Financial support evaluation - understanding the impact and effectiveness of financial support on undergraduate students at Anglia Ruskin University

— May 2024
This Evaluation was conducted by the SP&P Strategic Planning and Performance team at ARU.

Author: Bilal Hazzouri, Impact Evaluation Analyst.

With support from Dr Simon Pratt-Adams and Prof Denise Hawkes.

Introduction

The report assesses the impact and effectiveness of financial support on undergraduate students at Anglia Ruskin University, with significant attention placed on the ARU Bursary. This Type 02 evaluation studies how financial support impacts the students' economic and social situation and how that could affect their academic performance, general well-being, and university experience. The highest standards of research integrity were ensured through keen and rigorous compliance with ethical considerations and strict measures for data protection.

Key findings

1. Main funding sources

Personal sources

  • Term-time earnings: 48%
  • Borrowing: 40%
  • Holiday earnings: 32%

Non-personal sources

    • Government tuition fee loan
    • Government maintenance loan
    • Bursaries/scholarships

    2. Importance of financial support

    • Over 70% of students find financial support crucial for continuing their studies.
    • Particularly (Very important & important) for mature students (72%), students with disabilities (72%) and Care leavers (91%)

    3. Prior knowledge of financial support

    Prior knowledge of financial support eligibility

    • Yes: 30%
    • No: 53%
    • Unsure: 17%

    4. Impact on well-being and academic performance

    • 66% would struggle with living costs without support
    • 75% feel financial aid helps them participate in university life
    • 74% experience reduced anxiety due to financial support
    • 72% report it helps balance work, study, and family commitments
    • 60% feel it enhances their sense of belonging to the university
    "It helps reduce the stress of working and studying simultaneously. With the support available, students can concentrate on their studies and achieve better results." — A mature male student with no known disability.     

    5. Student employment patterns

    • 59% engaged in paid work unrelated to their courses
    • 85% worked during vacation periods like Christmas and Easter
    • 47% worked over 16 hours per week during term time
    • 96% worked to cover essential living costs
    "Economically, it relieves me of some stress because I don't have to worry so much about working extra shifts. This positively impacts my academics because I'm not as stressed and can have some free time for socialising." — A mature female student with No known Disability

    6. Factors influencing choice of ARU

    1. Personal passion for their field.
    2. Career prospects and job opportunities.
    3. Recommendations from family and friends.
    4. ARU's reputation and location convenience.