#PROFspective: Liberal Studies, Languages and Law with Junior Alexzia Lyons

Today we feature Alexzia Lyons, a junior Liberal Studies major. Alexzia is from Durham, North Carolina and previously went to North Carolina Central University, where she dual enrolled as a high school and college student. She discusses how she decided to come to Rowan, her experiences and involvement around campus, and advice to other students […]

Rowan Foundation Scholarships: Which Ones To Apply To and Where To Find Them

Rowan Owl Statue

Today a member of our Rowan Blog team, Rachel Rumsby, shares advice about Rowan’s Foundation Scholarships. Rachel is a junior Communication Studies and Public Relations double major. Rachel is an on-campus resident from River Edge, NJ (Bergen County).  Paying for school is a struggle for some. Applying to scholarships is a great way to help […]

Yes, Mama, YOU CAN DO IT!

Alexis holds her son outside on campus.

Alexis Houck is a junior Advertising major and a certificate of undergraduate study (CUGS) in graphic design student from Ocean County, NJ. She shares her first-person perspective, tips and advice for the mom going back to college.  

Two years ago, I was at a dead-end job being paid minimum wage not feeling very fulfilled with my life. I was married, and my husband worked hard to take care of us. I had always thought about going to college, but unfortunately, I could not afford the luxury of it straight out of high school. I also lacked the support, guidance and help to get into one.

Portrait of author Alexis on campus.

Well, that all changed July 2018 when I saw two pink lines and I knew. It was time to go back to school. I understood the challenges I was about to face being a new mom and now a [first year student] in college. Yet, I knew the importance of an education.

The second I saw the positive pregnancy test I knew I wanted, I needed, to do more for my baby. He needed parents who were not too stressed out about money and bills to enjoy life and parenthood. I wanted to make sure we could live comfortably on two incomes not just one. I wanted to make sure my child knew how important an education and hard work is.

I made the right choice to go back to college, and I started that fall. Of course, when my son was born, I took one semester off and then jumped right back into it. I now have my associate degree and am currently working on my bachelor’s in advertising and undergraduate study in graphic design here at Rowan University.

Alexis, her son and husband walk through the Rowan welcome gate.

I could not be prouder of being a Rowan Prof even at 30 years old with a 2-year-old at home. If I can do it so, can you. I hope I can inspire some hope and encourage you to further your education here at Rowan University.

Stop asking how and why? Stop questioning if you could do it because yes, Mama, YOU CAN DO IT!                          

Here are a few tips and advice for the mama starting your college education journey here at Rowan University:

  • Talk to an advisor and be realistic.

This is a big one. You need to be honest, talk about what you want to do. If you are unsure this is where you and your advisor discuss your strengths and what you have a particular interest in. I changed my major three times before I finally found the one I love. Ask your advisor about the courses you need to take and how much time you will need to delegate to your studies. Rowan offers full-time and part-time enrollment. I prefer full-time, but do what you can. Certain degree programs only have day classes; making a schedule that is realistic and works for you and your family is crucial. College and being a parent are hard enough; do not stress yourself out any more than you need to.

  • Financial aid, grants and other scholarships are available!

Financial aid and grants have been super helpful! Make sure to apply in time and get that situated ASAP. Scholarships are available as well. Make sure to do your research so you know you will be prepared and financially stable during your time at Rowan.

Alexis holds her son and poses with her husband on campus.

  • Rowan supports parents with a family-friendly campus!

Rowan has on-campus childcare. It is called the “Early Childhood Demonstration Center,” home of the Little Owls! They are parenting friendly at Rowan — they even have a Lactation Center and Nursing Mothers’ Room available, which is open Monday through Friday, they even provide storage for your milk! 

Rowan is a “family-friendly campus.” Rowan offers resources and events for all students who are parents. Rowan CCAMPIS Program (Child Care Access Means Parents In School), offers free or low-cost tuition for eligible students’ children at the Early Childhood Demonstration Center as well as social and academic services designed just for college student parents. Rowan also has events for student parents who attend the university! Join in! You will meet others going through exactly what you are, and you can really lean on each other.

  • Stay organized and keep your family on a schedule.

