Higher Ed Advisor: innovative affordability solutions for fiscal resiliency and student success

Welcome to Higher Ed Advisor, the Baker Tilly podcast series where we speak with higher education industry leaders about practical and proactive guidance to help colleges and universities protect and enhance their value.

This podcast is the 13th episode in our fiscal resiliency series for higher education institutions.

“Can I afford college?” is a common concern that many prospective and current students have and a challenging issue that institutions face. In this fiscal resiliency podcast episode, MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) Associate Vice President for Enrollment, Drew Whipple, and Ardeo Education Solutions President, Peter Samuelson, discuss an innovative solution, loan repayment assistance programs (LRAPs). LRAPs not only give students access to higher education, but also improve institutional enrollment. Plus, we learn about the success of LRAPs in MNU’s “Pioneer Pledge” program and how the program allows students to focus on earning a college degree and serves as a differentiator for the institution. Listen to this informational podcast as we further explore:

• How LRAPs work, their many benefits and ideal students for this program
• The difference between LRAPs and other financial assistance programs
• Ways institutions can use LRAPs to attract and retain students
• Strategies institutions can employ in their teams to introduce and manage LRAPs and monitor progress

Meet this episode's guest speakers

• Drew Whipple, Associate Vice President for Enrollment, MidAmerica Nazarene University
• Peter Samuelson, President, Ardeo Education Solutions