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From Allegheny's Vice President for Enrollment and Communications Scott Friedhoff
On the failure to include a complete Cost of Attendance in the letter Allegheny accompanies the letter with a packet that includes information on estimated costs for books, transportation, and other expeneses. Friedhoff says Allegheny's estimate of $2,500 for those "indirect costs" is lower than the College Board's average of $3,100 because Allegheny is in a comparatively low-cost area. Students in Meadville, Pa., don't have the same costs as, say, students in New York City, he says.
On the explanation of loan interest Friedhoff said they were simply trying to explain to students why their total debts upon graduation could be higher than the amount they originally borrowed. But he said they would consider redrafting that part of the letter to make it clear that students don't have to make payments on federal education loans until they leave school.
Comments by graders (who did not know the name of the school when they analyzed the letter)
Clarity Lucie Lapovsky, former president of Mercy College, thought the explanation of loans was clear. Joe Case, director of financial aid at Amherst College, worried that students might mistakenly conclude that they have to make payments while they are in school.
Cost When estimating how much it will cost to get a degree from this school, consider that 70 percent of Allegheny students graduate in four years.