Phoenix, AZ, United States, Aug 31, 2016 -- As students’ report to college this year, families are advised to take note that the growth in student health incidents & low awareness of college refund policies create a precarious position for college families who are investing thousands of dollars in a higher education.
The American College Health Association National College Health Assessment from 2010 – 2015 reports a dramatic growth in student reported incidents of the following illnesses.
According to John Fees, co-founder of GradGuard, an authority in protecting the investment of college students and their families in higher education, “families are often aware that their college student may be vulnerable to the stress of college life but it is important to note that ordinary student health problems such as a mononucleosis, chronic health conditions or injuries also may force a student to withdraw from classes and cost a student and their family thousands of dollars.
Supporting a college student through an unexpected event can be stressful and it is made worse if parents are not aware of the college refund policy. A 2016 survey by College Parents of America indicates 71% of parents do not recall being informed of the university refund policy and 67% of parents surveyed indicate that they have no idea how the school would handle a refund if their student was unable to complete classes.
In fact, in a 2015 national survey of college & university bursars & health administrators, only 23% of schools reported providing 100% refunds. According to the survey, most schools only refund a portion of tuition for qualified withdrawals through the fifth week of classes and virtually no school provides a refund for the academic fees.
Fees suggests that “there is no large purchase, other than the investment families make in higher education, where the terms and conditions of a purchase are so poorly disclosed to consumers. Given the rising cost of college and increase in student health issues it is important for families to ask three questions:
1. Does the college provide 100% refunds for medical withdrawals?
2. If not, what is the potential financial loss?
3. When does college start? Remember that tuition insurance can only be purchased prior to the start of classes.
Starting at $29.00, tuition insurance can be an affordable form of protection for college students and families. Coverage and pricing may differ by school so check with the college or university or at GradGuard.com to find coverage that will protect the tuition and academic fees paid for college.
Fees concludes that “for most college parents, college is the 1st or 2nd largest investment in their family financial life. As a result, it is a smart move to know your college refund policy and to consider protecting your student with tuition insurance.”
About GradGuard:
GradGuard, a service of Next Generation Insurance Group, which is an authority in protecting college students and their families. GradGuard’s tuition and renters insurance programs are valuable student benefits available through nearly 200 colleges and universities. Since 2008, GradGuard’s insurance programs have protected more than 600,000 students and families. Follow @GradGuard
Contact:
John Fees
GradGuard
5080 N. 40th Street Suite 105
Phoenix, AZ
6029546306
jtfees@nextgenins.com
