Working To Learn: Unlocking the Potential of New York’s Adult College Students Tom Hilliard Senior Policy Associate Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy September 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

New York Falling Short Adults as a share of all undergraduate students: from one-third in 1995 to one- fifth in New York now ranks 43 rd 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 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 ShareChange 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 Project Anti-poverty initiative active in 23 States, funded by Ford, Joyce, Mott and Casey Foundations Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy Center for an Urban Future