Make sure you have an area in your home you can designate to your studies, a nice, quiet and organized place where you can store all your school supplies that is away from any distractions. Due to COVID I know it is tough to find places nearby, luckily Rowan has some great on-campus options including the library. When you are going back to college, you need to pick out a regular time each week to get the work done. I personally make evenings a time to get my work done. I cook dinner and then my husband takes over for bath and bed time while I get my work done. Once you schedule your time for your assignments, treat it like you would a doctor appointment for your child(ren). You and your work are important, too. Let the rest of the family know that you are unavailable at these times.

  • Let your support system help you.

Thankfully, I have an amazing husband and family who support me in my goals and help as much as they can. There will be days when unexpected things happen, I mean, come on, we are parents!!! It’s important to acknowledge that you will need some help to get it all done. Make sure to let your support system help when they can. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, it takes a village.

Alexis smiles with her son and husband.

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Story by:
Alexis Houck, junior advertising major

Why I Chose a School 20 Minutes Away from Home

Figuring out where you want to go to college is no simple task. Here, junior Public Relations and Advertising major Loredonna Fiore offers four reasons she says Rowan made it easy for her to pick a school 20 minutes away from home.

1. Amazing housing options

Normally, only juniors and seniors get to live in fancy apartments: not at Rowan. As early as your sophomore year, you can choose to live in an apartment with a kitchen and a living room. Rowan also has a great Residential Learning University Housing program where you can become a Resident Assistant and get free housing!

Loredonna sits on steps outside on campus.

2. Affordability 

As a New Jersey resident, I qualify for in-state tuition at Rowan. This allows me to get all of the benefits the school has to offer at a reduced rate. The Rowan Financial Aid office is always helpful with any questions about billing and tuition as well. 

3. Surrounding Location

Rowan is a 20-minute drive to Philadelphia, two hours to New York City, and two hours from Washington, D.C. The close proximity to these major cities was intriguing to me because I knew I was near places with amazing professional opportunities.

Loredonna smiles behind purple springtime flowers on campus.

4. Rowan’s opportunities

Even though I live close to Rowan, I didn’t let that get in the way of all of the opportunities it had to offer. I loved getting to tour the new College of Communications and Creative Arts building and thought that was a great indication of how up and coming Rowan is. 

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Story by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations and advertising major

Photography by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major 

#PROFspective: Public Relations and Advertising Major Madison Sweet

A headshot of Madison Sweet outside on Rowan's campus.

Today, we speak to Public Relations & Advertising double major Madison Sweet! Madison is a transfer student from Raritan Valley Community College and is from Bridgewater, NJ (Somerset County). She shares with us what a typical day at is like for her and how she transitioned into Rowan.

A portrait photo of Madison outside on Rowan's campus.

What is a typical Rowan day for you?

I work at Financial Aid in the mornings and afternoons and then I return home to join my Zoom classes. After that, I cook myself dinner or I will treat myself and order out (sushi always). After my work load is done, I love spending quality time with my friends, my boyfriend, and my Big in my sorority. Some nights, I like to go out to Landmark or Chickie’s & Pete’s for a drink with my friends as well (following COVID procedures, of course).

Could you share with us one moment during your time at Rowan that made you feel inspired or confident that you’re in the right major for you?

The relations that I have built with my professors have made me love my major even more. I am super comfortable with them and love doing my work. The moment I knew I was in the right major was my accomplishment in making the Dean’s List back to back. I struggled with school growing up, and now I have a 3.7 GPA that I am super proud of, it would have not been possible without the Communication Profs.

Could you tell us a little bit about your transition into Rowan as an incoming student? Were you nervous? Excited? Stressed? What people, programs or things helped to make your transition smooth?

I felt all the nerves. Since I was in community college before, I was super eager to start a new chapter of my life away from home to learn who I am as a person on my own. I was super excited to start my classes but worried I wouldn’t make any friends. But Rowan’s students and profs are the nicest people I have ever met. Class was never boring. Joining my sorority, Alpha Epsilon Phi, also had a huge impact on my social life. Without this org, I wouldn’t have all of the friends that I do, today.

Madison posing with her four friends outside the Engineering building.
Madison hanging out with friends outside the Engineering building.

What are your professional goals?

Currently I am not sure what I want to do for a job after college. I would love to work in the social media field for a big company if possible.

How has Rowan helped to support you with your professional goals?

My profs have always been very supportive toward me, they are very understanding and are always willing to help if you need it, which was very nice and comforting. If I was ever confused they would help me with an assignment if needed. My sorority has always encouraged us to prioritize school work first to make sure that we stayed on top of our grades. My profs and advisor always let us know about potential Internships as well.

