Imagine where you can go with a scholarship and a dream!

Happy Monday!

It’s me, Sherri, popping into your inbox with our weekly newsletter for students, parents, and those who support them. This week is filled with our featured scholarship, tips on staying ahead, and motivation.

It’s Memorial Day. As the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran, this day always holds deep meaning for me. While my father wasn’t killed on active duty, I did lose my father as a casualty of war. For those who lost loved ones, my heart is with you. I’m eternally grateful for the heroes who gave their lives for us to live ours. 

Higher Education this week

Have you ever wondered how Universities come up with their discount rates? 

If you’re like me, it seems that there is no consistency in the process. Here is what I found:

For a college, the discount rate is total institutional (unfunded) grant aid/total gross tuition. For average net revenue, take total gross revenue, subtract institutional (unfunded) grant aid, and divide that number by the number of students.

How those discounts are distributed and to what degree is open to the university's discretion. 

According to Higher Ed Dive this week:

• Private nonprofit colleges discounted tuition more in the 2023-24 academic year than ever before, rising to an average rate of 56.1% for first-time, full-time students, according to preliminary estimates from the National Association of College and University Business Officers.

• That’s up from 54.8% during the prior academic year, marking years of steady increases. Projections show the discount rate for all undergraduates also ticked up to 51.9% in 2023-24, rising from 50.8% in the previous year. 

• Meanwhile, net tuition and fee revenue from first-time, full-time undergraduates fell by 1% in the 2022-23 academic year after adjusting for inflation. This decline comes after a whopping 5.4% decrease in this revenue source in the year before, according to NACUBO.  

College Success Tips

High School Students

Have you considered a future in the military after graduation? Here is helpful information if that is something that interests you. 

I’ve worked with many students who are interested in the Air Force and Naval Academy. These application processes are much different that a regular college admissions process and require students to get started much earlier than the average applicant. Here is the application process for Westpoint, application Timeline for Westpoint, Air Force Academy information, and Air Force Academy Video

College Students

If you're an undergraduate with three or more years left, you could be eligible to join ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps). This program offers numerous benefits including leadership training, scholarships, and a clear path to becoming an officer in the U.S. military.

This means if you're a second-semester freshman, a sophomore, or in a similar situation with at least three years remaining in your studies, you qualify to apply. It's a great opportunity to develop valuable skills and secure your future.

Parents 

Having a child who wants to pursue a future in the military is one of the noblest paths, but it can also be challenging for parents. Today, I’m sharing a heartwarming letter from a mom to her child who is entering the military.

Here are some valuable resources for military families:

• A family connection newsletter for families of military members.

• A resource guide for parents whose child is entering the military.

Educators

Supporting military families should be one of our highest priorties. Often military families move frequently and there are sometimes social and academic considerations need for these students. Here is a great resource if you are looking for ways to support and encourage these students. 

This might be helpful for educators working with younger students as well. 

🚨 Scholarship Spotlight 🚨

Every week, we highlight one of our favorite scholarships. 

There are so many great scholarships this month that I just couldn’t resist sharing more.  I’ve decided to share a handful with you today.

#1 Provider of Higher Education to the U.S. Military

Aid for Military Families

Military Friendly Schools Awards

Military-Dependent Students with Disabilities

The Exceptional Family Member Program

Looking for more scholarships? We’ve got you covered!

Start unlocking billions in scholarships now with Imagine Scholarships!

We connect you to scholarships you can actually get with expert guidance so you can save money and pursue your education with ease.

Visit Imagine Scholarships today!

Don’t forget to check out our blog, store and other resources for students, parents and educators. We are here to support you!

As we enter the summer, take a moment to honor the heroes we remember on Memorial Day. Enjoy the warm days ahead, relax, and keep striving toward your academic goals. Remember, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Warm wishes for a wonderful start to summer!

Sherri and Team Imagine