College Freshmen Report Inadequate Financial Resources to Finish College

Coralville, IA, May 07, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Many first-year students report that they are concerned about finances, according to the 2009 National Freshman Attitudes Report, released this week by Noel-Levitz, the nation’s leading enrollment management consulting firm for colleges and universities. The fourth annual study examines student attitudes that may pose barriers and opportunities for students as they begin their pursuit of an academic degree.

The study found that less than half of the students (46 percent) said they had adequate financial resources to finish college, and 29 percent had financial difficulties that are very distracting or troublesome. First-generation students were particularly at risk for financial stress. Students at two-year institutions reported higher levels of financial anxiety than their counterparts at four-year institutions.

Despite the economic concerns, first-year students remain committed to achieving their academic goals. Nineteen out of every 20 students surveyed were determined to finish their degree, and 90 percent were willing to make sacrifices to ensure their educational success.

Additional findings:
- Nearly half of students at two-year colleges expected to work more than 20 hours per week, compared to 17 percent at 4-year public institutions and 26 percent at 4-year private institutions.
- Many first-year students reported academic concerns, with 46 percent indicating they have a hard time understanding and solving complex math problems and 33 percent noting difficulty organizing ideas in a paper.
- Respondents were receptive to assistance from a variety of campus services, including career counseling and academic support.

The study was based on 98,120 first-year students at 265 colleges and universities. The survey instrument used for this report was the College Student Inventory™, Form B, from the Noel-Levitz Retention Management System™.

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