2012 Success Stories
From veterinary school to consulting for Google, see where our most recent graduates are headed and what they had to say about the Keuka experience.
Wrapping Up the Costs of College
Students who are seniors in high school and plan on attending college in the fall, now is that time to, according to Keuka’s Financial Aid Office:
- Review financial aid awards.
- Contact the financial aid office with any questions you may have.
- Submit your enrollment deposit to the admissions office.
- Attend Summer Orientation/Pre-registration Day.
- Apply for various loan programs or installment payment plans.
With that in mind, you might be feeling a little lost, or a bit overwhelmed. If you haven’t already visited Keuka’s Financial Aid Page, then now is the time to do so. I researched some online opportunities for finding outside funding, and I also spoke with Keuka’s financial aid director, Jen Bates. Here is what I found:
At this point in the game, if students need more money, there are plenty of outside funding options available. “Click the grants and scholarships link right on our website and look for the list at the bottom,” Jen told me. “Those are the ones we recommend.” My personal favorite is scholarship.com. The initial set up of an account took me about ten minutes, but the information you fill out is important because it helps the site assess what you are eligible for. But don’t get lazy. While indeed a lot of outside funding might only come in spurts of around $250, as Jen put it, “Every $100 helps.” When I asked her how many students did come in with outside funding, she told me that a lot do, but a lot more could as well.
While college comes with plenty more expenses than the ones that occupy your student bill–tuition, room and board, and mandatory fees are part of your bill, and books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses are not–it’s helpful to know where financial support is available for the latter expenses. I asked Jen if any sources of outside funding are available to cover personal fees, but she told me that typically, only people who apply for extra loan funds that are higher than the number on the bill receive refund money that can be used for campus wide dollars, dining dollars, or received as extra cash; however, I personally know a few students who, with a combination of scholarships and grant funding, do receive much needed refunds that contribute to books, supplies, and daily living expenses.
If getting money might still be an issue, there are ways of budgeting and being thrifty that can help reduce the overall expenses:
- First off, as an incoming student, it is important to note that a one time, New Student Orientation fee of $225 is charged.
- Furthermore, while most new students (Keuka college incoming freshmen being part of that group) do not have a finalized schedule until arrival at school, books are more conveniently purchased in the books store; however, in following semesters, students should have plenty of time to order books cheaply online (I personally recommend either half.ebay.com or amazon.com, but search and compare, and don’t forget shipping and handling; also consider Keuka’s rental program).
- Also, while Keuka charges $550 for medical insurance, you have probably received a slip that can exclude you from this expense if you have proof of outside health insurance (which for me is cheaper, since I have Medicaid). I had to fork over an extra $450 (at the time) for Keuka insurance, but now I don’t, so it definitely is worth it.
- Also, they probably won’t tell you this, but it is actually for your benefit (if you get a room in Davis) to stick with a triple for at least the first semester, if not the whole year. Reason being? Those rooms are only supposed to hold two, not three. Because they have to overlook this to accommodate all incoming students, what do you get at the end of each semester but a nice, big refund! And a very sizeable one too. I cannot remember off the top of my head what mine was, but it is probably a different number now. But hey, it’s an easy way to get some much needed funding!
- Also, don’t forget the individual requirements for each grant or scholarship or loan you receive. It may not sound like it makes much sense, but I had too many credits and lost my academic competitiveness grant, which was only available to college freshmen and sophomores. Even though I was entering the Spring semester of my sophomore year, I had received enough credits to qualify as a junior, so I lost an extra $650 worth of funding. Is that fair treatment for hard work? I didn’t think so, but it didn’t matter. I had been counting on that money, and I did not get it. My point, then, is make sure you know what you will be getting so you don’t fall into the same pit I did!
Finally, the deadline for making that final decision is looming ever nearer. Jen told me that May 1st is the universal enrollment deadline. I remember when it came time for me to make my choice, and I had not even received my financial aid package from St. John’s University in Queens where I had received a rather generous scholarship, when I made the decision to go to Keuka. It was most my most financially suitable option by far. But if the choice is not as clear cut as it is for you, you still have about three weeks to contact and sort things out. Furthermore, as Jen reminded me, April 16th is Keuka College’s Spring Open House. For accepted students, it is a valuable resource to come and schedule a visit with billing and financial aid to respond to any last, other, or unanswered questions.
Finally, I’d like to address one more thing that might have parents and students worried: possible federal and state cuts. Jen told me, “We haven’t gotten any information on the Pell Grant tables,” so while the Pell grants (a federal program) is still up in the air, while she admitted that they had not received individual statements yet for the TAP (New York State grant) program, she did tell me that the budget had been passed without any devastating cuts being made.
Overall, getting a good education can mean a lot of money, but, if you play your cards right, it’s an investment well worth your while.
About Erica Ruscio
Hey, all you prospective Keuka students! My name is Erica Ruscio, class of ’13. I have a double major in English with a concentration in creative writing, and visual & verbal art. I also have a minor in communications.
I am the chief blogger and wordsmith for the admissions blog, Eye on the Storm, here at the Keuka Communications Office. I am in charge of posting pertinent information that will help you, as a prospective student or member of the Keuka College community, grow in understanding of what it’s like to a part of this wonderful and exciting college.
Just so you can get to know me a bit better, here are some fun stats:
Hometown: Middlesex, N.Y.
Career Goals: To become a children’s librarian and publish and illustrate children’s and young adults books
Campus Clubs: Arion Players Drama Club, Sigma Tau Delta, Lambda Pi Eta (Treasurer), Women’s Center Advocacy Club (Co-President)
Work-Studies: Admissions Blogger, Lifeguard, TeamWorks! Facilitator, and A.S.K. Writing Tutor
Most Recent Field Periods: I worked with Youth Services at Penn Yan Public Library this past summer, and I worked at Lightner Library this past January.
Activities I Enjoy: Going to concerts (any genre, mostly rock), playing guitar, camping, art (painting, drawing, design), drinking coffee (like it’s my job), running, blogging and designing websites, reading, and creative writing
Favorite book/movie: The Lord of the Rings trilogy (the books and the movies)
Why I love Keuka: The amazing and abundant opportunities and the amazing and personable faculty and staff!
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