Higher ed, november 8, 2015

Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

Higher ED 2015

spokesman.com

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Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

Love your university.

Love EWU.

Community | Opportunity | Location | Academics | Value

Learn what’s to love:

ewu.edu

Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

Higher ED 2015

Planning to attend college?

First of all, good for you!

Study after study shows that educational training beyond a high school diploma or GED can open all sorts of doors for future careers and earning potential. Plus, learning is fun no matter your age.

Your goal could be a two-year associate degree, a four-year bachelor degree, a more advanced graduate degree or even a trade certificate. Adults returning to school could set forth on a new career path or at least acquire modern skills to stay competitive.

If you’re ready to start on this goal, consider talking to an academic counselor at your school or a member of the admissions team at an area college or university.

They will be happy to provide you with information about different degree or certificate programs, admission requirements (GPA, test score, other activities) and other expenses, which can include in-state or out-of-state tuition, room and board, books, transportation and other fees.

But don’t let the possible price tag scare you.

There are scholarships available for everything from your heritage to your academic or athletic performance.

Your most pressing concerns are deadlines – the modern admission process has a complex series of steps that can sometimes begin a year prior to arriving on campus.

Applications. Some universities open the process for the following fall when the current year starts, with a deadline typically at or near the end of the calendar year. Required registration materials typically include standardized test results, transcripts and other relevant information including an application fee.

Notification period. Some schools may not respond until early spring. However, some schools may require advance applications for fall housing by winter prior to formal acceptance.

Notification can also include any information about approved scholarships.

Loan/financial aid application. If you’re seeking grants or loans to help pay for school, this requires filling out a variety of paperwork.

Deadlines and processes vary by state, but the application period typically lasts from spring to

the end of June. The FAFSA document, which determines eligibility for grants and loans, is usually due between the beginning of January and end of June. Some aid programs encourage people to submit early – once the funds are dispersed, latecomers may find nothing available.

Confirm admission. Once a student has been accepted, they must complete the registration process, which runs through spring and summer.

Orientation. Some schools offer official campus visits, such as Washington State University’s “Alive,” a two-day registration and orientation program, or “Summer Advantage,” a week-long overview.

Applying for other quarters/semesters may require a shift in your schedule. Applications for winter quarter are available in mid-summer and due in early fall, and mid- to late November/ early December for spring semester.

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Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

Higher education in Washington

By Renee Sande/Marketing Correspondent

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onsidering studying in the Evergreen State? Then get excited about plenty of possibilities, including an innovative program currently in motion that actually will make college cost less.

Over the next two years, Washington plans to phase in tuition rollbacks of 15 to 20 percent at four-year public institutions and 5 percent at seeking bachelor’s community or master’s degrees colleges. can choose from The law Washington’s returns tuitionsix public four-year setting universities and authority to 15 private colleges the Legislature, and universities. giving lawmakers more direct control, and ties future tuition to the state’s average wage.

Education officials are also continuing to find ways to streamline the application process to make studying and degree-seeking Central Washington University easier, and the college experience more valuable, starting with the application process.

For instance, any U.S. high school student who ranks in the top 10 percent of their high school class or who has a GPA of 3.50 or higher is assured admission to Washington State University.

Additionally, the Coalition for Access, Affordability and Success, made up of more than 80 colleges and universities, including the University of Washington, plans to offer a suite of online tools for high school students starting in January 2016.

The tools will make the admission process a more engaged and educationally reaffirming experience, and will motivate a pro-college mindset among students, especially those from low-income families and underrepresented minorities.

Students seeking bachelor’s or master’s degrees can choose from Washington’s six public four-year universities and 15 private colleges and universities.

Central Washington University

CWU, the home of the Wildcats since 1891, is located in Ellensburg. According to school materials, students are “regularly taken ‘beyond the limits’ of the classroom and books, studying in real-world, professional settings and are prepped to succeed

Students

in a global economy.” Satellite campuses are available in eastern and western parts of the state.

Noted academic programs include construction management, engineering, teacher education, wine business and aviation.

Fun facts: • Top 100 “Best Bang-for-the-Buck” Schools in the Nation, Washington Monthly • No. 2 nationally for minority students’ graduation rates • National Top 20 for Professional Teaching Standards • Average resident undergrad tuition/fees: $7,245 (as of 2014-2015). Average room/board: $9,000

Higher ED 2015 Eastern Washington University

Founded in 1882 in Cheney, Eastern now includes eight other satellite campuses across Washington. As of fall 2014, Eastern enrollment had reached 13,000 graduate and undergraduate students at its Cheney and Spokane campuses.

Providing high-quality education that’s affordable and accessible, EWU offers more than 135 fields of study, nine master’s degrees, 12 graduate certificates, 39 graduate programs, one educational specialist degree and one applied doctorate.

EWU is divided into five academic colleges: Arts, Letters and Education; Business and Public Administration; Health Sciences and Public Health; Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; and Social & Behavioral Sciences and Social Work.

Fun facts: • Ranked one of The Best 296 Business Schools, Princeton Review, 2014 • Ranked in nation’s top 15 percent of Military Friendly Schools, G.I. Jobs Magazine, 2014 • Nation’s only university with a research facility in a national wildlife refuge • Resident undergrad tuition/ fees: $7,972 (based on averages/2014-15 school year.

Room/board: $10,265

Western Washington University Located in Bellingham, WWU is in its 121st year, and is the state’s third largest public higher education institution, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 14,152.

Made up of 10 academic colleges, WWU boasts academic excellence, active learning, respect for diversity, and impressive undergraduate research in sciences and the humanities. Students are encouraged to pursue community service and service learning opportunities.

Highly-ranked academic programs include: Social Sciences, English & Literature, Health Professions and Visual & Performing Arts.

Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

Fun facts: • Ranked No. 21 Regional Universities (West), Best Colleges, 2016 • One of the nation’s top public master’s-granting universities • Nationally recognized for its commitment to student-faculty collaboration • Resident undergrad tuition/fees: $8,964 Room/board: $10,042

campus and satellite locations in Spokane, the Tri-Cities, Everett and Vancouver.

As the state’s second largest higher education institution, WSU is made up of 16 academic colleges offering 150 fields of study. Enrollment is currently 20,043 at Pullman, the satellites and online/global campus. WSU is known for its all-university Honors College, Graduate School and online Global Campus. The Edward R. Murrow College of Over the Communication provides innovative research, next two years, and other highly-ranked academic programs Washington plans include; Pharmacy, Interior Design, Crop and to phase in tuition Soil Sciences and Veterinary Sciences. A new offering is the Elson S. Floyd College rollbacks of 15 of Medicine, that provides state-of-the-art to 20 percent medical education for future physicians and at four-year health care professionals. public institutions Fun facts: and 5 percent • Ranks in the Top 20 of Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities at community • First in nation to provide colleges.

Organic Agriculture major • WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine is ranked No. 15 nationwide.

Founded in 1890, WSU has • Resident undergrad tuition/fees: $12,485. created thousands of “Cougs” over Room/board: $11,356 the years from its main Pullman cont. on page 30

Washington State University

University of Washington

One of the oldest public institutions on the West Coast, UW was founded in 1861 in Seattle.

Enrollment topped 41,000 in the 2014-15 school year, and this year’s students are considered especially impressive – the current student body includes 136 Fulbright, 35 Rhodes and 4 Gates Cambridge Scholars.

