with students to checking out residence hall rooms , the campus visit often provides students and parents with more information and more insight into the campus experience.

Esch Hall
While websites and brochures are helpful, neither carries the impact of actually experiencing a university and meeting its faculty, staff and students. At the University of Indianapolis, students and parents are encouraged to schedule individualized visits, which can include a campus tour, lunch with a student ambassador, sitting-in on a class or meeting with a professor and/or a coach.

 
To schedule a visit, contact the University Of Indianapolis Office Of Admissions at 1-866-421-7173 or schedule online at admissions.uindy.edu/visit. Check online for special visit days and open houses as well, including High School Day, School of Nursing Day, School of Business Day, Future Teacher Day, and Campus Camp-In!

 

The University of Indianapolis is a private university in Indiana and ranked among the best universities in the Midwest. It offers a range of undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs as well as accelerated degree programs for adult learners seeking a bachelor’s degree through Indiana night classes. UIndy is a top choice among students wishing to attend one of the state’s faith-based colleges, but who desire a campus where all students are welcome and diversity is celebrated. Internship opportunities are readily available due to the university’s proximity to downtown Indianapolis. Athletic scholarships, Indiana scholarships and Indiana student grants, in addition to federally sponsored grant and loan programs, help make college affordable; students are encouraged to explore a variety of financial aid options.

 

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