Distance education and the financial aid process: A college student's perspective

This qualitative case study examined distance education students' perceptions of the financial aid process. The study involved three groups of students from three different types of higher education institutions. Each of the institutions administered a different type of distance education program. The types were satellite campuses, branch campus and an online institution. Students participated in one-hour focus group discussions where they answered the following questions: What are some specific perceptions of the financial aid process as seen from the perspective of students who learn at a distance? As a participant in the financial process through online, satellite campus or adult evening studies program, what are your perceptions? Does participation in the financial aid process enable distance education students to have independence in making financial decisions? Responses were compared and triangulated for common themes and analysis. The responses showed that distance education students' perceptions of the financial aid process were favorable; however, distance education students felt that additional supports should be in place for them. For satellite or branch campuses, distance learners perceived themselves being disconnected from the main campus. Online distance education students perceived their modality as being convenient; yet, having a personal touch to back up service delivery would be beneficial to the financial aid process. All students responded that accessing the financial aid process as a distance education student made them feel independent in making financial decisions.