Despite a broad potential scope, “MassReconnect” program is expected to start out small, helping around 8,000 students in its first year. But Healey presented it as part of her administration’s broader reinvestment in public higher education, after years of flat or declining state support.
So I only know the term “community college” from community. But i just always assumed since they are public that they would be free? Like what else makes them communal?
Community college is usually much cheaper than traditional 4 year college. They are only 2 years and you work towards an associate’s degree instead of a bachelor’s degree.
I went to a community college before going to a 4 year so I could accomplish all the core credit classes for cheaper and then transfer them to a 4 year.
Another benefit I enjoy from a community college is the smaller class sizes (relative to a university) when taking these core classes.
Generally in addition to purely academic programs. Community colleges will offer more practical adult education programs that don’t tie into a traditional academic pursuit.
For example the community college in my hometown SCC offered a series of courses designed to teach you how to drive a semi and prep you for your CDL. They offer a lot of those sort of programs in addition to the common Associates (2yr) degrees that can be transfered to a 4 year university if desired.
As an individual returning to school after working for 15 years, a community college was on my list with online schools (they also have an online community college, of course) as the price of it is much lower than a university. If it were free for younger folks, that would be an incredible incentive to learn a trade.
Where I live (N. Colorado), a community college’s cost can get rather steep. If you take eight credit hours, you could pay $1500+ just for the classes, and you may buy books. That’s a typical out-of-pocket for a local school here, so you may get a grant, program, or scholarship to help you, but yeah, it’s hard…