2009-2014

According to a recent press release from the College Board, the cost of college courses during the 2008-2009 school year did not rise faster than the Consumer Price Index. As reporter Kim Clark from the US News and Report reports, “In the academic year starting in the fall of 2008, for the first time in six years, most college prices rose by less than inflation. Even better: After subtracting out the typical amount of scholarships and tax breaks, the average community college student paid only $101 for a year's worth of classes, down from $122 last year.”

Although the dwindling economy poses new struggles for academic institutions and students, the silver lining may be seen more clearly as the analysis of tuition hikes and the rate of inflation is evaluated.

This video reports on one student's experience with attending community college for free.

How to Handle Potential Tuition Increases

Investigating Reports

Although the rise in college costs poses challenges to students and families, Gaston Caperton, the College Board President, asserts that understanding “information in the trends reports will help families to make better educational decisions.” As Gaston further reveals, “‘A college education is the passport to opportunity and success in today’s global economy. In this time of financial uncertainty, it is essential that students and families have the most up-to-date information on the true costs associated with making this important investment in their future.’”

Caperton

Certain events have unexpected results. The tragic events of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina have unexpectedly affected community colleges throughout the United States. Such moments in American history showed the power of, and the necessity for, strong communities, and that is why community colleges around the nation have developed some of the most significant first responder training programs ever seen.

Although it is an easy idea to overlook, the community aspect of community college, it is just as important as the college part. Ever since their inception, community colleges were expected to support and grow with the community they serve. Even today, the teachers, the students, the administration – and of course the programs – are all part of the community where the community college is found. They are friends, neighbors, even family.

Thus, it is no surprise that when the community needs help, the community college is one of the first to offer aid. And when our national community needed help, the community colleges created first-rate first responder programs, all with the goal of strengthening our Homeland Security.

This video explains the purpose and function of the Department of Homeland Security.

Expanding the Programs

After September 11^th and Hurricane Katrina, the nation’s community colleges initiated significant changes in their first responder programs. Some of the newer aspects of their Homeland Security goals included:

• Participating in national initiatives, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency

With the dramatically rising tuition costs, many families are turning towards the financially savvy decision of starting on the higher education path first at a two-year community college. Many public and private universities have articulation agreements with local community colleges. Therefore, attending a community college for two years before transferring to a four-year institution can save significant money – while still providing you with an excellent bachelor's degree.

According to the College Board, for the 2007 – 2008 school year, community colleges' average tuition and fees were $2,360. This is in contrast to $6,185 at a public four-year institution or $23,712 for a private four-year institution.

This video looks at ways you can lower college costs.

Calculating the specific academic savings

For example, let us calculate the savings if you begin your academic career at Pasadena City College, which has articulation transfer agreements with the public UC campuses and the private University of Southern California.

If you are a resident of California and attend Pasadena City College full-time, which is based upon 12 units, then you have the following annual academic costs:

- Tuition and Fees: $508

- Books and school supplies: $1500

In contrast, at the private University of Southern California, you have the following full-time annual academic costs:

- Tuition and fees: $30,850

- Books: $1,000

At a public University of California campus, the annual full-time academic costs for a California