The university is divided into 16 schools and colleges and deemed one of the nation’s premier research-intensive universities. Highlyranked academic programs include medicine, engineering and business. UW has satellite campuses in Tacoma and Bothell.

Fun facts • UW faculty includes 14 MacArthur Fellows, five winners of the National Medal of Science and the Nobel Prize. • Four UW students have won Rhodes Scholarships in past decade.

• Ranked No. 52 in national universities, Best Colleges, 2016 edition • Resident undergrad tuition/fees: $12,394 (based on averages/2014-15 year).

Room/board: $10,833

University of Washington

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Higher education in Idaho

By Nicole Skinner/Marketing Correspondent

The options for higher education in Idaho have come a long way since the University of Idaho was founded in 1889.

The state’s first higher education institution was made possible with the Morrill Acts land-grant opportunities, which gave federally controlled land to states to raise funds to establish and endow colleges.

“It provides a wide range of clear, easy-to-digest information, all in one, easy-to-access place,” he said. “The information is specific to Idaho and helps counter some of the obstacles Idaho students face when considering post-secondary college and career training.”

The site also includes resources for funding college, including

Boise State University Current Enrollment: 22, 678 Resident Tuition/Fees: $6,640 for a 9-month school year (room and board additional) What was originally founded as Boise Junior College in 1932 has grown and transformed to Boise State

The mission of Idaho’s institutions focused on teaching practical agriculture, sciences, military science, and engineering studies, in addition to T he common classical studies.

Idaho Opportunity Scholarship,

Today, in addition to UI, students can choose from a variety of public and private higher education institutions.

In the future, attending any of is based on need and merit. them is going to be even easier, with Scholarship qualifications a new Direct Admission policy that are calculated based on a the Idaho State Board of Education hopes will allow 60 percent of Idaho 70 percent need, 30 percent citizens between ages 25-34 to earn a merit scale. Students postsecondary degree or certificate must have a 3.0 GPA by 2020. to qualify.

The direct admission program automatically admits Idaho public high school seniors to the state’s public scholarship higher education institutions, based on GPA and opportunities college entrance exam score. managed by “This is an initiative that provides graduating the state. high school students with access to a postsecondary One is certificate, associate or bachelor degree program,” said the Idaho The Idaho State Don Soltman, board president.

Opportunity Board of Education Students at or above a designated GPA are Scholarship, hopes a new Direct conditionally admitted to Idaho’s eight public based on need Admission policy will universities and colleges. Students not meeting the and merit.

College of Idaho allow 60 percent benchmark will be conditionally admitted to the six Scholarship of Idaho citizens public higher education institutions that offer certificate qualifications are calculated based on a or associate degree programs. between ages 70 percent need, 30 percent merit scale.

In addition to the new Direct Admission initiative, Students must have a 3.0 GPA to qualify.

25-34 to earn a Idaho launched nextsteps.idaho.gov to help high The state awards up to $3,000 per postsecondary degree school students and their families plan for their future. year for this scholarship which can be or certificate Next Steps Idaho offers tools and support for four-year renewed for up to four years if need and by 2020. colleges, community colleges, certificate programs and merit requirements are met. Scholarship the military, organized both by grade level and topic. applications for 2016-2017 will be available in Matt Freeman, executive director of the Idaho State December 2015.

Board of Education, said Next Steps is an important part of the go-on equation for Idaho students.

University. The main campus is located in Boise with satellite campuses in north and southern Idaho. BSU offers 2-year associate degrees, 4-year baccalaureate degrees, plus master and doctorate degrees.

cont. on page 19

Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

EXCELLENCE 125 Years of academic quality 4 Idaho Professors of the Year orbess Magazine) #1 College in Idaho (Forbes

SUCCESS 64 National Championships 7 Rhodes Scholars Countless leaders & innovators

PEAK

1 major, 3 minors, 4 years Design your own degree!

VALUE

Ranked among America’s best college values by Money Magazine and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

www.collegeofidaho.edu

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Higher education in Montana

By Erika Prins/Marketing Correspondent

“Thanks to record investments in public education and successful tuition freezes the last two legislative sessions, Montanans continue to have unparalleled access to a quality, affordable education,” Montana Gov. Steve Bullock said earlier this year.

It’s part of an effort to increase college enrollment in Montana.

Based on 2012-2013 data, the most recent available, 67,765 students attend college in the state.

While attending a Montana college costs more for out-ofstate students, financial aid and scholarships can help bridge the gap.

Some schools, like Montana State University, offer rolling admissions so students can apply any time. Others require applications to be submitted in the fall or spring.

Public Universities Montana State University • Flagship

University of Montana

Montana residents benefit from some of the most affordable higher education in the country.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the state ranks first in the nation for percent change in average tuition at public four-year colleges since the recession.

Campus: Bozeman Mascot: Bobcats • Enrolled Students: 15,421 Tuition & Fees: $6,850 resident and $22,170 non-resident Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1 Top majors: Business/ Commerce, Elementary Education and Teaching, Mechanical Engineering The largest public university in Montana began in a high school classroom in 1893 – with only five students. Originally the Agricultural College of the State of Montana, the university land grant for MSU came as a consolation prize to Bozeman when Helena became the state capital.

Over 13,000 undergraduate students are enrolled at MSU’s flagship campus in Bozeman this year. Ranked 325th in the nation by Forbes, MSU Bozeman outranks all other public universities in the state based on

factors like student satisfaction, post-graduate success, student debt and academic success.

The world’s largest Tyrannosaurus Rex skull lives at the campus Museum of the Rockies – and MSU made news recently for its part in the most in-depth study of a dinosaur’s life history, thanks to a bed of bones discovered at Landslide Butte.

Students with science, engineering, or technology degrees and an artistic flair can pursue a Master’s of Fine Arts in Science & Natural History Filmmaking – a master’s degree only offered at MSU. The MSU Bobcats compete in the NCAA Division I Big Sky Conference.

MSU Bozeman and MSU Billings house two-year colleges: Gallatin College and City College, respectively. MSU Northern in Havre offers associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Great Falls College, a two-year technical college in Great Falls, also belongs to the MSU system.

University of Montana • Flagship Campus: Missoula • Mascot: Grizzlies • Enrolled Students: 14,525 • Tuition & Fees: $6,099 resident and $22,372 non-resident • Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1 • Acceptance Rate: 94% Top majors: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services • Social Sciences • Visual and Performing Arts University of Montana, Montana’s secondlargest university, known for its scenic campus at the foot of Mount Sentinel (the one with the big “M”), ranks Number 486 on the Forbes America’s Top Colleges list.

While attending, UM students can earn course credit interning with the Program in Ecological Agriculture and Society (PEAS), working on the university’s 10-acre farm to produce crops for emergency food shelters.

The “Montana Griz” compete in the NCAA Division I Big Sky Conference.

Montana Tech of the University of Montana ranks fifth of western regional colleges in the U.S. News & World Report College Compass.

UM Western in Dillon, founded as a teacher training university, focuses heavily on education programs. The school uses immersive block scheduling called Experience One in which students take just one class at a time for about a month.

The UM family also includes two-year colleges Missoula College, Helena College,

Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

Highlands College of Montana Tech in Butte and Bitterroot College in Hamilton.

Carroll College, a Roman Catholic-affiliated private college, ranks highest in Montana – number 307 – on the Forbes Top Colleges list based on student PRIVATE COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES satisfaction, post-graduate success Carroll College • Campus: Helena and other factors. U.S. News Mascot: Fighting Saints & World Report College • Enrolled Students: 1,430 Compass ranks Carroll Tuition: $30,104 No. 1 in western • Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1 to the Center on regional colleges Acceptance Rate: 57% for 2016.

