Summary
This case study details how the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) improved its financial aid operations through the implementation of Ellucian platforms. Prior to this partnership, the financial aid office faced significant challenges, including confusion, errors, and lengthy processing times for aid applications. The manual review process was cumbersome, leading to delays and a lack of clarity for students and parents regarding their financial aid packages. The introduction of Student Forms and Campus Communicator in 2019 transformed these processes by allowing secure online submissions and real-time tracking, which significantly reduced errors and improved processing times. As a result, the department now consistently meets its 7-day processing goal, with 58% of documents reviewed before the semester begins. Additionally, the open rate for communications has increased to 87%, enhancing student engagement. Overall, these changes have contributed to improved enrollment and retention rates, demonstrating the effectiveness of the new systems in supporting student financial success.