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Story by: Bianca Torres, senior music industry major

Photography by: Joe Gentempo, senior art major

Julia’s Corner: Taking Advantage of On-Campus Resources

a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Headshot of Julia, who is smiling and has long blond hair.Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major in. She’s lived both on campus and off campus, held student worker jobs and internships, and participated in clubs and sports.

New beginnings – you are starting at Rowan University. This is one of the biggest changes you will have in your life, either as a new freshman or a transfer student. You may think you are ready to be free and get away from home, and maybe you are. However, even if you are ready, you will probably still struggle with adjusting to your new life at Rowan. No matter what that struggle may be, Rowan wants you to succeed and be happy. That being said, there are several resources on campus to help with whatever you may be struggling.

Tutors: You may have been in the top ranks of your class in high school, but college is a whole different ball game. School might become more challenging for you. There is nothing wrong with that. Rowan offers free tutoring services to help you get out of that slump and be the best you can be. To sign up for a tutor, you can go to the Rowan website under Student Success Programs. You will matched with a tutor to help you in whatever class you need. 

freshmen on Bunce greenFinancial Aid: You may be paying for college on your own. Even if you aren’t you still may need some help. Have no fear, financial aid is here! They want to help make paying for college as stress-free as possible. Visit them in Savitz Hall so they can help set up a payment plan for you. 

The SHOP: Located in the Rowan Boulevard apartments near the Rowan Boulevard end of campus, The SHOP is a small food pantry that people make donations to. The donations consist of food and other necessities for students in need to take. It helps students with financial struggles to get things they need without them having to worry about paying for it. You just have to show your student ID to get inside. 

The Wellness Center: Whether you are physically ill or are having some mental health struggles, the Wellness Center is here to help you. I have gone for both of these, and they were super helpful. It is a great resource and being seen by someone is free, so I highly recommend it. Plus, everything you tell your counselor is confidential, so you won’t have to worry about being exposed. There are plenty of nurses and mental health counselors available that want to help you get better. You can make an appointment online or call them. 

Friends sit and chat in the cold, bundled up with jackets holding coffee. All in all, there are tons of resources on campus to help students live a healthy life. Take advantage of them. You’ll be glad you did in the long run. Just remember that there is nothing to be embarrassed about! It may be hard to take the step to get help, but you should be proud. Most likely, you are not the only one who needs it, and you will be a role model for those who are nervous about it. Everyone at Rowan wants you to be happy, and getting help from these resources will help with that. 

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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, advertising graduate

5 Financial Tips to Help You Graduate Debt Free

Scattered dollar bills.

This spring, I will graduate with no college loan debt, but I was kind of dealt the financial aid jackpot when I applied for college. I live with a single mom who had two other kids in college. Due to my situation, I was eligible for multiple grants and scholarships at any college I picked.

Public relations major Maria Mancini at her Glassboro home
Public relations major Maria Mancini will graduate this spring debt free.

Although I got a lot of help through financial aid, here are some tips for high school and college students for saving money and graduating debt free. 

  • Take advantage of high school classes that can earn you college credits.

In high school I was able to take advanced placement (AP) courses such as AP calculus AB and BC. At the end of the marking period, I then took AP tests to earn college credit for those classes. Taking advantage of these classes allowed me to graduate with a whole semester worth of college credits.

There was also a course called High School Option. This meant you had a period or two free, but you attended a college course at your local community college. Both of these options allow high school students to receive college credits at low costs. Now, there are even more opportunities for high school students to receive college credits. My cousin attended GCIT, where she graduated with almost a full year of college finished. 

  • Apply for grants and scholarships and don’t miss the deadlines.

Another way to lessen your student debt is to apply to all grants and scholarships that are available to you. Local businesses and organizations in my town gave out scholarships to high school students. I was able to take advantage of these and although it may not have been tens of thousands of dollars, I was able to use that scholarship money and pay for books for two years of college.

Each state also gives out grants and financial aid, but there are deadlines for both of these. It is very important that you do not miss these deadlines. Missing these deadlines can result in you not getting the full financial aid you are eligible for. 

  • Consider going to your community college for 2 years. 

