Arizona Community Colleges Defunded: What Students Need to Know

Most college students want to spend their winter, spring, and summer breaks relaxing and having fun with friends and family. However, the grind of going to class, doing homework, and studying for tests can take its toll as the semester goes on. However, for students who wish to get ahead, those who need to make up some credits because of a bad grade here and there, or those who have work or family obligations, taking courses during these breaks is a smart choice.

Many community colleges recognize the appeal of taking courses while regular classes are not in session. Summer courses are the most popular, with many community colleges offering just as many classes during the summer session as they do during the regular school year. Some community colleges have seen double-digit increases in summer enrollment over the last few years, fueling an ongoing expansion of course schedules to accommodate increasing demand. However, many colleges also offer courses during shorter breaks, particularly during spring and winter.

In recent years, colleges nationwide have also begun offering alternative options for earning college credit. Some schools have opened pathways for students to receive credit for their experiences at what they've accomplished in life. Other institutions allow students to test out of specific courses instead of enrolling in higher-level classes. Still, other colleges offer college credit to students who perform community service or study abroad. In short, community colleges offer their students a broad array of possibilities for earning credits and earning

So you want to go to college but can’t afford it. Perhaps you don’t want to take out loans that will take decades to pay off. Or maybe you don’t think you’d get many (or any) scholarships or grants because your grades are good enough but not that great or because you make just enough money not to be considered in great financial need.

If the President has his way, none of this will matter.

In January, in his State of the Union Address, President Obama outlined a $60 billion plan to make community college free for everyone. While ‘everyone’ doesn’t actually mean everyone, the plan would still open many doors for students who may not otherwise be able to attend college.

What are the Criteria?

The criteria for a tuition-free community college under the Obama plan are straightforward. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA, which leads to a smattering of Bs and Cs – grades that most students quickly achieve. Attendance must be at least half-time, which is typically considered to be six or more credit hours each semester. That’s just two classes per semester, which is easily achievable by most students, even those who work or have other obligations outside of school. In short, students who put in the effort would get a free education.

There is, however, a third criterion. To limit the program's long-term costs, the plan would be

Heading off to college is a time filled with excitement about the future. Meeting new people, learning new things, and experiencing college life are all events that many college students look forward to. Yet, college is also an extremely stressful time. The cost of college attendance, increased academic demands, and concerns about dating, relationships, and friendships are all common factors that contribute to an increasing number of college students that report a mental health issue.

If you find yourself feeling down, anxious, or otherwise mentally unwell, you are definitely not alone. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that 44 percent of students that seek help at their college counseling center have a severe psychological issue. That’s up from just 10 percent in 2000! Most mental health issues present themselves between the ages of 18-24 as well.

The National Alliance of Mental Illness surveyed college students diagnosed with a mental health condition within the last five years, with 19% of the surveyed individuals being community colleges. Depression and bipolar disorder constituted more than 50% of the respondents' diagnoses. The results across the spectrum were:

In this article, we review several common mental health problems that community college students face, as well as solutions to help you get back on a path to good mental health.

Depression

According to research by the National Alliance on Mental Illness

Going to college represents a piece of the American dream. Students can expand their minds, learn new skills, meet new people, and enjoy intellectual, social, and cultural experiences they might otherwise not have a chance to experience. But it also represents an opportunity for students to improve themselves by preparing for employment after college.

Advantages of attending a community college

The advantages of attending a community college are numerous.

• You can graduate sooner, usually in just two years.
• The skills you acquire are often immediately applicable to the workplace, making you an attractive candidate for fast employment. Community college is much less expensive than four-year institutions, meaning that more of the money you begin to earn goes into your pocket and not towards paying off student loans.
• Many of the most in-demand jobs are those that require only an associate’s degree. An added bonus is that a number of these jobs offer excellent income potential, with starting salaries for many of these in-demand occupations in the $40,000-$50,000 range. Some jobs even offer the potential to earn a six-figure salary with just a community college degree!

The trick is to find something that you are both passionate about and that will allow you to earn a comfortable living. Unfortunately, not everyone’s passion will be in a career area that is growing quickly, or that pays well. However, if you have an interest in a job in the medical field, you are certainly in luck because