Graduate from Community College Earlier By Paying More

The tide has turned in federal financial aid – and students will be the benefactors. The newly minted U.S. Department of Education’s Direct Loan Program will now administer federal financial aid, cutting out the middlemen banks that once profited from doling out these funds to students.

Amidst all of the changes, “student loans are in transition, and those who use them need to pay particular attention right now as the U.S. Department of Education's Direct Loan Program takes responsibility for lending,” The Daily Press sagely advises.

Make sure that you are taking the right steps to apply for and manage your community college financial aid, using this article as your guide.

Financial Aid & the Federal Government: Overview of New Legislation

According to the New York Times, President Obama recently passed legislation that allows the Department of Education to directly provide students with financial aid loans. This new law eliminates any fees paid to private banks, as banks will no longer serve as intermediary parties between students and their access to college loans. Without banks acting as middlemen, an estimated $6 to $7 billion dollars of federal money will be saved annually, benefiting the government, taxpayers, and students, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

As outlined by the legislation, as of July 2014, students set to borrow money for college will be permitted to, “cap repayments at 10 percent of income above a basic living allowance,

Dormitories were once typically reserved for students attending university campuses, but more community colleges have begun opening dorms for their students. The inclusion of dorms on some community college campuses is garnering much attention, as well as surprising tension. While many assert that dorms for community college campuses provide greater conveniences for their students, others argue that the dorms should only be reserved for university campuses.

The Demand for Dormitory Living

According to the Los Angeles Times, the rising cost of tuition at many universities is pushing a larger number of students towards the more affordable degree pathways provided by community colleges. Given these increasing enrollment numbers, many community colleges are looking for ways to accommodate the growing ranks of students, and dormitories are becoming a popular solution.

Speaking on this latest development is Karen Kent from the American Association of Community Colleges in Washington D.C., “We do think it's a trend for more community colleges to provide residential housing for students.” Indeed, this trend is undeniable, as schools in Texas, Minnesota, Florida, and Washington are already completing the construction of dorms on select community college campuses.

Experts predict that California’s community colleges may be among the most popular campus locations for new dormitory construction, given the immense numbers of students enrolled on these campuses. In fact, 11 of the state’s community colleges already provide dormitories for their students. Currently, an estimated 2.8 million students are enrolled in the 110 community colleges of California, and the

Earning a bachelor’s business degree can pay off in dividends, with staff accountants generating $40,000 annually to financial controllers earning a median salary of $70,000. If you are a community college student considering a business career, there’s good news on the horizon! Some of America’s best business programs have partnered with local community colleges, offering transfer students guaranteed admissions into business schools at four-year universities.

This video explains how to transfer from a community college to a four year college.

Building Bridges Between Community Colleges and Business Schools

Across the country, more community colleges and business schools are signing articulation agreements, guaranteeing admissions for transfer students who meet the requirements.

For example, in Westminster, Maryland, Carroll Community College (CCC) signed a transfer agreement with Johns Hopkins University’s Carey Business School in November of 2009. The agreement “assures that qualified community college students can enter Johns Hopkins without the loss of credit and work on a four-year degree while entering with junior status.” With this agreement, community college students at Carroll have a specific outline regarding which courses to take and how they will transfer toward a B.S. Business.

In addition, through this agreement, students of Carroll Community College who intend to pursue a degree with the Carey Business School can access joint programs, resources, and advisors.

According to CCC’s dean of Mathematics, Business, and Sciences, Judy Coen, “The new agreement indicates a

After faithfully serving our country, members of the armed forces may contemplate their next career move. If you are considering attending a community college to further your training and education, you are in store for good financial news! There are a variety of programs and scholarships specifically designed to help fund veterans pursuing higher education.

Federal Funding for Veterans

Before you enroll in a community college, it is important to verify that the campus qualifies for veterans assistance. For example, Kennebec Valley Community College in Maine has received approval from the Maine State Approving Agency for Veterans Educations Programs, which qualifies their veteran students to receive aid under the GI Bill. You can always contact the financial aid office at the community college you are considering to verify that they are eligible for funding from the GI Bill.

The federal government provides many funding opportunities for veterans looking to further their education. Some of the programs include the Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty, the Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve, as well as the Reserve Education Assistance Program. However, depending upon your eligibility, the Post 9/11 GI Bill may be the best option. To compare which program would be ideal for you, utilize the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Benefits Comparison Tool.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill is specifically available to veterans who served for at least 90 days on or after September 11, 2001, and received an honorable discharge. This