A Program of the Louisiana Board of Regents
LOSFA Mentions
LOSFA and Upromise partner to help families save more for future education needs
LOSFA's Director of Student Tuition and Revenue Trust (START) Programs, Terri Underwood, interviewed with Fox 8 News (New Orleans) about its new partnership with Upromise, a consumer brand that offers a free rewards program with a mission to help families save for college. Upromise spokeswoman Julie Loffredi (not pictured) also joined the interview.

“Our account owners have inquired about Upromise over the years, so we know there will be a lot of interest in this partnership," Underwood said.

Upromise partners with major retailers, restaurants, and other brands to give members cash back rewards on their purchases, online and in-store, as well as rewards for other everyday online activities.

START account owners now have the choice to link their accounts directly to Upromise to reach their college savings goals faster. Upromise Mastercard card members earn 1.529% cash back rewards on every purchase when their Upromise program account is linked to an eligible college savings plan like START.

Click here to learn more about Louisiana’s 529 College Saving Programs.

To learn more about Upromise, click here.

To learn more about the Upromise Mastercard, click here.
Social Media
The class of 2021 is determined to #GeauxToCollege!

With their dedication to complete a financial aid application, Louisiana now ranks second in FAFSA completion!

According to the latest data from the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) FAFSA Tracker, Louisiana ranks 2nd in FAFSA completion as of April 23, 2021. There have been 29,787 FAFSA’s (63.8%) completed. This is a change of -6.7% (-2,131) when compared to the same time last year. 
Other Related News
BRCC offering up to 75 percent off tuition for summer classes
Graduating high school seniors and current college students have the opportunity to enroll in in-demand courses and save on tuition through a summer program offered at Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC).

BRCC announced students who would like to enroll for a summer session can apply for a Super Summer Scholarship, which covers up to 75 percent of tuition.

Students must enroll by Friday, May 21, to take advantage of the scholarship.

Summer classes may appeal to students who want to catch up on credits or graduate early.

To apply for a BRCC Super Summer Scholarship, click here.
New survey highlights students' financial contributions to their college education
A new survey of 1,001 undergraduate students from College Ave Student Loans (conducted by Barnes & Noble College Insights) found most students knew how they would pay for their college education.

The cost of a college education remains a top concern for students over mental health and grades. According to the survey, 88% agree a degree is necessary to have a successful career.

The report lists the top five ways most students plan to pay for college: 1.) scholarships and grants, 2.) student’s savings and/or income, 3.) Federal student loans, 4.) work-study, and 5.) parent savings and/or income.

Almost half (42%) of students expect to borrow funds to help pay for their postsecondary education. Of those students, 44% expect to borrow between $10,000-$30,000 in loans over the course of their college education.

Click below to read what advice current college students have for graduating high school seniors to pay for their postsecondary studies.
Students want online learning options post-pandemic
According to a new survey, postsecondary students support keeping online courses as an option in the post-pandemic transition.

The Digital Pulse survey polled higher education faculty, academic administrators, and students registered at a college or university for both the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters.
When institutions were forced to move courses online due to COVID-19, the resistance to distance learning was because of uncharted and unfamiliar territory. However, with more attention on effective online teaching and learning practices over the past year, many have developed a more positive outlook on remote education.

This survey discovered students and faculty members want more choice and flexibility.

Click below to read more.
Supporting first-generation and low-income students beyond the college acceptance letter
In the year since COVID, it has become imperative that first-generation, low-income students receive additional support and resources as they work toward obtaining a college degree. During their first year of pursuing higher education, these students struggled to pay for a college experience while socially distanced from on-campus resources and in-person support. 

This blog, written by an undergraduate student, suggests ways to assist this particular group of students. 

For example, she writes first-generation students may lack mentors to advise them on the college process and career development. She suggests that students should have access to alumni, faculty members, or upper-level students during high school years and college years to help guide them in decisions about their future.

The blog also suggests that first-generation, low-income students need more awareness about what resources are available on their college campus.
How LOSFA supports students beyond the acceptance letter

LOSFA's Virtual Student Network Groups are available to (1) connect with students who share similar interests and majors; (2) receive encouragement, resources, and social and emotional support; and (3) network with professionals in respective fields for workforce development and opportunities.

Click here to register for a virtual student network group.  

During LOSFA's FLY Tour, a production with information about what it takes to get to college and how to be successful while there, staff present middle and high school students with resources specifically for first-time students at each campus of our postsecondary partners.
About LOSFA
The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA), a program of the Louisiana Board of Regents, strives to be Louisiana's first choice for college access by promoting, preparing for and providing equity of college access.