Brandman University's Graduation and Student Loan Default Rates Demonstrate High-Quality Option for Firefighters Seeking a College Degree
to undergraduate degree and career advancement
IRVINE, Calif. -- July 7, 2011 -- California State Firefighters' Association (CSFA) and Brandman University announced in January an exclusive relationship to offer a bachelors of arts in applied studies (BAAS) developed specifically for California's firefighting community. CSFA members who pursue this degree will enjoy a tuition discount valued at approximately $900 per course. A significant feature of the BAAS is a comprehensive review of students' existing community college and other fire technology units as credit toward the degree, along with the flexibility and efficiency of a year-round schedule.
 Pictured above: Estella Chavous, MBA, Brandman University Director of Strategic Business Development, Southern California Region, poses with Blaze at Firehouse World. |
But while the program's flexibility and affordability are well-suited to firefighters, what criteria can be applied to measure the quality of a university? First and foremost, a university should have regional accreditation. Brandman University, a private, regionally accredited, non-profit higher education institution serving working professionals, is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). It is also important to look beyond accreditation. An accurate gauge of a university's quality is its completion, or graduation rate, and rate of student loan default. Brandman reports a 68.7 percent graduation rate* and a student-loan default rate of 2.3 percent**, significantly lower than the national loan default average of 7.0 percent**.
These rates are on par with California's prestigious state university system and surpass the outcomes of many for-profit institutions, which have faced intense scrutiny for low graduation rates and high student loan default rates. The U.S. Department of Education reports an 11.6 percent average loan default rate at for-profit institutions, with some individual default rates higher than 30 percent. New regulations will penalize schools graduating students with heavy debt loads and poor job prospects. However, viable quality higher education options, such as Brandman University, are successfully serving the fast-growing population of adult students who must balance professional and personal responsibilities while advancing their education.
"With the intense focus and media attention on for-profit universities' graduation and loan-default rates, people working full-time may believe there are no quality educational options that offer the flexibility they need," said Gary Brahm, chancellor of Brandman University. "As a not-for-profit institution, our mission is our students' success, and our high graduation rates and low loan default rates are proof that a quality education can be effectively delivered on campus or online to a diverse student body. "
Founded in 1958 and formerly known as Chapman University College, Brandman University is part of the prestigious Chapman University System and provides high-quality, innovative degree programs for working professionals. By blending Chapman University's heritage of academic excellence with specialized student services and flexible curriculum delivery, Brandman is a highly regarded option for working professionals and community college transfers seeking meaningful degrees
with a reputation for quality. The university also provides an affordable private education alternative for students unable to obtain the classes they need to graduate in state university systems and public institutions.
*Brandman's graduation rates are based on a four-year average of transfer student cohorts beginning Fall 1999-2002 and graduating within six years. For more information please view the Brandman University Annual Graduation/Completion Rate Report at www.brandman.edu/sources.
**Chapman University's loan default rate is 1.8 percent. As part of the Chapman University System, Brandman University students are included in this calculation. A study of Brandman-only students shows the default rate to be 2.3 percent. The FY 2008 national cohort default rate reported by the US Department of Education is 7.0 percent. For more information visit www.brandman.edu/sources.
About Brandman University
Brandman University is a private, non-profit institution accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Established in 1958 and a part of the Chapman University System, Brandman blends a legacy of academic excellence with progressive, innovative curriculum and strong support services designed for working professionals. The university serves more than 10,000 students annually in 200-plus undergraduate and graduate degree, certificate, credential and professional development programs in arts and sciences, business, education and health, both offered online and through 26 campuses in California and Washington. For more information, visit www.brandman.edu.
Media Contacts:
Rita Wilds, for Brandman University
949-341-9941
rwilds@brandman.edu
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