PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
University of Phoenix and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago recently released resources to help consumers of all ages make informed choices about paying for college. The work is part of Money Smart Week, a public awareness campaign aimed at helping all consumers make informed decisions about their personal finances, and includes a comprehensive listing of the best resources that empower students to achieve their educational goals.
“The success of Money Smart Week has always been built upon strong partnerships with financial institutions, universities, libraries, nonprofits and others that all leverage their resources, expertise and best practices to showcase financial education,” said Alejo Torres, Senior Outreach Manager, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. “This year we are especially delighted to partner with University of Phoenix to extend greater educational opportunities to students and parents through interactive online media.”
“Deciding to go to college is an important decision for all students, but the financial choices they face are among the most stressful and important,” said Dr. Bill Pepicello, president of University of Phoenix. “We are pleased to offer resources that can help students ask the right questions regarding the costs of their education, and we applaud the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago for its ongoing work with Money Smart Week to help all consumers make informed decisions, and to expand its mission to higher education financial literacy."
As part of its work with Money Smart Week, University of Phoenix created an online video series to provide information to prospective students—including veterans, active duty servicemembers and spouses who receive military benefits—that can help them understand their rights and responsibilities before enrolling or signing documents for student financial aid. The video series—found online at www.moneysmartweek.org/universityofphoenix—includes information on filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), identifying and applying for scholarship and grant opportunities, minimizing student loan amounts and avoiding default during repayment, and special options for veterans and military members. Each video features an overview conversation, providing information to consider and answers to questions about options for paying for college.
“College students should budget before they borrow," said Mark Kantrowitz, Senior Vice President and Publisher, Edvisors Network, Inc. "Students should borrow smart, keeping student loan debt in sync with income. So long as total student loan debt at graduation is less than the student’s annual starting salary, the student should be able to repay his or her loans in ten years or less.”
Prior to the Money Smart Week video series, University of Phoenix announced support for initiatives that promote responsible borrowing and make available updated information on the costs of education and how to understand loan debt, including:
“We're committed to help all students be as successful as possible—whether at University of Phoenix or other postsecondary institutions," said Pepicello. "We are grateful for the opportunity to join the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and its Money Smart Week efforts, and hope to contribute more resources in the future."
Money Smart Week runs from April 5-12, 2014.
About Money Smart Week
Money Smart Week is a public awareness campaign coordinated by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and designed to promote financial education across all ages. More than 2,500 free educational programs are offered nationwide during the week on topics ranging from budgeting to saving for college and retirement to using credit wisely. Launched in 2002, the program is now active in more than 41 states through these national partnerships. Events are also coordinated and hosted by hundreds of local partner organizations including banks, universities, government agencies, community groups and libraries; among them, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the American Library Association and the Certified Financial Planners Board of Standards. For the most-up-to date calendar of events, please visit www.moneysmartweek.org.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. As a subsidiary of Apollo Education Group, Inc. (APOL), University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.