Budget and Policy • Affiliation: Roman Catholic Top majors: Health Professions and University of Priorities, Montana ranks Related Programs Great Falls first in the nation for • Biological and Biomedical • Campus: percent change in average Sciences Great Falls • Business, Management, Marketing, Mascot: Argos tuition at public and Related Support Services • Enrolled Students: four-year colleges since 1,043 Tuition & Fees: $21,556 the recession.

• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1 Acceptance Rate: N/A (Non-Selective) Affiliation: Roman Catholic Top majors: Health Professions and Related Programs

According

WE INVITE YOU TO

• Education • Biological and Biomedical Sciences Founded as a women’s college in the 1930s as Great Falls Junior College for Women, UGF’s student population remains over two thirds female.

The university serves 31 distance learning sites in Montana, southern Alberta and Wyoming and has the capacity to educate students around the world through its Telecom Distance Learning Program.

Rocky Mountain College Campus: Billings • Mascot: Battlin’ Bears Enrolled Students: 939 • Tuition & Fees: $24,530 Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1 • Acceptance Rate: 66% Affiliation: Protestant Top majors: Business Administration and Management • Equestrian/Equine Studies Biology/Biological Sciences Montana’s oldest college, Rocky Mountain College, offers liberal arts and professional degrees including aviation and equestrian programs.

Higher ED 2015

DISCOVER

just what it means to learn and grow in the heart of Montana. Located 4,000 feet high in Montana’s fresh mountain air, Carroll College prepares students for important careers and lives of meaning. We push students to heighten their expectations of themselves and their world.

ED RANK

#1

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The

Community

Experience

By Erika Prins/Marketing Correspondent

Prospective college students The Spokane Falls aren’t likely to have sported Community College campus a sweatshirt with “SFCC” feels much like a university. emblazoned across the chest Posters for art exhibits, when they were kids, dreaming plays, clubs and poetry about attending someday, readings plaster bulletin but the financial savings alone boards around campus. make community colleges Students stop to sneak a worth a second look. few moments with friends Local community colleges between classes, erupting in offer open admittance, so laughter that rings through the trees.

Skitch, the school’s hairy, big-footed mascot, rallies the crowd at games. (If you’re lucky, you might even snag some photographic evidence.)

Throughout the day, the student union building – which even boasts a bowling alley – swells with life and the aroma of cafeteria food at lunchtime.

Stop by on the right day and student government staff might be grilling burgers in the central plaza or hosting lawn games for students.

Local community colleges rival their four-year counterparts in the college experience most young students desire, including robust athletics, theater and music programs, campus clubs and student government activities.

However, CCs have a noticeable advantage – Photos courtesy Spokane Community Colleges students may save nearly $12,000 in tuition and fees over the first two years of college compared anyone can register given the ability to pay or qualify to their peers at four-year schools.

Tuition at a two-year public college averages $3,347 for financial aid. That means even students with low high school GPAs can get a shot at success in college, per year, compared with a national four-year in-state and later transfer to that university they always tuition average of $9,139, according to the dreamed of attending.

College Board.

Community colleges offer LO W-C O S T higher education Community colleges also offer learning and life skills resources not available at many universities, including help getting ready for college-level general education courses.

SFCC, for instance, participates in the nationwide Gateway to College program aimed at helping at-risk youth complete high school graduation requirements while earning credits toward a college degree.

Local community colleges partner with nearby universities to ensure credits will transfer and students are on track to shine as transfer applicants.

The National Center for Education Statistics expects enrollment rates, which have spiked in the last decade, to continue increasing between now and 2023. While students just out of high school will continue to enroll at increasing rates, students over 25 will more than double their increased rates.

For that growing sector of older college attendees, a four-year degree fron the “right” school may be less appealing than staying out of debt. And, those older students might already have chosen a career field and simply need a specific certification or degree for an earning bump. For those students, careful research into technical degrees and certificates can reveal a low-cost path to higher paychecks.

Annual earnings for those with a bachelor’s degree top those of associate’s degree holders by over $11,000 on average, but some associate’s degrees promise higher pay at a lower education cost than a university.

Physical therapy assistants – for which SFCC and North Idaho College offer degrees – earn, on average, over $53,000 annually.

Spokane Community College boasts a much lower student-to-teacher ratio – 28:1 – than its sister school, Spokane Falls Community College, which averages 39 students per teacher. Both schools’ tuition falls in line with the national average at just under $3,500 per year and is well below the state community college average of $5,668 per year.

Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

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North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene outshines both Spokane community college with a 17:1 studentteacher ratio and slightly lower tuition, although out-of-state students pay more than twice the $3,214 in-state tuition and fees.

Statistics aside, local community colleges vary considerably in focus: SCC specializes in professionaltechnical programs while SFCC prepares students for university transfer and offers associate’s degrees for liberal arts – and several technical degree and certificate programs that don’t require additional school for careers in the medical field.

North Idaho College offers online courses and outreach centers spanning 7,000 square miles of North Idaho to enable rural students to stay local, saving big bucks with reduced commute time and the option to live at home.

The question remains, of course, if community colleges offer the same quality of education as four-year institutions. Standardized measures for community colleges’ education quality are lacking; perhaps the most meaningful measure available is and behavioral health. the graduation and transfer rate, Columbia Basin for which SFCC beats out its College in Pasco’s local competitors at 47 percent BAS degree prepares students may save nearly – compared to 41 percent at students for business SCC and 39 percent at NIC – management $12,000 in tuition and fees according to research group and healthcare over the first two years College Measures. administration careers. of college compared to For perspective, local public Columbia Basin also university graduation rates range offers a four-year their peers at from 47 percent to 67 percent. nursing degree (BSN), four-year schools While these numbers may be an associate’s degree indicative of educational rigor, more in nursing and a one-year benign factors may account for differing Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) transfer and graduation rates. SCC’s professional certification. Still, tuition and fees stay and technical programs draw older students, many competitive at $4,176 per year for in-state students. with jobs and families. SFCC’s comparatively young QUICK INFO student population may be more focused on making their way to the university of their dreams.

More than 30 public community and technical Opened: 1963 Includes centers in Ione, Newport, colleges in Washington, Idaho and Montana prepare Republic, Colville and Inchelium, plus a variety of offstudents for university transfer or equip them with campus training facilities such as Felts Field. technical degrees or certificates.

Located in central Spokane, CSS offers a variety of Some specialize in trades relevant to local academic transfer, professional-technical programs industries. Green River Community College in and other community outreach programs such as Auburn’s Aviation Technology program trains air basic skills, literacy training, Head Start, Running Start traffic controllers and pilots. and business training. Programs include everything Some, like Seattle Central College, offer four-year from the Salish language to the noteworthy culinary bachelor’s degrees – Seattle Central offers accredited arts program that includes a functional restaurant. bachelor’s of applied science degrees in allied health www.scc.spokane.edu/

Community college

Spokane Community College

Spokane Falls Community College Opened: 1967 One of two Spokane area community colleges, SFCC offers a variety of academic transfer classes, professional/technical programs and developmental courses. On a 113-acre site above the Spokane River, the college offers programs for those beginning the journey toward a bachelor’s degree, a professional certificate, or job skills. It has a notable international education program that brings students from around the world to Spokane. It also includes a Pullman campus.

