Alumna Rebecca Schreiber is helping to have an impact in expanding access to legal education.
She earned a Master of Education in Higher Education from Penn State World Campus in 2024 and is helping reshape how financial aid can support broader access and opportunity within the legal profession.
Now serving as assistant dean of admissions and financial aid at Penn State Dickinson Law, Schreiber was recently recognized with the 2025 Financial Aid Change-Maker Award from the Association of American Law Schools for her work advancing equity and innovation in financial aid.
Learn more about Schreiber’s work in this Q&A.
What made Penn State World Campus the right choice for your graduate education?
Penn State World Campus offered exactly what I needed at that point in my life — enrollment flexibility within an academically challenging program. As a full-time professional and single parent, I needed a program that I could navigate on my own timeline.
At the same time, I wanted to be confident that I was receiving a rigorous and respected education. World Campus provided both. Thanks to its strong reputation and established online learning environment, I trusted that I would be supported academically, even as I managed personal and professional responsibilities.
How did the flexibility of World Campus shape your experience?
The flexibility was essential to my success. I took one course at a time over several years, which allowed me to balance work, parenting, and school in a sustainable way. It also gave me the opportunity to fully engage with each class rather than feeling overwhelmed.
That structure made it possible for me to complete my degree without taking on additional debt, which was very important to me. The ability to progress at my own pace made the entire experience both manageable and meaningful.
How did the curriculum prepare you for your current role?
The curriculum gave me both practical skills and a broader perspective on higher education. Courses in institutional research strengthened my ability to work with data and make informed decisions, while other courses introduced me to student development and leadership theory.
Together, these experiences helped me better understand how to support students and contribute to institutional goals. I use those skills and insights every day in my work.
Were there any projects or areas of focus that had a lasting impact on your work?
Yes, many of my projects focused on the intersection of financial aid, equity, and access to higher education.
I explored these themes through different formats, including presentations and creative assignments, which eventually informed my capstone thesis. That work continues to influence how I approach my role today, particularly in thinking about how financial aid policies can expand opportunities for students.
In several projects, I also had the opportunity to analyze data sets and use my analysis to make data-informed enrollment management decisions. Those experiences became blueprints for my current role leading an admissions office. Such experiences also prepared me for a competitive fellowship with the Urban Institute, which led to my inaugural first author publication and opportunities to present to national audiences.
How did your World Campus experience contribute to your professional growth?
My experience with World Campus directly supported my professional development. It helped me build the knowledge and confidence needed to take on greater leadership responsibilities.
I credit the program with preparing me for my transition into a more strategic role and ultimately for my promotion to assistant dean. It allowed me to align my academic learning with my professional goals in a very intentional way.
This Q&A is part of “40k alumni: 40 stories celebrating 40,000 graduates,” a series marking the milestone of more than 40,000 Penn Staters earning their degrees online through Penn State World Campus.