Changes in FAFSA have proved challenging this year, especially for institutions where decisions to enroll hinge significantly on cost. In this episode of the Innovating Enrollment Success podcast, the evolving landscape of FAFSA is explored, including its recent changes, and the challenges it poses for families and institutions. Dr. John Chopka from Messiah University and marketing strategist Michele Loeper explore the complexities of financial aid, the importance of effective communication and strategies for highlighting the value of higher education.

This episode addresses:

• FAFSA Changes and Challenges: Recent changes to the FAFSA system, including the removal of the sibling discount and new calculations for family contributions, have created significant challenges for both families and institutions.
• Institutional Strategies for Supporting Families: Dr. John Chopka discusses how Messiah University’s admissions team has adapted to support families through the FAFSA process, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and providing well-informed financial estimates.
• Parent Perspective on Financial Aid: Michele Loeper shares her personal experience as a parent navigating the college application and financial aid process, highlighting the anxiety and complexity involved.
• Communicating Value Proposition: The importance of clearly communicating the value and return on investment of a college degree to prospective students and their families, particularly in light of increasing skepticism about the cost of higher education.
• Improving Communication and Support: Strategies for higher education institutions to simplify financial aid communications, improve support for families and gather feedback to continuously enhance the enrollment process.

Institutional change is hard, but change is what’s needed for many colleges and universities to overcome enrollment and value perception challenges. This Innovating Enrollment Success episode welcomes a higher ed change management expert who offers insights and inspiration on navigating change.

Fredrick J. Martin, MBA MCA is associate vice president of human resources, UK HealthCare, which encompasses the hospitals and clinics of the University of Kentucky. He specializes in leveraging an institution's core strengths to facilitate transformation and maximize cultural potential while expanding diversity, equity and inclusion.

This episode addresses:

• Understanding change management
• Driving organizational transformation
• Recognizing the need for change
• Winning over reluctant stakeholders
• Sustaining momentum and purpose

Fredrick J. Martin MBA, MCA is on LinkedIn.

Changes in higher education enrollment continue to shift, especially within the U.S., and a questioning of the value of a college degree here. When international recruiting is up 12%, U.S. institutions are curious about how to shift their offerings for a global audience.

To explore best practices and emerging trends in international recruiting, this Innovating Enrollment Success episode welcomes two experts in the field.

Cedar Crest College Director of International Student Services Jonathan Summers joins Paskill Account Manager Lien Do, a former colleague of his at Wilkes University, where together they recruited and supported international students.

This episode addresses:

• Current trends in international student recruiting
• COVID’s impact on international travel and student expectations
• International marketing outreach strategies
• New technologies and platforms to engage international students

Lien Do is on LinkedIn.
Jonathan Summers is on LinkedIn.