UT Joins Coalition for Access, Affordability and Success

The University of Tampa has joined more than 100 colleges and universities as part of the Coalition for Access, Affordability and Success.

The coalition was founded on principal values, beliefs and extensive research to improve the college application process for all students. Members of the coalition include a diverse group of public and private universities that provide substantial support to lower-resourced and under-represented students, offer responsible student financial aid support and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.

UT was invited to join the coalition based upon numerous criteria demonstrating its affordability (low graduate loans rates and significant high-need population), access (high minority population) and success (high graduation rate, above 60 percent). The University of Florida, Stetson University and Florida State University are the only other Florida-based institutions that are members of the coalition.

“UT was founded to provide access to higher education for Tampa-area students, and our participation in the coalition continues that commitment to disadvantaged students,” said Dennis Nostrand, vice president for enrollment.

Approximately 92 percent of all UT students receive aid, and UT annually offers more than $60 million in institutional aid. UT will accept the coalition application for admission beginning this fall.

Annie Reznik, executive director of the Coalition for Access, Affordability and Success, said that expanding membership creates the potential for outreach efforts to have a broader impact. “We are thrilled to be able to collaborate with UT to improve college access,” she said.

The mobile-friendly coalition application includes a suite of online college planning tools — completely free of charge for all high school students — which supports collaborative early engagement outreach efforts by member colleges.

More information about the Coalition for Access, Affordability and Success, including a complete list of members, can be found at www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org.