While you may not get the full college experience, going to community college allows you to finish your first 2 years of college at a third of the cost, possibly even less. Going to a community college cuts down the cost because you only pay for the classes that you are taking. You don’t have to pay for room and board, a meal plan or all the additional expenses that a 4-year college charges you. Attending a community college also allows you to work part time or possibly full time. This can help you pay out of pocket for your classes you are taking or it will give you an income to help save money for when you transfer to a 4-year college. Either way, attending a community college will help you cut expenses and college costs in the long run.  

  • Create a budget and stick to it!

The first step to creating a budget is calculating all of your monthly expenses. This means going through your bank statements and receipts and figuring out how much you spend and what you spend it on each month. Next, calculate your monthly income. Once this is all determined, you can figure out how much money you are left with each month. In order to save or pay off debt, you must create a budget. It can be to save $100 every week or $200 a month. Whatever you determine your budget will be, it is important to stick to it!

  • Apply for a work-study or to be an RA.

Another option for college students is applying for a work-study on campus or applying to become a resident assistant (RA). Work studies are a great way to gain experience with on-campus jobs and can also connect you with a lot of resourceful connections for after you graduate. R.A’s get free housing, but also a lot of responsibility that may leave you not gaining the full college experience, if that is what you are looking for. Both of these options allow college students to lessen the cost of college or allow you to make money while attending college. 

Using these 5 tips can help you towards graduating with little to no debt. 

Public relations senior Maria Mancini at her home

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Story by:
Maria Mancini, senior public relations major

Header image courtesy of:
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Student Worker for Financial Aid Department Provides Tips for Filing the FAFSA

Courtney Colletti, a senior communication studies major from Pennsville, NJ (Salem County), is a student worker for the Financial Aid department. Today she shares with us a glimpse into her job, and the importance of filing your Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) for the upcoming school year.

What are your responsibilities as a student worker for the Financial Aid department? 

My official title is Creative Assistant, and I manage the Financial Aid social media accounts and help out with marketing efforts within the department. I get to create content for Twitter and Instagram, brainstorm contest ideas for social media and help my bosses organize financial aid events. 

I really wanted to expand from just social management into more marketing experience. This job presents opportunities for me to run events and host classes about financial aid and plan PR campaigns for getting students to file their FAFSA. I am also part of the initiative for the FAFSA Finisher contest, which encourages students to fill out their FAFSA for a chance to win Rowan gear and technology prizes.

Courtney leans against a tree and smiles.How did you get the job as a student?

I actually came across this job on ProfsJobs. I love ProfsJobs! All of my past positions have been found on there. When I interviewed for this job, the atmosphere was so great, and I realized the importance of making sure I am happy in what I do and having a good environment. It’s such a collaborative team effort, and we still have fun and get creative. The whole office is focused on helping students and making sure they get the money they need. Financial Aid may have a reputation for being “boring,” but my bosses are so funny, outgoing and happy. 

From your experience at work, how does the FAFSA help students? Why is it important to complete?

Students have to fill out the FAFSA if they want any kind of financial assistance from the government. When it comes to grants and scholarships through the government, the information you provide in your FAFSA determines how much aid you qualify for. It also sets you up so the federal government can determine how much in subsidized and unsubsidized loans you’re able to receive.

We try to encourage students to file the FAFSA as early as they can, because you can lose potential aid money by not filing as early as possible. The more aid you are able to receive from the government, the less money you have to borrow from private lenders, which could come with higher interest rates. We want to prevent students from losing money that they are entitled to. 

Because of COVID-19, the deadlines for filing have changed. Instead of April 15, returning students have to file by June 1 the very latest. Brand new students have until Sept. 15 to file for the Fall 2020 semester.

Any suggestions for students who are looking to fill out the FAFSA?

Ask your parents to sit down with you to do this, or find someone you trust who is good with money to advise you. Make sure you have all the information you need ahead of time so you’re not scrambling for it last minute. And if you have to fill it out on your own or need help, the Financial Aid department is here for you. You can email us to set up a phone or Zoom call where our staff can walk you through the process. It’s not as scary or intimidating as students think it is. You’re just plugging in a few numbers, and they keep it pretty simple.

The Office of Financial Aid wants you to know that they are still here for you as a resource. Follow @rowanfinaid on Instagram and Twitter to participate in contests and win prizes just for filling out your FAFSA!

