Access and Affordability at Washington’s Independent Colleges Fall Counselor Workshops 2008

1. Access and Affordabilityat Washington’s Independent Colleges Fall Counselor Workshops 2008 Gonzaga University Heritage University Pacific Lutheran University Saint Martin’s University Seattle Pacific University Seattle University University of Puget Sound Walla Walla University Whitman College Whitworth University

2. Planning Calendars • Financial Aid • Letters of Recommendation • Resumes • Essays • Standardized Tests • Choosing the Right School Gonzaga University Heritage University Pacific Lutheran University Saint Martin’s University Seattle Pacific University Seattle University University of Puget Sound Walla Walla University Whitman College Whitworth University

3. ICW Gonzaga University Heritage University Pacific Lutheran University Saint Martin’s University Seattle Pacific University Seattle University University of Puget Sound Walla Walla University Whitman College Whitworth University

4. Independent College Students By the numbers… Enrollment 39,000 Washington residents 66% Diverse enrollment 22%(about the same at state colleges) Transfer students 25%(of new students) State Need Grant recipients 1 in 4 Pell Grant recipients 1 in 4 Gonzaga University Heritage University Pacific Lutheran University Saint Martin’s University Seattle Pacific University Seattle University University of Puget Sound Walla Walla University Whitman College Whitworth University

5. Successful Students • ICW member colleges award 25% of baccalaureate and higher degrees in the state • Nearly 80% of students who graduate do • so in 4 years • Low-income and diverse students graduate at the same rate as other students • More than one-third of teaching and nursing degrees awarded in the state are from ICW member colleges • More than 80% of classes have fewer than 30 students Gonzaga University Heritage University Pacific Lutheran University Saint Martin’s University Seattle Pacific University Seattle University University of Puget Sound Walla Walla University Whitman College Whitworth University

6. Financial Aid Facts • 90% of students receive financial aid • Nearly 80% of aid is awarded based on need Gonzaga University Heritage University Pacific Lutheran University Saint Martin’s University Seattle Pacific University Seattle University University of Puget Sound Walla Walla University Whitman College Whitworth University

7. Each College is Unique • Applications to independent colleges are reviewed holistically • Admission criteria differ • Urban and rural campuses • Large (7,000 students) and small (1,200 students) • Liberal arts and sciences and professional degrees Gonzaga University Heritage University Pacific Lutheran University Saint Martin’s University Seattle Pacific University Seattle University University of Puget Sound Walla Walla University Whitman College Whitworth University

8. Gonzaga University • Gonzaga University, one of 28 Jesuit Universities, sits on 124 acres along the Spokane River, in the center of Spokane. • GU emphasizes Academic Excellence, Leadership Development and Community Service by developing “Men and Women for Others.” • In the 2007-08 year, GU students contributed 120,000 hours of service locally, nationally and internationally. • While boasting a student faculty ratio of 11:1 and an average class size of 22, GU also boasts incredible research opportunities for undergraduates. • Prospective Zags should take a challenging course load throughout high school – senior year coursework is important! Gonzaga University Heritage University Pacific Lutheran University Saint Martin’s University Seattle Pacific University Seattle University University of Puget Sound Walla Walla University Whitman College Whitworth University

10. University of Puget Sound Puget Sound is a national residential liberal arts college devoted to: Academic Excellence Our Slater Museum of Natural History, home to one of the largest collections of natural artifacts in Washington State, has a new home in our renovated and expanded science complex. Global Focus Through our new interdisciplinary emphasis in Global Development Studies, our students can now explore the philosophical, empirical, and political dimensions of global development. Environmental Responsibility Our new Live Green House, designed to meet LEED gold certification standards, is an environmentally friendly student residence and learning center for the greater community. Civic Engagement In the past year, Tacoma has honored the university and our faculty with awards for Poet Laureate, Tacoma Green Partnership, and Community Partner of the Year, recognizing our commitment to outreach, research, and service within the community.

12. Gonzaga University Heritage University Pacific Lutheran University Saint Martin’s University Seattle Pacific University Seattle University University of Puget Sound Walla Walla University Whitman College Whitworth University