If you’re like most parents, you have some questions about the colleges your student is interested in. Here are answers to the 10 questions parents most frequently ask us about IUP. If your concern isn’t covered here, please call or email the Admissions Office so we can talk about it with you.
What sets IUP apart from other schools?
We consistently offer academic excellence at a price families can afford. That is why IUP has the distinction of being listed as one of “America’s Top Colleges” in Forbes. IUP has one of the largest internship programs in the state. The 374-acre residential campus, graced with historic buildings and towering oaks, provides a scenic backdrop for rewarding collegiate experiences. IUP attracts students of all races, from almost every state in the nation and nearly 60 countries.
Is financial aid available?
If you need financial assistance, it’s here. Every US student enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program is eligible for aid through loans, grants, scholarships, or employment. The Financial Aid Office provides financial information and counseling to all students attending IUP or interested in attending IUP.
You’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, available at the Financial Aid Office. That’s how your eligibility for federal and Pennsylvania grants and loans is determined.
If you reside out of state, you may be eligible for state grants through the state you live in. Contact your state grant agency for more information.
College Application Process: 10 Tips for Parents
- Let your child apply where he/she wants, even if it's not the school of your dreams.
- Encourage your child to take courses in high school that will allow them to explore their interests and build skills that will be helpful when they enter college.
- Organize information that you have received from the top schools that your child may be considering.
- Conduct mock interviews with your student. Practice goes a long way.
- Inquire about opportunities in high school to take Dual Enrollment or AP courses that can help to save time and money when they enroll in college.
- Encourage your child to job shadow in the field(s) that they have an interest in.
- For each college you’re considering, research the application requirements (required or recommended high school classes, subject tests, etc.).
- Proofread essays and applications.
- Schedule college visits. Look online for information about upcoming visit opportunities.
- Share feedback on campus visits.
How safe is IUP?
You’ll be glad to know that Crime at College: A Student’s Guide to Personal Safety states that IUP is located in the safest college town in Pennsylvania and in the Northeast and the fifth safest college town in the nation. Campus safety features include:
- Emergency blue-light phones throughout campus
- Mounted police bike patrol
- Residence hall safety features
- Escort service
- Crime prevention officers
- Operation ID, engraving identification numbers on personal property
- Bike registration
- Presentations on crime awareness and prevention
Curious to learn more about safety and security at IUP? Check out the campus safety information in the Parents section of the IUP website.
Will my child be lost in the crowd at IUP?
IUP is large enough for your student’s academic dreams, and small enough to feel like home. Your son or daughter will never be just another number here! IUP faculty prides itself on its passion for and focus on teaching undergraduate students, unlike some larger institutions where much instruction is done by graduate assistants. Most classrooms are small enough for professors to know students by name.
What if my student doesn’t know what to major in?
Choosing a university and a major are two of the biggest decisions in your student’s life. It’s OK to be struggling with the process of choosing a major. Many students change majors at least once and often twice in the course of their college years. At IUP, we have developed a strong network of support for students who have not yet decided on a major, so don’t fear if your child is not sure.
The Career and Professional Development Center offers resources to assist in assessing interest and abilities as students search for the best match of major and career.
Students are encouraged to select a major, but may enroll in one of the following Exploratory areas as well:
- Exploratory
- Exploratory Business
- Exploratory Teacher Education
- Exploratory Fine Arts
- Exploratory Health and Human Services
- Exploratory Humanities and Social Sciences
- Exploratory Natural Sciences and Mathematics
What are the job prospects after graduation?
All parents hope their students will find fulfillment in their adult lives. In most cases, that means finding a good job.
Despite continued challenging economic times, IUP graduates consistently secure employment and/or pursue further education. Data analysis revealed a productive rate of 91 percent for graduates of the Class of 2023, and 90 percent were employed in their field of choice.
The Career and Professional Development Center helps students in their job search by providing:
- on-campus interviews with representatives from government, industry, and business;
- individual and group career counseling;
- assistance with résumé writing and mock interviews;
- and a variety of other services.
What if my student has academic difficulties?
The University College provides free tutoring in a variety of subjects. Every student at IUP has an academic advisor, and they also have a Navigator to assist them during their time at IUP. We encourage students to contact their Navigator as soon as they suspect they need help. Their Navigator will connect your child to the resources that they need. The mission of the University College is to help undergraduate students prepare, succeed, and excel in their college curriculum. This is accomplished through a number of different programs.
What health services are provided at IUP?
The IUP Health Service provides routine primary care for many common health-related concerns. A wide variety of health education and wellness programs are provided by professionals and peer educators.
Students are seen by appointment during regular business hours. Services provided by Health Service are covered by the student health fee.
IUP requires documentation of immunization dates for all new freshman and transfer students to be on file at Health Service by the end of their first semester on campus.
What’s there to do at IUP after classes?
Plenty. Over 300 student organizations offer social and professional opportunities. Any student interested in groups related to his or her major, sports, volunteer organizations, fraternities, sororities, musical activities, publications, religion, or other interests will find them here. The campus event calendar is also full of live performances, visiting speakers, films, and art exhibits offered by the Lively Arts and other areas of campus.
When can we learn more about IUP?
We have an orientation program that brings both students and parents to campus. The purpose of orientation is twofold: to help students and parents to prepare for the adjustment to campus life, and to assess students’ academic needs.
