When it comes to higher education, community colleges haven’t enjoyed a great deal of admiration from the educational community. In days where having a four-year-degree is pretty much mandatory for business and a masters degree is even better, two-year colleges aren’t usually seen as the first choice for many students. But that perception is changing.
Community colleges are gaining in popularity presently, and both students and parents are seeing the benefit of these colleges. The Associated Press is reporting an increase of community college enrollment of 8 percent this past fall.
Why the change? Well in theory, it is probably related to the economy. With soaring college costs, a local community college can be a great start, even if you plan to get that Bachelor’s degree afterward. The lower cost of these community colleges makes a degree more affordable.
The goal with community colleges is hopefully to offer a stepping off point for students who can then go on to finish out a 4-year degree.
Unfortunately, while the economy may be fueling more enrollment at community colleges, it will also have a negative impact. There are many sharp funding cuts of state money that would normally have been used to pay for many of these programs. That means that while more students have a need for the community college, there is less funding available to accommodate them.
In addition, lenders are more hesitant to fund student loans, so independent financing may be more difficult to achieve.
The Gates Foundation has been active in this issue, and many low-income students may qualify for grants. One proposition on the table is to use financial aid as a motivator to students to complete their degrees. In other words, financial aid may be tilted toward that completion.
What do you think of this issue?
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