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Story by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

Beyond the Classroom: Pre-Vet Club Makes the Trip to Africa

Fiona and Nicolette giving a dewormer injection to a buffalo

Meet Fiona Yueng, a Mount Laurel (Burlington County) resident and first-generation student who became one of four undergraduate students from Rowan University who got to experience the opportunity of a lifetime at the conclusion of the spring semester. Fiona Yeung, Kim Zullo, Emily Beardsley and Nicolette Madonna spent the first three weeks of their summer vacation in the town of Louis Trichardt in South Africa, shadowing professional veterinarians in the field. 

Biological sciences major Fiona Yeung poses with a lion in South Africa

Fiona has been an animal lover since a very young age. She spent her days reading countless books on animals, only because her parents’ allergies prevented her from having any animals of her own.

As she got older, Fiona turned her passion for animals into volunteerism. For the past couple of years, she has volunteered at the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge in Medford, where she’s helped diagnose and treat indigenous species.

Fiona is now a rising senior in the Biology department and also a part of the Pre-Vet Club on campus, along with the three other students who attended the trip. These four students took it upon themselves to see real world veterinary care with their own eyes. With the help from the Financial Aid office, and donations from Rowan SGA and the Biology Club, their dream became a reality.

In late May, the four of them boarded a plane and headed to Louis Trichardt, South Africa. The first two weeks of their trip was spent shadowing veterinarians in their field and participating in the processes of veterinary medicine.

The students recalled that, “not only did these vets care for indigenous African species, but they also had the knowledge to care for farm animals as well.” These veterinarians were not confined to a specific area of veterinary medicine. They were fully trained and equipped to care for an array of species. While on this journey, they had the opportunity to see a number of extravagant wildlife, such as giraffes, lions, zebras, antelope, elephants and more.  

Rowan Pre-Vet Club members Fiona Yueng (left) and Emily Beardsley

“You see them in picture books, but it’s nothing compared to seeing them in real life,” Fiona (left) said.  


Rowan Pre-Vet Club members posing next to a buffalo

Their trip concluded with a five-day stay at Care for Wild Africa Rhino Sanctuary. Here, they cared for orphaned rhinos, who lost their parents due to poaching or natural means. 

In late June, the students returned home safely with memories and knowledge that they can take with them in their future careers.

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​​Story by:
Chad Wittmann, senior journalism major
Photos courtest of:
Fiona Yueng

College Admissions Glossary

Rowan future freshman on campus

As you start the college planning process with your student, you may run into some terms you may have never heard before. What does FAFSA mean? What is rolling admission? What does superscore mean? Use this as a guide to help navigate and understand all the acronyms and terms used in the admission process!

ACT: American College Test. A standardized test used to measure a student’s knowledge in four subject areas — English, math, reading and science.

Placement Test: A test all incoming freshmen take to determine which courses are appropriate to your skill level. Some students may be exempt from this exam based off of standardized test scores.

Common Application: The Common Application (Common App) is a website students use to apply to multiple schools with one singular application. Some colleges may have some supplemental questions pertaining to their institution, so be sure to have your student keep their eye out for those!

Early Action: Early Action (EA) allows a student to apply to an institution early and receive an admission decision earlier. Applying EA is non-binding and if you are accepted.

Early Decision: Similar to Early Action, Early Decision (ED) allows a student to apply to an institution early. If your student applies ED, and is admitted, they must withdraw all other applications from other schools and commit to the school they were accepted to. This is binding.

Financial Aid: Money given to the student in the form of loans, grants and scholarships to help pay for college. Financial aid can come from the federal and state government, private organizations and from the college itself.

Rolling Admission: An admissions process in which a college reviews an application once all the required documents and credentials (application, test scores, transcript, letters of recommendation) have been received. Typically, institutions that are rolling admission do not have hard application deadlines.

SAT: A standardized test, similar to the ACT, used to evaluate and measure a student’s knowledge in three subject areas — math, reading and writing. There is an optional essay portion of the exam, but some institutions do not require this part.

SAT Superscore: If a student took the SAT multiple times, super score means a college will consider the highest section score of all exams taken. For example: if you took the SAT in October and received a 500 on the math and 500 on the reading section, and you took the SAT in May and received a 510 on the math and 480 on the reading section, your superscore would be 510 math, 500 reading for a total superscore of 1010.

