Reality Check

Show Me The Money!

• Money often drives academic decisions more than we realize. Taking into account each individuals financial priorities and career goals requires a strategic advising approach.

• Reality Check provides students with full knowledge of financial and professional impact of their academic decisions, empowering them to make the best choice for them

Santana

• Currently working as a physical therapy assistant (2 yr. degree)

• Wants to become a physical therapist but would need an advanced degree

• Wants to better understand the cost of becoming a PT

• Needs help understanding available funding options

How can a reality check help Santana realize her dream?

http://www.twu.edu/finaid/estimated-cost-attendance.asp

http://www1.salary.com/Physical-Therapist-salary.html

Chad • Currently an Economics major

• Parents highly encourage going on to law school

• Does not like his major but loves his English minor

• Considering switching to English but is unsure of his future salary and career options

How would you provide Chad with a Reality Check?

http://www.finaid.org/calculators/scripts/sloanadvisor.cgi

Talking about Money

• Money is personal

• What is good for the masses is not what is best for the individual

• Resources for decision making- Reality Check, NACE, payback smarter loan estimator, salary.com

Reality Check: Repaying Student Loans

Based on total loan debt of $27,000 with a salary of $35,000 studentloans.gov Repayment Estimator

Financial Truths

• Lose the take it all mentality

• Understand general loan terms

• Keep on the hunt for scholarships

• Maintain eligibility

• Understand the long term impact of short term decisions

• Financial impact of 2 year institution to 4 year institution

Resources

• Reality Check

• NACE Salary Survey

• Career Center

• What Resources are on your campus?