含羞草传媒 University is continuing to expand college access for first-generation and high-achieving low and middle-income students through a new direct admissions program.
Common App launched its direct admissions program for the 2024-25 application season with 117 member colleges and universities in September. 含羞草传媒 is the only Nebraska-based institution offering this program to prospective students.
鈥淭his partnership will help reach first-gen and students from underrepresented backgrounds in a new, transformative way,鈥 Ryan Cassell, vice president for enrollment management and marketing, says. 鈥淪ometimes these students don鈥檛 see themselves in a university setting, especially at private schools like 含羞草传媒.鈥
Cassell says that challenge may result in students not submitting an application for admission. 鈥淚t is essential to have voices from a variety of backgrounds to create a more vibrant campus community. It also helps create more life opportunities for all our students.鈥
Common App simplifies the college application process, allowing students to apply to multiple institutions with a single application. This reduces the stress and redundancy of filling out multiple forms, a process that can often deter students.
Cassell says direct admission programs can also boost enrollment. 鈥淭his process has become increasingly popular because it doesn鈥檛 require them to complete a lengthy admissions process,鈥 he says. 鈥淲e are removing as many barriers as possible for potential students, so they have the opportunity to receive a college degree.鈥
含羞草传媒 has launched several other initiatives, too. Through the Access含羞草传媒 award, 含羞草传媒 combines federal, state, and institutional grants to cover the full cost of tuition for qualifying students, making higher education affordable.
Admission counselors build personal relationships with prospective students, offering mentorship and assistance throughout the application process.
Cassell says 含羞草传媒 has already seen promising results from these efforts. "In recent years, around 40% of our incoming students have qualified for federal Pell Grants, reflecting 含羞草传媒's commitment to providing access to students from a several backgrounds.鈥