Current enrollment: 8,356. (65.8% full-time, 32.4 part-time) www.spokanefalls.edu

North Idaho College Opened: 1933 Coeur d’Alene, plus satellite locations in

Post Falls, Kellogg, Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry.

Enrollment: 6,000 in credit classes and 4,400 in noncredit courses Located on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, NIC offers a variety of certificate and degree programs, including academic transfer, professional/technical and general education. It also works closely with local businesses for workforce training. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and nationally-ranked athletic teams. www.nic.edu

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Trade/technical programs can provide a shorter path to a career earning potential.

Here are some of the especially interesting training choices available today at vocational schools across Washington.

Scuba Diving: Commercial Diver If you’re intrigued by marine life or scuba diving, a career as a commercial diver may be for you. With an average annual salary of $51,000, the typical seven months of training to become a certified commercial diver can be a decent deal.

Common job skills include inspecting, repairing, removing, or

By Renee Sande/Marketing Correspondent

I

n an effort to attract and retain students seeking four-year degrees, many colleges and universities are taking creative steps, everything from lower tuition to more internships

Even with all of these incentives, academic degrees aren’t for everyone.

Instead, some students may prefer the idea of mastering a specific skill set in a relatively short period of time, without incurring a lot of debt, and then landing a well-paying job.

This educational track can lead to a vocational school – also called trade or technical school – with career-path programs such as culinary arts, nursing, fashion design, engineering, computer science and graphic design.

Trade schools and related certificate programs often have smaller class sizes, more hands-on opportunities and a smaller price tag.

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, while technical and trade school jobs may pay a median annual salary of $35,720 compared to $46,900 for bachelor degree holders, people in these programs may enter the workforce two years earlier than bachelors degree seekers, meaning they’ll have a head start on earning potential: an extra $71,440.

If a student takes five years to complete her degree, instead of four, she’ll be $140,000 behind the trade school graduates as far as lifetime

installing equipment and structures underwater, while using a variety of tools, such as drills, sledgehammers, torches, and welding equipment.

Commercial divers may also conduct experiments, rig explosives, or photograph structures or marine life.

Consider Divers Institute of Technology in Seattle. Since 1968, this 7-month long program has been preparing students for the commercial diving industry, focusing on team success, and developing skills in leadership and support roles, performance management, and decision-making.

DIT’s training dives are completed in open water from 12 to 165 feet, giving students real-world experience that can’t be duplicated in pools, tanks or quarries. DIT’s underwater welding and burning training takes place in a controlled 11,000-gallon tank facility, which allows DIT welding staff to monitor students’ progress, and provide real time instruction. www.diversinstitute.edu/

Aviation: Aviation Maintenance Technician Aviation maintenance technicians work for commercial and private airlines, product and parts manufacturing companies, the military and repair stations, and often become inspectors, supervisors or flight instructors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, aircraft mechanics and service technicians earned an average annual salary of $57,610 in 2013. The BLS also states that aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians could expect 2 percent employment growth from 2012-2022.

This FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) - approved program at Spokane Community College prepares students to be entry-level technicians in the aviation industry over a period of 60 weeks.

Students take around 20 credits each quarter and attend classes six hours a day, five days a week, graduating with entry-level skills in repair, maintenance, inspection, and overhaul of aircraft components and systems. Cost is approximately $12,000, including books, tools and lab fees. scc.spokane. edu/Programs/Programs.aspx

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Travel & Hospitality: Travel/airline agent For those who like to travel, the obvious choice may be the travel and hospitality industry The International Air & Hospitality Academy in Vancouver teaches both of these areas. Since 1979, it has trained students to become travel and tour agents, airline customer service agents, and other positions in the travel industry. The Academy also includes an introduction to a career as a flight attendant.

Students of this 20-week program train in an environment designed to replicate a real-world workplace and gain the professional skills, training and confidence needed to compete for entrylevel positions in the airline and travel industries.

According to the BLS, travel agents can make $34,000 a year, flight attendants can make $37,000, and lodging managers can make $46,800 per year. www.aha.edu/

Medical: Medical Assistant

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and registered nurse programs, for instance, currently rank at numbers 10, 5 and 9, respectively, according to the U.S. News and World Report Best 100 Jobs Rankings.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of medical assisting is expected to grow 29 percent from 2012 to 2022. It’s also a great starter career, should your medical/career aspirations go beyond that.

Carrington College in Spokane provides classroom and hands-on learning to obtain a Medical Assisting certificate or associate degree. The program lasts nine months to two years, and costs from $1,200 to $10,000, depending on the desired level of training.

Some of the job skills you’ll learn in this program include clerical and bookkeeping functions; processing of insurance claims; recording vital signs and conducting a variety of diagnostic tests; drawing blood; giving injections; removing sutures, and other duties and procedures as directed by the physician. carrington.edu/degrees/medical-assisting/

Numerous positions within the medical/health care field are currently at the top of many job outlook lists. Physician’s assistant, dental hygienist

CONGRATULATIONS Riverpoint Academy students awarded Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam™ Grant for Invention Project 14 student teams nationwide address social and environmental issues through invention

Apple Distinguished School for Innovation, Leadership, and Educational Excellence, 2015-2017 For more information about this STEM+ public school, visit riverpoint.mead354.org 11008 N. Newport Highway Spokane, WA 99218

Call today to set up a tour and discuss enrollment: 509.465.7900

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Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

Advanced opportunities for high school students

By Nicole Skinner/Marketing Correspondent

Washington and Idaho high school students have many opportunities to get a head start on their higher education goals.

Motivated students can show their commitment and academic abilities by taking Advanced Placement classes or diving right in with dual enrollment options.

Working toward a college degree doesn’t have to wait until after high school: students can start now.

Advanced Placement (AP)

AP classes are offered at high schools in several subjects. These classes can help academicallyskilled students begin realizing their college dreams early by aiding them in college admissions program; providing college credits; building higher-level skills; and skipping some introductory classes in certain subjects.

The postsecondary institution a student plans to attend can provide information about which AP classes are accepted and which credits can be provided. Students must take an exam in that

school students. The courses are the same as those listed in the college or university course catalog: any curriculum, credits and assessment use the standards used at the participating college or university.

Running Start

High school juniors and seniors can earn high school and college credit for Running Start courses, which are offered at select state colleges and universities.

Running Start students and their families do not pay college tuition, but are responsible for any Gene Sharrat, executive director of the . required fees, Washington Student w a f l t i e t o r n u h W t i i g a n h books and w s chool: st orkin Achievement have to tart t ’ s n s u e n d o g e a n d c t s transportation. t e oward e Council, says one ollege degr s c a This size doesn’t fit all method can when you’re talking substantially about dual credit accelerate options. progress “Collaborative toward efforts between educational K-12 and higher goals while education have reducing produced several overall higher programs which education offer Washington costs. students Noreen opportunities to Light, earn college credits Associate while still in high Director of the school,” he said.

Washington Each program Student offers a different Achievement experience, meeting Council, said the needs of that in 2014, different students. more than “The WSAC 400,000 advocates for high school increasing students educational enrolled in attainment for at least one all students; the college course.

Legislature’s recent “Dual prioritization of credit programs boost high school completion, subject and receive a passing score of 3 or higher, dual credit funding for students from small, rural, enrollment in college and completion of college depending on the school’s requirements, to and low-income schools is a good step in that degrees. And, dual credit saves money for receive credits. For more info, visit the official AP direction,” Sharrat said. students, families and the state,” she said. student site, apstudent.collegeboard.org.

