02-07-2017, 11:58 AM
I'm always sad when I see promotion of free community college. Why? Glad you asked. 
Because community college tuition is already tax-funded and open enrollment. For those that are very poor, a Pell Grant will pay most of or all of their tuition for a full degree. For those working part time or attending college part time, attending the CC in your district is generally something you can cash-flow. The average for US is sitting at about $100/cr. So even if you don't qualify for a Pell Grant, or scholarships, or employer reimbursement, or work-study programs, a student loan (one loan- not one per year) will cover it all.
So, since it's open enrollment, academic merit is not a barrier to admission. CCs have a full suite of tutoring and learning services- certainly more than your average 4 year school. So, if you CAN do the work, you will be able to.
Cost is not a barrier to admission or completion. Yet, community college graduation rates are around 13% depending on whose stats you review. Yes, I know, not everyone who takes classes intends on graduating......So, tell me then, why anyone other than the student should pick up the cost for someone that doesn't even intend to graduate?
The better return on investment would be to pay for courses at the 300/400 level. That group has already demonstrated motivation and worthiness. If you really REALLY want the best ROI, let's drop tuition for grad school.
Because community college tuition is already tax-funded and open enrollment. For those that are very poor, a Pell Grant will pay most of or all of their tuition for a full degree. For those working part time or attending college part time, attending the CC in your district is generally something you can cash-flow. The average for US is sitting at about $100/cr. So even if you don't qualify for a Pell Grant, or scholarships, or employer reimbursement, or work-study programs, a student loan (one loan- not one per year) will cover it all.So, since it's open enrollment, academic merit is not a barrier to admission. CCs have a full suite of tutoring and learning services- certainly more than your average 4 year school. So, if you CAN do the work, you will be able to.
Cost is not a barrier to admission or completion. Yet, community college graduation rates are around 13% depending on whose stats you review. Yes, I know, not everyone who takes classes intends on graduating......So, tell me then, why anyone other than the student should pick up the cost for someone that doesn't even intend to graduate?
The better return on investment would be to pay for courses at the 300/400 level. That group has already demonstrated motivation and worthiness. If you really REALLY want the best ROI, let's drop tuition for grad school.
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