Creighton University Enhances the Student Experience with Tuition Insurance

Given the rising cost of college, Creighton University sought new ways to help students and families protect their investment. That’s when Andrea Bashara, Associate Director of Student Accounts, and her colleagues discovered GradGuard Tuition Insurance.

Creighton implemented the program just before the spring semester. The first semester involved just putting a link on the school’s website. By the following fall, Creighton launched a full campus-wide awareness effort. Departments across student affairs, admissions, and financial aid helped inform students and families. 

“We just told them, ‘This is what’s happening,’” Bashara said.

A key factor for Creighton was that staff wouldn’t be expected to “sell” insurance. 

“Our plates are too full,” Bashara explained. Instead, students are directed to GradGuard directly. “We give out the phone number, and families call if they have questions. It works out really well.”

For schools that partner with GradGuard, there is no expectation on the school administrators to be "selling insurance." The programs are opt-in student benefits that families can take advantage of if they want or need to.

Integration was quick and simple and involved just a couple of meetings. GradGuard Tuition Insurance is now embedded in Creighton’s online bill pay system, while renters insurance is integrated in the housing software.

The program has been well-received, especially by first-year and transfer families. “There’s a peace of mind,” said Bashara. “We are very subtle and only hear positive feedback.”

BOTTOM LINE

With no cost to the school, easy integration, and clear communication, Creighton empowers students to protect their college investment without adding to staff workloads.

“I do think there's a peace of mind, especially for freshmen families,” Bashara said.

GradGuard's Renters Program promotes financial literacy by helping schools disclose resident liability for damages they may cause & providing an active choice for residents to protect themselves.