Free Community College

[ss20ts]

I think making community college extremely affordable would be sufficient.  I’m not sure about Free.  People tend to take “free” things for granted.  Although, kids in Ohio have the opportunity for dual credit classes starting in 7th grade. The class is free... as long as you pass. If you fail or drop it, then you pay.  So far, my son has not taken advantage of this opportunity. He’s in 8th grade now. But I really hope he does some before he graduates.

What's extremely affordable? What's extremely affordable to Bob, Steve, Sally, and Jane are all completely different figures. Community college tuition and fees varies drastically from state to state as well. What's "affordable" in Manhattan is going to be totally different than what's affordable in Buffalo or Boonville (a tiny town in the Adirondack mountains). Now compare this to Hawaii or Texas or Minnesota. You'll end up with totally different figures.

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People don't go to CC when the per-credit cost is low because the textbooks are still outrageously expensive.

No joke. I have a class I'm taking at LSU and my textbook is $207! 

Community colleges don't just have tuition. They also have fees. Some programs have fees as high as tuition - student government, health services, parking, lab fees, university system fees, computer fees, the dean needs a haircut fee, etc. 

There's also transportation issues for many people especially lower income people. They all don't own a car to get to the college. Many have to work and can't take classes when they're offered. There's a whole list of reasons why people don't attend college. Sure there's online learning but this isn't for everyone. Many people need someone to lead them step by step through learning something new. We all don't have great high schools who are truly preparing us for college and the world. Many people have also been out of high school for many years and feel like they'd be starting their education completely over and just don't have the time or energy for it.