A report released last Friday by the National Center for Education Statistics reveals that students who are considered by the federal government to be financially independent from their parents comprise a majority of the undergraduate population.
According to the report, 64 percent of students at community colleges are independent, while 37 percent of students in public and private four-year colleges are independent. These numbers, however, do not correspond to the University's undergraduate student population. Only 2.85 percent of the University's undergraduate population is financially independent, according to George Stovall, director of Institutional Assessment and Studies.
University spokesperson Carol Wood said most University undergraduates are not independent because they are mostly traditional students who come to the University straight out of high school.
According to the report, students automatically qualify for independent status if they are age 24 or older. Those younger than 24 may be considered independent if they are married, have dependents of their own, are military veterans or are orphans or wards of the court.
Stovall said there are 376 students who hold independent status at the University's undergraduate level, of whom 67 are students in the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program at the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Because the BIS program is designed to meet the needs of working adults with evening classes, many of its students are independent and have professional and family obligations, BIS Director Donna Plaskett said.
The BIS students are eligible for financial aid and many take advantage of the available resources provided to them by the University's Financial Services, Plaskett added.
"The University has made a great effort to make sure that the part-time students who are earning degrees are supported as well as full-time students," Plaskett said.
ies. Because the BIS program is designed to meet the needs of working adults with evening classes, many of its students are independent and have professional and family obligations, BIS Director Donna Plaskett said.
The BIS students are eligible for financial aid and many take advantage of the available resources provided to them by the University's Financial Services, Plaskett added.
"The University has made a great effort to make sure that the part-time students who are earning degrees are supported as well as full-time students," Plaskett said.
Read More
Student Council debates resolution for increased allergen transparency, reviews summer budget
By Arshiya Pant | 6 hours agoThe resolution aimed to support students by requiring U.Va. Dine locations to provide a comprehensive list of allergens for food items on GrubHub.
Honor Committee brainstorms sanction diversification, considers future steps for AI
By Lexie Stadler | YesterdayHancock and Carson Breus, vice chair for sanctions and third-year Commerce student, said they are collaborating to explore fresh sanctioning avenues.
Gaston and Ramazani Houses — the University’s newest upperclassmen residences
By Zackary Holt and Vyshnavi Tatta | 2 days agoDining options will include a Peet's Coffee, The Den by Denny's, a Bodega deli and space for an additional restaurant that will change on a rotating basis.