For more details or additional contacts for the Interested students and families should contact following options, visit the Washington State College in the High School the Running Start coordinator at their intended Board for Community and Technical Colleges at Taught by approved high school instructors, college or university for more information. sbctc.ctc.edu/college/e_hscollegeprogs.aspx. the College in the High School program provides college-level academic courses for qualified high cont. on page 24

Washington

Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

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Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman Review an S R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

Unleashing human potential is at the heart of the University of Washington — in the classroom and around the globe. Our core commitment is to work for the greater good. By enriching the experience of students from Spokane to Sequim, fostering state-wide community partnerships, generating real-world impact and spurring innovation, we’re unleashing potential for our community — in Washington, and around the world. Ï Â ĘăƖ uw.edu

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Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

An advantage of living and attending college in the Inland Northwest some students may not have to pay out-of-state tuition to attend school in a neighboring state.

A Spokane resident wanting to attend University of Idaho may be able to pay the in-state rate or at least an amount lower than full out-of-state rate. Likewise, a Post Falls resident wanting to study at Eastern Washington University may see some possible discounts besides having to relocate to Washington for in-state residency.

Here are some examples of options:

undergraduate students interested in technology offerings. At Washington State University, the Cougar Academic Award offers many scholarships for eligible first-year non-resident students, as well as the “Out of State Experience” that includes a campus visit.

Check with the participating schools for various waiver options or scholarship opportunities.

Tuition Waivers

Western Undergraduate Exchange

Some universities offer complete or partial waivers for out-of-state non-residents or residents based on academic merit or financial need.

For instance, Idaho State University has funding available for some “academically superior” full-time students but said the positions are highly competitive and could require excellent test scores and GPA. It also offers separate funding sources for out-of-state tuition waivers for children, step-children or grandchildren of alumni who aren’t majoring in over-subscribed programs; or promising graduate or

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education allows students in 15 Western states to attend twoyear and four-year public colleges/ universities in neighboring states for a discount. This covers students seeking undergraduate degrees or applied technology programs. Some schools may have varying qualifications or limit available spots for some programs.

The amount of savings varies by institution – ISU, for instance, charges 1.5 times the Idaho resident rate for WUE students from other states, which

can be a significant savings from full non-resident costs. For 2015-2016, a WUE student would save $10,006 per year at ISU. At WSU, a recipient of the Cougar Academic Award would save $7,373 per year, and at Eastern Washington University, WUE students can save $10,706 per year.

WUE also has a program called “Interstate Passport” which helps streamline transcripts for transfer students so lower-level coursework doesn’t have to be repeated.

Depending on the school, you may only need to apply once and the rate will remain while you complete a twoyear degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree. Or you may have to apply for renewal annually. For more information visit a high school counselor, or the Admissions department of the school or visit www.wiche.edu/wue

U I-WSU Coop Registration University of Idaho students who take Washington State University

cooperative/non-degree courses can receive resident credit, which can count toward degree requirements. It also works for WSU students taking UI cooperative courses. For more info visit www.uidaho.edu/registrar/ registration/coop

Other Awards Some schools award full or partial tuition for National Merit semifinalists, regardless of in-state or out-of-state status. This may require completing the entire college academic program with a certain GPA, vs. a one-time award.

Medical/ Veterinary Programs Students seeking medical training in Washington, Idaho or Western states, or veterinary training in Washington, Idaho, Montana and Utah may have different residency requirements but their programs have limited enrollment.

Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015 cont. from pg 6

According to the “Best Education School Rankings” from the 2015 U.S. News and World Report, BSU’s College of Education is ranked in the Top 100.

Idaho State University Current Enrollment: 14,489 Resident Tuition/Fees: $6,566 for a 9-month school year (room and board additional) Founded in 1901, Idaho State University currently offers 285 degrees and certificate programs. Its main campus is located in Pocatello and there are additional campuses in Meridian, Idaho Falls and Twin Falls.

Students can earn everything from 2-month technical certificates and 4-year baccalaureate to master’s and doctorate degrees. It is home to the Idaho Museum of Natural History and has 75 percent of the state’s healthcare profession degree programs. The school is also one of fewer than 100 colleges and universities, out of 4,400 nationally, classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a research-high university.

Lewis-Clark State College Current Enrollment: 4,500 Resident Tuition/Fees: $5,900 for a 9-month school year (room and board additional) Set on 46 acres in Lewiston, Lewis-Clark State College offers everything from 9-month professional technical certificates to 4-year baccalaureate degrees. There is an additional campus located in Coeur d’Alene. Lewis-Clark State College offers more than 90 degrees and certificate programs, and has post-graduation placement rates ranging from 93-97 percent depending on the degree or certificate program.

It also has a small student to teacher ratio, offering a unique higher education environment.

Lewis-College State College was founded in 1893. It initially had land, but no electricity, services or facilities. The first building was completed in 1896 and still stands today as the oldest building in the state’s higher education system. It survived a fire in 1917, plus reconstruction, changes in function and a major 1993 renovation.

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University of Idaho Current Enrollment: 12,500 Resident Tuition/Fees: $6,784 for a 9-month school year (room and board additional) Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho offers 4-year baccalaureate, master’s, doctorate, and Juris Doctorate degrees. The main campus is in Moscow, and there are additional centers throughout the state, including Coeur d’Alene.

UI offers a distinctive combination of majors and programs, accomplished faculty, renowned research and a residential campus. It has also received numerous accolades including part of the “Top 286 Green Colleges” from The Princeton Review for its sustainability efforts.

Idaho also has several private four-year higher education options including Boise Bible College, Brigham Young University - Idaho, Northwest Nazarene University and The College of Idaho.

For a complete listing of all Idaho public and private institutions, including application processes, fees and deadlines, go to boardofed.idaho.gov.

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Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

Wherever you’re heading to college consider these tips on how to $AVE

Consider the following tips for how to save.

To get started, use a search engine that compares the cost of buying or renting a specific textbook across multiple websites.

By Carolyn Bigda/Chicago Tribune (TNS)

There is the cost of college, and then there is the cost of going to college - everything from the extra-long twin bed sheets you’ll need for your dorm room to textbooks for class.

The expenses can add up fast.

During the 2014-15 school year, the average full-time undergraduate student at a four-year public university spent $1,225 on books and supplies. At four-year private colleges, the average student spends $1,244.

As for back-to-school shopping, an annual survey by the National Retail Federation found that, on average, college students and their families will spend just under $900 this year on dorm items, clothes and electronics, among other things.

Cut textbook expenses.

The days of buying all of your textbooks from the campus bookstore are over. Today, you have multiple ways to get course materials, including renting books, downloading digital versions or buying used books online.

Bigwords. com, for example, aggregates prices for used and new books, as well as rentals and e-books. In addition to taking into account

To succeed in a changing world

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Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

shipping costs, Bigwords will also scour for coupons and promotions.

Shopping around can pay off.

A new copy of the sixth edition of “Macroeconomics: Principles and Applications,” by Robert E. Hall and Marc Lieberman, goes for $286 at one college bookstore. A search through Bigwords, however, found a rental option for as little as $27 for the semester, and a used copy starting at $70.

Check coupon sites.

Just as with any purchase you make online, it’s a good idea to check for coupon codes or promotions while shopping the Web for school supplies.

