Can I hear it for all the moms of "generation next", that pre-college and college generation.
That includes you, that includes me, too. Maiya is turning 16. I think for us we worry
about all the important about all the important college acceptance letters, but what about
our college-aged kids? What's their number one concern? What's on their minds? Well we
asked them and here's what they had to say: Higher education does comes with a price.
No matter where you go, you're going to have to pay a little money out of your pocket so
you can study, and you can better yourself. I'm paying for it by myself. My parents haven't
helped me one bit. Affordability was a really big factor. I have
an older brother who's going to college at the time, so money was a little tight.
I started looking around because I didn't want to have so much debt when I came out
of college. Well that was really interesting hearing their
concerns, and here with some excellent solutions to these challenges is Dr. Emily Hunt from
West Texas A & M University. So glad to have you in the studio today.
Thank you. I'm happy to be here. Alright, you know, we focus a lot on online
education, older students, but there really is that traditional student demographic out
there, right? And we just heard that tuition is a big concern. Why is that?
This generation of students are very aware. They're very aware of their financial situation.
They investigate. You know, they have access to so many resources, and so these kids know
how expensive college is, and they're starting to think about it and plan early.
And do you think colleges know this, and they're trying to address this and look at this issue?
At West Texas A & M University, we care about this. We know that this is a concern for our
students, and we actually have one of the lowest tuition rates in the country.
Wow! Good for you. It's great. And something else that we're
doing to help these kids. When they enter the University, we have a guaranteed 4-year
tuition rate. So that from the time they enter, if they graduate within four years, their
tuition does not go up. That's really reassuring, and I'm sure that
so many economically challenged students that come to you feel great comfort in that.
Absolutely. It helps them to plan, gives them reassurance that they know the numbers - that
something's not going to change on them and catch them off guard. So it is, it's one of
the ways that we are working to help the students, to be student-centered.
Now for those out-of-state students that are looking. They may not physically be able to
visit the campus. Can you tell me a little bit about where your campus is and what is
looks like. West Texas A & M University is a beautiful
campus. We are actually built into the Palo Duro Canyon, which is the second largest canyon
in the United States. Wow.
So we have some beautiful terrain, definitely. Campus is an active place. It's very student-centered.
There's a vibrant student life. We have concerts going on on campus. We have outside events,
and our tuition is so low that we actually have several students from out-of-state that
get a lower tuition coming to Texas than they do in their very own state.
Wow. You know another real concern, I know, for students out there is "How do I land a
job?" Tell me a little bit about how you guys look into that for students, and what your
success rate is. I am an Engineering Professor, and so I can
speak to the school of Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics. Right now, we have
a 100% job placement from our program. Wait, what!?
Yes, 100%. That's pretty amazing. How are you able to
achieve that? It's not just one person doing it. It's definitely
a team effort, but at West Texas A & M University, student success is our number one priority.
So, from the very beginning when they come into the school, we are working with career
services to help match them with a job opportunity. And, specifically, our field of Engineering,
Computer Science, and Mathematics, those students are sought after even starting their sophomore
here. So, we work with industry partners to establish internships and co-op opportunities,
and there's a growing energy sector in Texas. So, they're always looking for engineers and
computer scientists. What would you say your secret is?
Our secret is that we care about these students. They are not just enrollment numbers for us.
We know them from the time they come in. We have a small enough atmosphere, a more intimate
atmosphere, where we can know them and understand them and care about them. So, they're end
goal is that these students are placed in jobs where they want to be.
And do you think that hands-on education is one of the most important factors?
Absolutely. Again, we're talking about "generation next" students.
Right. So we know that the way that they learn is
hands-on. It's experiential. They have to be doing it to learn it. So, we definitely
make that a priority at West Texas A & M University, and specifically I can speak to Engineering.
We just took some students to Honduras, and this is all part of their classwork. They
had the opportunity to design systems for clean water for a village. They developed
a hydroelectric energy system and built a school. So, these kids are getting hands-on
education from the time they come in until they graduate.
So important. Emily, thanks so much for coming by. I mean,
such great information. Great to have you on the show. We need a shout-out for your
team mascot, though. Absolutely! Go Buffs!
Go Buffs! Great to have you. And if you're looking for quality higher education at an
affordable cost, just head to wtamu.edu or TheBalancingAct.com and don't forget, follow
us on Facebook and Twitter. (music).