Pitt State waives graduate school application fee in July
Monday, July 3, 2017 2:00 AM
Alumni, News
Pittsburg, KS
Prather, who earned her undergraduate degree in 2010, spent six years as a venue director, before enrolling in Pittsburg State University’s graduate school.
“It was really the perfect time,” Prather said. “My husband and I were pregnant and moving back to Joplin. Even so, it was a big decision.”
One of the factors that played a role in her decision was the university’s application fee. At $35, the fee was an expense Prather had to consider.
“You think to yourself, ‘Do I want to spend $35 and not get in?’”, she said. “It’s a small thing, but it can be a hindrance.”
Pittsburg State is hoping to remove that barrier for its alumni by waiving the $35 application fee during the month of July for first-time graduate school applicants.
“It’s a way to give back to our alumni and remove a barrier that may keep them from applying,” said Pawan Kahol, dean of Pittsburg State’s Graduate and Continuing Studies. “While some may want to enroll in a degree program, many are just wanting to learn a new skill or advance in their current jobs. Nearly 300 of our courses are now available online which make them perfect for alums who live outside of the area. Investing in yourself is always a smart move.”
That is certainly the case for Prather, who is now just four hours away from earning her MBA from Pitt State’s Kelce College of Business. In fact, the entire experience has led Prather to consider a new career.
“Learning has been much more rewarding the second time around,” Prather said. “I understand the concepts at a deeper level than I did as an undergrad, and I love my classes. I’m now hoping I’ll be accepted into a doctorate program and then go on to teach. I’m looking forward to putting all that I’ve learned into action.”
Pittsburg State’s application fee waiver is available to first-time graduate applicants who are Pittsburg State alumni. Alumni who are interested should visit pittstate.edu/graduate for additional information.