Waitlist: A decision that is neither a yes nor a no. A student who is put on the waitlist will have the opportunity to enroll only if there is availability in the incoming class after admitted students have responded to their offer of admission.

EOF: The Educational Opportunity Fund program is a state-funded grant for New Jersey residents — providing financial assistance and academic support services for low income, first generation, academically promising New Jersey residents with limited academic preparation. Eligible students receive intentional academic support and financial assistance based on their individual need.

Subsidized Loan: If a student demonstrates financial need based on the FAFSA, the federal government will pay the interest charge while the student is enrolled at least half-time (6 credits). Students must pay the principal and interest during the repayment period which occurs (6 months) following graduation or if they withdrawal from the university. Subsidized loans are not available to graduate students.

Unsubsidized Loan: All matriculated students enrolled at least half-time may receive a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan regardless of family income. The interest is not paid on the student’s behalf. Borrowers may choose to make payments while in school (recommended), or allow the interest to accumulate onto the balance.

Cost of Attendance: A term used in financial aid to describe what the school estimates it will cost the student to live, eat, and go to school. It is different at every school and it not the actual expense.

Net Price: Is the amount that a student pays to attend an institution in a single academic year AFTER subtracting scholarships and grants the student receives.

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​​Story by:
Amanda Kuster, admissions counselor

10 Myths about Financial Aid & The FAFSA

Future Rowan students touring campus with their tour guides

  1.  We make too much money, so we won’t get anything.

MYTH! There is no income cut off, so eligible students will qualify for something, including low-interest loans that do not require a credit check or co-signer.  

Prof tip: Don’t make assumptions on what you may receive. Fill out the FAFSA and decide if you want to use the aid or not. You have to fill out the FAFSA to qualify for many state aid programs such as the NJ Tuition Aid Grant.  

  1. The FAFSA opens on Jan. 1.

MYTH! The FAFSA application now opens on Oct. 1 of every year. Financial aid is first-come, first-served. So it could pay off (literally) to get your application in quickly. 

Prof tip: You don’t need to wait for you or your parents to file their taxes to submit. 

  1. It costs money to submit your FAFSA.

MYTH! The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Applying will help students access money for college like grants, scholarships and federal work-study, as well as provide access to federal student loans. There is only one official FAFSA form online, and you should complete it at fafsa.ed.gov or the myStudentAid mobile app. 

Prof tip: Stay away from spoof websites, especially if they request a payment.

  1. You only need to complete the FAFSA one time (OR you only need to complete the FAFSA your first year).

MYTH! You have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.

Prof tip: Apply early!

  1. I need to wait until I’m accepted to college before I complete my FAFSA.

MYTH! You don’t need to wait! You can start as early as your senior year of high school. You must list at least one college to receive your information. You SHOULD list all schools you’re considering even if you haven’t applied or been accepted yet. It doesn’t hurt your application to add more schools; colleges can’t see the other schools you’ve added. In fact, you don’t even have to remove schools if you later decide not to apply or attend. If you don’t end up applying or getting accepted to a school, the school can just disregard your FAFSA form.

  1. My parents don’t pay my bills, so I don’t need to include their information on the FAFSA.

MYTH! Even if you support yourself, live on your own, or file your own taxes, you may still be considered a dependent student by the federal government for FAFSA purposes. The FAFSA form asks a series of questions to determine your dependency status. If you’re independent, you won’t need to include your parents’ information on your FAFSA form. If you are dependent, you must provide your parents’ information.

Prof tip: Federal Student Aid (the FAFSA people) asks a series of questions to determine a student’s dependency status.

Learn more here: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/filling-out/dependency  

https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/sites/default/files/fafsa-dependency.pdf

https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/sites/default/files/dependency-status.png

  1. I need to use the 2018 taxes to complete my FAFSA.

MYTH! The FAFSA form asks for financial information, including information from tax forms and balances of savings and checking accounts. The 2019–20 FAFSA form, which became available Oct. 1, 2018, asks for 2017 tax information.

  1. The expected family contribution is the exact amount you have to pay.
Rowan Financial Literacy Expert Brandi Blanton standing near Savitz Hall
Brandi Blanton

MYTH! Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is a measure of your family’s financial strength and is calculated according to a formula established by law. Your family’s taxed and untaxed income, assets and benefits (such as unemployment or Social Security) are all considered in the formula. It also takes into consideration your family size and the number of family members who will attend college during the year.