Coupons.com, for example, recently listed 115 offers, including 52 coupon codes and nine free shipping promotions.

Get student savings.

Don’t forget to check for savings targeted specifically at students.

For instance, Apple usually offers fall discounts on laptops, desktop computers and tablets.

Shop with a gift card.

If you just graduated from high school and received gift cards as graduation presents, don’t forget to use them.

According to estimates by CardHub, more than $45 billion in gift cards have gone unredeemed since 2005.

On the flipside, you can buy unwanted gift cards - for a discount - on websites such as giftcardgranny.com, and use the cards to make purchases at the related store.

In a recent search, Apple gift cards were available with discounts of as much as 4.28 percent. So a gift card with a value of $100 would cost $95.72. Buy several of those to apply toward a new computer, and the savings - on top of the student discount really begin to add up.

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Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

Pack up financial tips before heading to college Tribune Media Service

Back-to-college checklists are filled with items such as extra-long sheets, surge protectors, headphones, shower caddies, boots, lots of underwear and plenty of shampoo.

But it’s also good to pack up some financial tips before heading off to college. What kind of things should a student know about banks, budgets and borrowing on the road to getting that diploma?

Sign up for emails, text alerts, or push notifications with your bank or credit union.

Should you take time to figure out a way to get an alert that your checking account now has less than $100?

You bet.

There are a variety of ways to get this done - banking apps, text alerts, push notifications - and they’re worth doing to spot fraud and potential trouble spots that can trigger overdraft fees, said Mark Schwanhausser, director of omnichannel financial services for Javelin Strategy & Research.

“The apps are the simplest way to get things done,” he said.

But he cautioned that different banks and credit unions offer various types of services, and that it can take a while to set things up online.

Before opting for text alerts, make sure your cell phone carrier won’t charge you outrageous sums for every text. Customers can use mobile banking to check balances. Parents

might want to get the alerts as well, if possible.

Matt Schulz, senior industry analyst for CreditCards.com, said such alerts are important with credit cards, too, as a way to avoid late fees on payments.

“College students are bombarded with so much information on a daily basis and have milelong to-do lists, so it’s easy for smaller tasks to fall through the cracks,” he said.

It’s important to warn college students and others that identity thieves do pretend to be a bank or credit union when they’re sending emails or text messages, too. Don’t respond by handing over your account number information or other key ID information.

The Consumer Federation of America suggests that if you’re shopping for a bank account for a

Ebeth Fielder, 24, a spokeswoman for the the Young & Free program at the Michigan First Credit Union, said parents and students should break down the costs of living away. Or the added costs of commuting to college, such as gas and parking.

Many students work for spending money, but many do not try to create a budget, according to a U.S. Bank survey on college students and their money. About 21 percent of the students surveyed said they are barely keeping up on day-today expenses, and 44 percent said they have little or no knowledge of creating and maintaining a budget.

When working during the summer, save as much as possible to cover scholarship in your name. costs at school. Skimp on spending Never fall for that one. and skip high-cost habits.

Don’t pay an advance fee to apply “Don’t spend your financial aid on for scholarships. Don’t fall for phrases luxury items because you have ’extra’ like “the scholarship is guaranteed or money available. It will cost you more your money back.” in the long run,” said April M. Clobes, Another tip: The spot to submit president and CEO of the Michigan a Free Application for State University Federal Federal Student Credit Union.

Aid is www.fafsa.

Build a small ed.gov - not emergency savings anything fund, too.

So if the with a transmission goes dot-com on the car, you ending.

It’s tough might have enough You to stick to a budget money to pay for it. do if you’re not paying not Pay attention attention to the real cost want to to the kind of of filling the gas tank, pay a credit card fee to going to the movies, you get submit eating out and paying While no one a free other bills such as car wants a son or app. insurance, cable, Internet daughter to go and utilities. out and get a string of credit cards, some financial experts say it’s not an entirely bad idea for college students to open one low-rate, lowcost credit card. It’s possible to start with a low limit as well, such as $500. college student look for ATMs that would be convenient or free to use for the student. You don’t want huge ATM fees.

Beware of scams relating to scholarships and financial aid The Federal Trade Commission warns that some sketchy operators will ask that you hand over a credit card number to “hold” a

Schedule a ‘welcome to reality’ talk with parents/ bill-payers.

Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

Gerri Detweiler, at Credit.com, said college students need to put limits on how much they buy with credit.

“Don’t use your credit card as if you’ve already graduated.”

Pay off that balance every month so you

don’t add credit card debt on top of student loans.

Credit.com and other sites list credit cards that can be good for college students. You want to keep an eye on fees and make sure you understand how high the interest rate will go up after any promotional rates end.

Aim to graduate with as little debt as possible

Seriously, go to college to get a diploma - not dig a deep hole of debt.

There are various calculators to help you figure out the eventual monthly payment for college loans. But a very

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general rule of thumb is: If you borrow $35,000 for college, you’re going to pay about $350 a month to repay student loans over a 10-year time frame.

The monthly loan payment is roughly 1 percent of the total student loan balance at the time of repayment, said Mark Kantrowitz, college debt expert and senior vice president and publisher for Edvisors.com.

So $50,000 could translate into a roughly $500 a month bill on a 10-year repayment plan.

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This Year, Stuff Their Piggy Banks Instead of Their Stockings.

Long after most holiday gifts have been forgotten, an investment through Edward Jones can still be valued by those who receive it.

Whether it’s stocks, bonds, mutual funds or 529 contributions, your Edward Jones financial advisor can help you decide which investment is most appropriate.

Because when it’s the thought that counts, thinking about their financial well-being means a lot.

Contributions to a 529 plan may be eligible for a state tax deduction or credit in certain states for those residents.

To learn more about all the holiday gift options available, call, visit or check out our website today. www.edwardjones.com | Financial Advisors of Eastern Washington & Northern Idaho Member SIPC

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Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

cont. from page 14

Tech Prep Washington

Tech Prep is an industry and education partnership committed to providing a highlytrained and motivated workforce. High school students can take classes from a participating technical college or technical program at postsecondary institution that will apply toward their desired technical degree or certification. Tech Prep prepares students for the workforce and helps maintain a quality life in a changing society.

Idaho

There are four types of advanced opportunities tailored to different educational goals. For more detailed information visit the Idaho State Board of Education at boardofed.idaho.gov.

Advanced Placement (AP) Like Washington’s AP programs, Idaho high schools offer classes for college credit in a variety of subjects.

“Paths to Degree Completion from High School through College,”a 2006 research study, affirms the value of more rigorous academic programs.

According to the study, “the academic intensity of the these types of student’s high school curriculum still counts more than anything else in pre-collegiate history in providing momentum toward completing a bachelor’s degree.”

Students should work with the post secondary institution they plan to attend to learn

which AP classes are accepted and how many credits will be awarded.

Students must take an AP exam and receive a passing score of 3 or higher, depending on the school requirements, to receive credits.

Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

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Divers Institute of Technology Students should work with the postsecondary institution they plan to attend to learn which AP classes are accepted and how much credits will be awarded. Students must take an AP exam and receive a passing score of 3 or higher, depending on the school requirements, to receive credits.

Visit the official AP student site apstudent.collegeboard.org for details.

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Concurrent Enrollment

(Idaho Dual Credit) Collaboration between Idaho’s colleges, universities and high schools allows high school students to take college courses at their high school for college credit. High school instructors are pre-approved and partner with the selected college or university academic departments.

