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Economy down, community college enrollment up
Community colleges grow due to lag in economy
Marco Gavrancic
Issue date: 10/22/08 Section: News
Due to the sluggish economy, more students are stretching education dollars by enrolling at Richland and other community colleges throughout the state of Texas.
A growing number of high achievers are choosing to attend community colleges over four-year universities right out of high school.
"Though full national figures for the 2007-08 academic year are not yet available and most colleges only have estimates for their enrollments this fall, many colleges are projecting increases of around 10 percent over last fall," the study said (www.insidehighered.com).A growing number of high achievers are choosing to attend community colleges over four-year universities right out of high school.
During the 2006-07 academic year, 6.2 million students were enrolled in the country's 1,045 community colleges, 35 percent of all post-secondary pupils that year, according to a new National Center for Education Statistics study.
Some Richland students say the economy is the driving force behind the trend.
"Money goes a long way when attending a community college because you can spend money on classes and still save some on other things," said James Jones, a student who attends night classes.
According to a study done on projected job growth and college education, nearly 35 percent of the new job growth that is expected during the 10-year projection period is likely to occur among jobs requiring college degrees.
But rises in tuition costs are making it increasingly difficult for the average student to receive an education.
An analysis of tuition rates among community college and four-year universities done by the National Center for Education Statistics found that in the 2006-07 school year, the average annual tuition and fees for a full-time, in-state student attending a community college were $2,017.
The average annual tuition and fees at public four-year colleges and universities for full-time, in-state students was $5,685, and the average annual tuition and fees at private four-year colleges and universities average $20,492 per year.
"Going to community college allows me to attend night school and work during the day. That way I can make more money than I would otherwise at a university," Jones said.
Even without football programs, the Dallas County College District has grown into the state's largest undergraduate institution, with more than 64,000 credit and 25,000 continuing education students.
Richland's diverse campus consists of students coming from high schools enrolled in dual credit programs, adults updating their training or learning new skills for a different career, first-time college students, non-traditional students, and seniors who continue lifelong learning through new programs.
Choosing a community college over a university is a cheaper, effective way to achieve one's goals. If students need another incentive, many grants and programs that provide funds for tuition, training, advising, and financial aid are available.
A growing number of high achievers are choosing to attend community colleges over four-year universities right out of high school.
"Though full national figures for the 2007-08 academic year are not yet available and most colleges only have estimates for their enrollments this fall, many colleges are projecting increases of around 10 percent over last fall," the study said (www.insidehighered.com).A growing number of high achievers are choosing to attend community colleges over four-year universities right out of high school.
During the 2006-07 academic year, 6.2 million students were enrolled in the country's 1,045 community colleges, 35 percent of all post-secondary pupils that year, according to a new National Center for Education Statistics study.
Some Richland students say the economy is the driving force behind the trend.
"Money goes a long way when attending a community college because you can spend money on classes and still save some on other things," said James Jones, a student who attends night classes.
According to a study done on projected job growth and college education, nearly 35 percent of the new job growth that is expected during the 10-year projection period is likely to occur among jobs requiring college degrees.
But rises in tuition costs are making it increasingly difficult for the average student to receive an education.
An analysis of tuition rates among community college and four-year universities done by the National Center for Education Statistics found that in the 2006-07 school year, the average annual tuition and fees for a full-time, in-state student attending a community college were $2,017.
The average annual tuition and fees at public four-year colleges and universities for full-time, in-state students was $5,685, and the average annual tuition and fees at private four-year colleges and universities average $20,492 per year.
"Going to community college allows me to attend night school and work during the day. That way I can make more money than I would otherwise at a university," Jones said.
Even without football programs, the Dallas County College District has grown into the state's largest undergraduate institution, with more than 64,000 credit and 25,000 continuing education students.
Richland's diverse campus consists of students coming from high schools enrolled in dual credit programs, adults updating their training or learning new skills for a different career, first-time college students, non-traditional students, and seniors who continue lifelong learning through new programs.
Choosing a community college over a university is a cheaper, effective way to achieve one's goals. If students need another incentive, many grants and programs that provide funds for tuition, training, advising, and financial aid are available.
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