<p>I have heard anecdotally that finances contribute heavily to the lackluster grad rates at HP. Failing to maintain minimum gpa means loss of $…whatever the reason, I think at 50k a year, not graduating nearly half a class is a bad sign. Also federal loan default rates to me are a sign that something isn’t right. I place a lot of value on these stats- they indicate student engagement, financial resources and counseling when needed and even the party atmosphere. I would NOT send a kid to a school where 20% of the class doesn’t return for soph year…</p>
<p>stcoprmater, based on what I understand about grad rates, it generally takes two years to publish the correct numbers. That goes for every school, not just HPU. So as of right now, the numbers for all colleges represent the 2011 rate. I am not defending HPU’s current rate, because it was a concern for me when we were looking at the school. It was actually lower when we looked… But, I will say, HPU’s student body has changed so much, I think it’s important to take that number with a grain of salt FOR NOW. The incoming classes stats go up each year and the kids that entered 6 years ago are quite different than the kids that are there now from an academic standpoint. In the next two years, I would assume HPU’s grad rate will be higher. But as I stated before, I really don’t think people should get caught up on that stat alone. </p>
<p>FYI, HPU is at 40K a year, not 50K. (Just to avoid confusion)</p>
<p>According to my son’s acceptance materials, Cost for tuition and “standard” housing is $41,600. Although it is stated as all inclusive, that cost does not include books which I figure to be around $1200-$1500/year. So total looks to be around $43 K or so. For my son to live in the Honors Housing it would cost an additional $2,630 for which he will not choose, due to cost.<br>
Since I have expressed my concerns on this forum, I feel compelled to also communicate positive info as well. I have had occasion to call admissions and have to say that my concerns were heard, and addressed professionally and politely. I am satisfied with how my concerns were handled. Although we are down to the 11th hour, our son has still not settled on High Point. There are two other recognized colleges who gave him large scholarships, and have shown a high amount of interest in having him attend that are now the forerunners. During the period of unresolved concerns with HP, these other two schools caught up in and have more than likely surpassed HP. So I’m on the edge of my seat where he will land. That said, I felt like I had to do the responsible thing and give High Point credit where credit is due.</p>
<p>2ndbase - Guiding our kids through the college search process is extremely emotional. We just want them to be happy and to do well in life so they can live without us:) It sounds like your son has some wonderful options. That must give you peace of mind. I’m sure he will settle in and thrive wherever he winds up. There certainly is no perfect school. My daughter, who is at HPU, loves HPU but she also has seen some things that she would change. Good news is that the administration is open to comments and suggestions. One item of concern for her and me both, is the extra cost of Honor’s Housing. Seems to us as though that should be a perk of being an Honor’s Student. The school is evaluating their Honor’s Housing policy, but for next year, my daughter will be paying for her year in York with her earnings from her summer job.</p>
<p>Good luck to you and your son!</p>
<p>orangestripe- thank you for the kind words. I also hope your daughter continues to enjoy her time at High Point. I agree that Honor’s Housing ought to be a perk for those who have demonstrated their hard work and abilities. I would have been fine had my son chosen HP, but he would not have been in York because of that. He did receive a Pres scholarship but percentage wise it was much less than other schools. Still, we were prepared to send him there if that is what he chose. That said, it would have been a little uncomfortable financially and the at absolute limit we’d be willing to spend. He was also in the Honor’s Program in the other two contenders and their Honor’s housing was no extra charge, AND the Honor’s kids get first pick! It came down to the wire but he chose another school further south. I will say this, I’ve never spoken to a kid at HP who didn’t say they “loved it” , not liked it, always “loved it”, so I’m sure they are doing something right. It is nice to hear that they are open to suggestions; that always speaks to the quality of any organization. Again, thanks for the well wishes.</p>