Here, students receive both high school and college credit for their class.

Letter grades are reflected on a college transcript. Students can also take classes online via distance education or at the college or university campus.

Tayler Ekness, a Post Falls High School senior, participates in the dual enrollment opportunity, studying English, political science, pre-calculus and Spanish through the University of Idaho.

“I wanted to do dual credit because I wanted to get a jump start on college by getting enough credits to have sophomore status,” she said.

While she finds the experience rewarding and will have more of her prerequisites out of the way using this opportunity, it’s not always easy.

“The most challenging part of these classes is keeping a balance between the high school grading scale and University of Idaho’s grading scale,” she said.

“I don’t always know exactly how well I need to do to get a good grade in the class.”

For details on this program, visit https://boardofed.idaho.gov/scholarship/documents/IdahoDualCredit2014-15.pdf.

College-Level Equivalency Program (CLEP)

This credit-by examination program has been around for more than 40 years. It is accepted by 2,900 colleges and universities, and administered in more than 1,800 test centers.

These exams test the mastery of college-level material, including general academic instruction, independent study and extracurricular work. It’s the easiest way to earn college credits based on what a student already has learned.

For more information or to find a testing center, visit clep.collegeboard.org.

Tech Prep Idaho Students planning to attend a technical college can receive college credit for high school professional technical courses. Certain courses are evaluated and have been determined to be the equivalent of a college course. For more detailed information, contact your student’s high school counselor.

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Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

Tips for adult students returning to school Metrocreative

Adults return to school for a variety of reasons.

Some might be spurred by a desire to pursue a new career, while others might go back to school to learn more about their existing field and improve their career prospects. While their reasons for returning to school may differ, many adults find themselves battling some nerves as they begin the process of going back to the classroom.

Feelings of doubt are common, but there are steps all adult students can take to reduce their anxiety and make the most of the often exciting experience of going back to school.

Start slow.

Unlike more traditional college students, adults returning to school tend to have significant responsibilities, including families and careers.

Juggling work and family is difficult on its own, but doing so along with college coursework is

even harder. Adult students returning to school after a long layoff would be wise to take things slowly at first so they and their families can gradually adjust to their new schedules. Many schools now offer online courses, which can be especially beneficial for working professionals.

Research your options.

Just because you are an adult returning to school does not mean you are ineligible for scholarships or other forms of financial aid. The United States Department of Labor maintains a scholarship search engine at www.careerinfonet.org where students of all ages and academic levels can Have a plan. search for scholarships, grants and other financial Many adults only return to school when they aid opportunities to determine if they are eligible know exactly what they want to study or which for some help paying for tuition. In addition, courses they need to take to complete a degree adults returning to or earn a certificate. If you have not already school may want mapped out such a plan, do so before enrolling to discuss their in any classes. The cost of a college education plans with their has no doubt increased considerably employers, since you last stepped foot on campus, especially if so you don’t want to be signing up they are for costly classes that will not help looking to you accomplish what you hope to continue Just because you are an accomplish by returning to school. working adult returning to school in their current does not mean you are fields.

Research your options

ineligible for scholarships or other forms of financial aid.

Employers may have programs in place to subsidize employees looking to continue their education.

Don’t be discouraged.

Many adults mulling a return to school are hesitant to do so because they feel as if they will be the only older students in classrooms filled with millennials. However, the National Center for Education Statistics predicts a 14 percent increase in enrollment of students 25 and older between 2011 and 2021, suggesting that adults going back to school are unlikely to be the only graybeards in their classrooms.

Returning to college as an adult can be both exciting and overwhelming. But adults need not be nervous, even if it has been quite some time since they last stepped on a college campus.

Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

Get ready for the big time.

Graduation’s just around the corner. Then what?

No matter where you are on your path to graduation, we’re here to help. We’ve got the tips, tools, and resources to help make sense of everything—from college applications and financial aid to learning how to channel your interests and hobbies into a rewarding career choice.

Visit us online and learn how we can help make your next step exciting, rewarding, and manageable.

State Board of Education 650 West State Street, 3rd Floor | Boise, ID 83702 (208) 334-2270

NextSteps.Idaho.gov This ad is sponsored by the College Access Challenge Grant Program, PR/Award Number P378A080033, as administered by the Office of Postsecondary Education, U.S. Department of Education. The contents do not necessarily represent the positions or policies of the Office of Postsecondary Education or the U.S. Department of Education, nor are they necessarily endorsed by the Federal Government.

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Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

Higher education more accessible than ever!

The traditional form of matriculating was to spend lots of time on a campus in classrooms. But in the last 20 years, the concept of distance learning has made education more accessible.

Now you aren’t restricted to attending the school closest to you, or changing your residence for a few years.

Students can now take a variety of classes online from accredited institutions – they still can check in regularly with instructors and interact with fellow students, and may not need to set foot on an actual campus until commencement, if at all.

Online courses also can be helpful for people who may not be able to afford or put in the time for a full academic load, but could handle the workload of one or two classes.

Or for students who enjoy their independence and may not want to study/work at the same time every day.

Inland Northwest students can look into a variety of credit or certificate programs at most universities or community colleges.

One online option includes: Western Governors University.

This accredited online university markets itself as less expensive than traditional universities, along with having a faster time to complete a degree program (average of less than 3 years). It includes a flexible, self-paced format. It currently serves more than 55,000 students around the U.S. plus overseas U.S. military.

Students can earn a variety of bachelor of arts and science degrees in topics such as education and science, business, information technology and health along with a variety of graduate-level courses.

Work can also be transferred from community colleges for credit or be waived. Programs are also available for teacher certification and training. It also offers courses especially designed helpful for for veterans and older students. people who can’t afford to put in the time for For more info check with local a full academic load, but could handle one or colleges or high school academic counseling offices, or visit two classes. Or for students who crave more independence and may not want to study/work at www.wgu.edu/.

Online courses ...

the same time every day.

Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

In addition to the

public college and universities in this section, there are some private colleges that offer other education options.

Private schools sometimes command a higher price tag or more selective admission criteria, but they also offer quality education. Schools with religious affiliations also offer an opportunity for someone to not only earn a degree but create a stronger foundation in the values of that particular faith.

Private schools also offer similar programs to public schools, such as activities, athletics, and a variety of academic subjects. But they also often have smaller class sizes.

The following are some of the institutions that often attract interest from Inland Northwest degree seekers.

Gonzaga University

Lately the Bulldogs are known for great men’s and women’s athletics – Go Zags! – but the Roman Catholic university in Spokane has been a part of the Inland Northwest community for more than a century. The private liberal arts college provides a Catholic education with a Jesuit approach to academic excellence and appreciation of scholarly pursuits.

Students can earn bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees at the school that was established in 1887.

The 152-acre campus near downtown Spokane includes 7,400 students, including 5,000 undergraduates and 1,960 master’s and Ph.D. students.

Degree seekers can choose from 75 fields of study, including business, engineering, nursing, and art, plus three Ph.D. fields, and 26 master’s degrees.

The Gonzaga School of Law also awards juris doctorate degrees.

Full-time undergraduate students pay $18,740 per semester, and graduate credits range from $700-935 per credit depending on the program.

The fall admission process starts soon – the early action/non-binding application deadline for first-year studentsis Nov. 15, and the regular admission deadline is mid-February 2016.

to have a focus on rigorous intellectual inquiry combined with Christian faith and learning.

Whitworth offers undergraduate and graduate programs, and takes pride in its small classes and low student-teacher ratio (11:1).