Your EFC is NOT the amount of money your family will have to pay for college nor is it the amount of federal student aid you will receive. It is a number used by your school to calculate the amount of federal student aid you are eligible to receive.

Prof tip: To understand your out of pocket financial obligation, subtract the financial aid awards from the tuition amount. 

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Story by:
Brandi Blanton, Financial Literacy Expert

Sweltering Winter at Rowan University

Rowan student stands next to the prof holding hot sauce

Vanessa Vause, a junior at Rowan University, reports live, covering the student experience here at Rowan. Today’s big story is the weather forecast expected at Rowan University this winter. Hot! Hot! Hot! That’s right, folks, thanks to President Houshmand’s hot sauce flying off shelves to support student scholarships, Rowan predicts having a sweltering winter. We […]

#PROFspective: Environmental and Sustainability Studies Major Katie Elliott

Katie standing outside of the Rec Center

Today, we speak with Katie Elliot, a senior environmental and sustainability studies major from Hopewell (Mercer County), NJ, who rents an apartment off campus. Katie will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan […]

#PROFspective: Geographic Information Systems Major Tim Lemon

Today we speak with Tim Lemon, a senior Geographic Information Systems major from Glendora (Camden County), NJ, who commutes. He will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a Rowan Prof. Your Name: Tim Lemon Your Major: Geographic […]

#PROFspective PROS Edition: Chemical Engineering Major Steven Schwartz

hands up in front of Holly Pointe

Today, we speak with Steven Schwartz, a senior chemical engineering major from Manahawkin, NJ, who resides on campus in Holly Pointe Commons as a resident assistant. Steven will give us insight on his career as being a member of Rowan PROS and will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University […]

RISE: Helping Financially or Academically Disadvantaged Students with Dawn Singleton

Rowan Students Walking on Campus

Today Director of the Achieving Success through Collaboration, ENgagement, and Determination (ASCEND) program Dawn S. Singleton, Ed.D., talks with us about one of the ACSEND’s components – the RISE scholarship program. RISE provides financial and academic support to students as they transition from high school to college. RISE and the Education Opportunity Fund (EOF) are the […]

5 Reasons to Attend Rowan Transfer Tuesdays
with Jeanne Lewis

Jeanne Lewis with her co-workers in front of Rowan Admissions Office

Planning to transfer to Rowan, but would like to know more information about the University? Keep reading, as Jeanne Lewis, an Assistant Director of Admissions, will give you 5 reasons to attend Transfer Tuesdays at Rowan. 1. Explore Your Options “Transfer Tuesdays are our outreach effort to expedite the transfer admissions process,”  specifies Jeanne, who coordinates […]

9 Things to Know About Rowan’s International Center

Dr. Li Yang, Katelyn Sullivan and Arthur Bautista at the International Center

Dr. Li Yang, the Director of the International Center and the Intensive English Language Program, and Katelyn Sullivan, the administrative assistant, share with us 9 things we need to know about the International Center here at Rowan.  1. Rowan hosts 170 international students The International Center assures that our international students have a smooth transition coming from abroad […]

#PROFspective: Biology Pre-Medicine Major Emeli Valdez

student works on club website

Today we speak with Emeli Valdez, a sophomore biology major on a pre-med track, from Cherry Hill, Camden County, who lives on campus in Edgewood Apartments. Emeli will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a […]

#PROFspective: Chemical Engineering Major John Schneider

Today we speak with John Schneider, a senior chemical engineering major from Glassboro, Gloucester County, who lives on campus in Whitney Center apartments. John will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a Rowan Prof.  […]

How SEM Helps You Minimize Debt

 Think about why you’re considering joining the Rowan family. Is it affordability, location, safety or maybe something else? Whatever your answer is, you’re making the right choice. Rowan, particularly the Division of Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) within Student Affairs, is here to help you achieve your dreams, build your future and reach success. For the past […]

Theatre Life:
Coffins, Gravestones, and Vampires, Oh My!

student performers practice Dracula on stage as tech students look on

Get with the spooky spirit of Halloween with “Dracula” the play! With help from directors Elisabeth Hostetter and Tom Fusco, Rowan students take on “Dracula” a theatre production telling the tale of the dramatic vampire adventure. This fast-paced adaptation is one of the most extensive and dynamic performances tackled by students on campus. The stage […]