Twenty-nine of the state’s private colleges are putting out the red carpet this week trying to get future students to sign on. Kathleen Gannon, spokesperson for the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, says the schools are holding open houses all week. She ways it’s a way for parents and students to compare “apples to apples” among the private colleges. Each school will conduct information sessions and tours twice a day at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm. Gannon says they’re again offering their passport incentive program to get students to visit more and one campus. She says when you visit one school you get a passport and get a stamp that allows you to get the application fee waived. If you visit three or more schools, the application fee is waived at any of the 29 schools. Gannon says getting potential students to visit campus is vital to the colleges because research shows the campus visit is the single most important factor for students in choosing a school. Gannon says the schools are also trying to let parents and students know that private colleges are affordable. She says the Iowa Tuition Grant is available with up to $4,000 available for kids who want to go to a private college. She says the schools also make every effort to make their schools financially attainable. For more information on private college week, surf to: www.thinkindependently.com.
Iowa's Radio News Network