Current enrollment is 2,260 undergraduates and 210 graduate students. The 200-acre campus has been recognized for not just its beauty but its sustainability efforts – all buildings added after 2010 have received LEED certification, a national certification for energy efficiency.

Annual tuition is $37,630.

Along with its high academic standards, the college is also known for an impressive athletic program, and competes at the NCAA Division III level. It also has earned the best overall athletics program for the division’s Northwest conference.

Fun facts Included for the last 16 years in the Top 10 US News and World Reports’ list 118 “Best Private colleges and universities in the West. (In 2015, was No. 10 overall and No. 3 in Best Values) Included for the last seven years in Kiplinger’s “100 best values” for private liberal arts colleges and universities.

Received the highest ranking from Washington Monthly for master’s level universities in the Pacific Northwest, and 10th nationally.

Ranked as one of the Top 6 private schools in the Pacific Northwest by Forbes.

For more information visit www.whitworth.edu

College of Idaho Fun facts Ranked first nationally in small universities for alumni serving in the Peace Corps.

Ranked No. 3 in U.S. News and World Report’s “best regional university in the West” Ranked No. 2 best value in regional universities in the West Ranked No. 2 in the West for average freshman retention and graduation rates Best value among private colleges and universities in the Pacific Northwest by Money, and 109th nationally.

For more information visit www.gonzaga.edu

Whitworth University This residential liberal arts institution has been an important part of the Spokane culture since 1890. It is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, and continues

The state’s oldest private liberal arts college was founded in 1891. Formerly known as Albertson College, College of Idaho offers a focus on humanities, natural sciences, social sciences and professional fields – students are encouraged to earn one major and three minors in four years.

The institution is located in Caldwell, and enrollment is about 1,200. Students can choose from 26 majors and 58 minors. Tuition averages $18,952 per semester.

Fun facts Ranked as the No. 1 college in Idaho in Forbes’ “America’s Top Colleges” list Ranked No. 4 in the Pacific Northwest in Kiplinger’s “America’s Best College Values” Princeton Review Ranked as No. 12 in America’s Happiest Students, No. 14 in Best Health Services and No. 16 Most Accessible Professors No. 1 Idaho schools from U.S. News and World Report for graduation rate, freshman retention rate and alumni giving percentage.

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36 tips to adjust to college life Freshmen or first-year orientation is a great resource for learning about life at college. It can include transitioning into a campus community, especially if you live on-campus.

Academics Invest in a planner and develop good time-management skills.

1. Study between classes.

2. Not all professors allow laptops, so don’t forget paper and pencils.

3. Get to know your academic adviser and seek their help.

Roommates 4. Don’t be roommates with friends.

It’s a good way to break down a friendship.

5. Discuss expectations with your roommate. Sit down and say ‘here’s what it’s like to live with me, here’s what I expect out of you’ and ask, ‘what are your expectations for me?”

6. Communicate directly. Leaving notes or sending texts can seem passive-aggressive.

Make friends and get involved 7. Resident advisers are there to help with safety and to help students find the other resources they need on campus.

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8. Go to club fairs, meet people in organizations you want to join.

9. Leave your door open when in your room to get to know others.

Safety 10. Put your university’s police department number in your contact list.

11. Use a police escort service or Safe Ride program at night.

12. Use campus call boxes for emergencies.

13. Always lock your car and don’t leave valuables in plain sight.

14. Record serial numbers on your laptop, phone, tablet etc.

15. Register your bike.

16. Download the LiveSafe app.

Save money 17. Graduating early can cut down on tuition costs.

18. Buy used textbooks or rent Laundry 19. If you’ve never done laundry before, ask for help.

20. Get a hamper and drying rack 21. Sort clothes before washing. Loads will fit better and avoid color bleeding.

22. Don’t leave clothes in a machine after a wash or dry

cycle, they may get moved or stolen.

You can survive with no car 23. Many college campus are set up so

students can get around without a car.

Walk to stores and restaurants 24. Join ride-sharing groups 25. Get to know local public transportation systems.

26. Utilize Safe Ride programs for traveling at night or after drinking.

27. See if your campus has a shuttle service to get you home on breaks.

Decorate and organize your room 28. Talk to your roommate about dividing up room necessities.

Coordinate who has the coffee maker, microwave, or fridge.

29. Choose a color scheme together.

30. Think about creating personal space and space for storage.

31. Make sure your decorations aren’t breaking fire code.

32. Don’t block any doors or windows when arranging furniture.

Stay healthy and fit 33. Play intramural sports they provide a break from studying and an opportunity to meet people.

34. Sleep and nutrition are important. Take breaks, take a nap or go for a run.

Cook in your dorm room 35. Don’t rely on your microwave to tell you when your popcorn is done or you easily could set off the fire alarm.

36. Make sure you always have food in your room.

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T he Evergreen State College

Though the school’s official mascot is Speedy the Geoduck, the students have unofficially been given the name “Greeners,” which refer to the school’s name but also to its progressive, liberal-arts focus and sustainable philosophies.

It opened in 1967 south of Olympia, and today has an enrollment of 3,878. It also employs faculty who write narrative evaluations of students’ work rather than giving letter grades, and encourages students to shape their own education program outside of traditional major tracks and disciplines. For instance, a student and advisor can put together an interdisciplinary program in “Earth Dynamics” that combines courses in economics, history and physics.

Evergreen has satellite campuses in Gray’s

Harbor and Tacoma, as well as a Tribal ReservationBased Program on eight reservation sites through the state.

With over 60 fields of study, students can earn Bachelors of Arts, Science and Arts & Science, and Master’s of Environmental Studies, Public Administration and Teaching.

Fun facts: • Ranked in the top 10 nation’s colleges/universities for “free spirits” • One of 44 schools rated as a Fiske Guide “Best Buy” since 2010 • Ranked among nation’s top master’s colleges, Washington Monthly Resident undergrad tuition/fees: $8,682 (based on averages/2014-15 school year).

Resident room/board: $9,492

Washington is also home to 15 private colleges: Antioch University (Seattle) Art Institute of Seattle Bastyr University (Kenmore) Cornish College of the Arts (Seattle) Gonzaga University (Spokane) Heritage University (Toppenish) Northwest University (Seattle) Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma) St. Martin’s University (Lacey) Seattle Pacific University Seattle University University of Puget Sound (Tacoma) Walla Walla University Whitman College (Walla Walla) Whitworth University (Spokane)

Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Sunday, November 8, 2015

EWU Spokane Where Professionals are Made EWU Spokane is home to Eastern’s newest college, the College of Health Science and Public Health, as well as the College of Business and Public Administration. Both colleges offer accredited, high-demand graduate programs that can help you elevate your current career or get you immediately employed upon graduation.

Business Administration | Public Administration | Urban and Regional Planning Communication Disorders | Dental Hygiene | Doctorate of Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy | Master of Public Health | Health Services Administration Regional Initiatives in Dental Education

U-District Location Day & Evening Classes | Affordable | High-Demand Programs See where EWU Spokane can take you. Ewu.edu

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DISCOVER THE COUGAR DIFFERENCE 200+ fields of study A welcoming and supportive learning community 125 years of tradition and can-do Cougar spirit A diploma that opens career doors It’s a formula for life-long success.

But don’t take our word for it.

Explore the possibilities.

wsu.edu/admission Pullman • Spokane • Tri-Cities Vancouver • Everett • Global Campus