College Funding

Community colleges are coping with major budget deficits, and this section covers how students are being impacted. From local fundraising efforts to federal grants, we’ll explore how community colleges are staying afloat despite funding cuts and cost increases.

View the most popular articles in College Funding:

Are Community College Leaders Entitled to Pay Raises Amidst the Recession?

Updated
|
Are Community College Leaders Entitled to Pay Raises Amidst the Recession?
Despite budgetary cuts, some community colleges are giving their executives pay raises. Learn about the controversy and whether or not these pay raises are justified.

Are Community College Leaders Entitled to Pay Raises Amidst the Recession?

The pandemic of 2020-21 has wreaked havoc on higher education budgets worldwide. Here in the United States, while each state faces its specific economic setbacks, all community colleges have endured significant spending reductions and employee lay-offs.

According to financial experts, community colleges are the most susceptible to these budget cuts, as community college enrollment tends to soar when the economy falters. Wake Technical Community College, one of many North Carolina institutions experienced a 14 percent increase in student enrollment from just last year alone! Considering that public educational institutions subsidize the cost of teaching students, the increased enrollment puts greater financial demands on the campus when their budgets are being slashed.

With soaring enrollment rates, college leaders fear that they will not be able to provide students with the ideal resources, smaller class sizes, and one-on-one time with instructors. Yet, despite these national concerns, some leaders are still raking in higher salaries—regardless of their school’s budgetary shortfalls.

Ron Polaneczky, writing in The Philadelphia Inquirer,r notes that "according to a recent survey conducted by his organization, the compensation of public community-college presidents range from $81,000 to $390,000, not including extra benefits for housing and car expenses. The salary size is influenced by the size of the school, its location, and the number of its students and employees."

Community College Pay Raises: Justified or Unfair?

While several community college leaders have accepted

. . .read more

Community College Curriculum: Drastically Changed by Today's Economy

Updated
|
Community College Curriculum: Drastically Changed by Today's Economy
Learn about how today's economy has impacted community college curriculum, increased occupational programs, and grown specific career-preparation courses.

The current economy's influence has permeated the educational realm much further than simple budget cuts. In fact, the community college curriculum may be permanently changed by today's economy.

A rising number of community colleges are shifting their traditional curriculum in order to face local job loss challenges. For example, Michigan's community colleges are changing their course offerings to retrain thousands of unemployed auto workers. Each community college campus is restructuring its curriculum to more accurately meet the needs of the local economy.

The Changes in Local Curriculum

From California to New York, community colleges are tailoring their comprehensive educational programs to more specialized, technical pathways. For example, Macomb Community College, located in Michigan, has seen its occupational therapy program grow tremendously, especially as local Michigan residents formerly employed by the auto industry look to redefine their skill set. Some of these curriculum changes are even spurred by government encouragement; at Stony Brook community college, the government subsidizes a project management program to help retrain unemployed individuals for the computer services industry.

According to Suffolk County Community College in Long Island, NY, "We are out in the trenches on a daily basis...doing everything we can to try to be ground zero of impacting change for individuals looking to get new skills." This sentiment is quickly spreading throughout the entire country's community colleges, which are working to meet the needs of today's economy.

Metropolitan Community College (MCC), located in Omaha, Nebraska, has

. . .read more

Are California Community Colleges at Risk of Serious Budget Cuts?

Updated
|
Are California Community Colleges at Risk of Serious Budget Cuts?
Learn about how California's budget woes may impact the future of the Cal Grant and the state's community colleges.

In this weak economy, California's community colleges face deja vu fears that surfaced nearly a decade ago in the state. After a proposed budget cut of $215 million dollars for nearly 108 California community colleges in 2001, critics of former Governor Gray Davis argued that his proposed funding cuts would negatively impact thousands of college students. Sadly, although Davis has been replaced by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, it seems as though California community college students and leaders are facing an all too familiar fear.

California has made national headlines with its many economic struggles and set-backs, and now the state faces grave concerns expressed by community college students. According to recent reports from the California Legislative Committee, new budget cuts proposed by Arnold Schwarzenegger could prevent thousands of potential students from affording community college for the upcoming fall semester. As Schwarzenegger has planned to gradually phase out the Cal Grant aid, which provides support for lower-income college students, some experts fear that nearly 200,000 students' collegiate plans may be deterred. According to the Los Angeles Times, Cal Grant support is the state's main financial aid offered for college students; with this decrease in aid, community college students are worried about their uncertain academic futures.

This video from 2021 looks at potential budget cuts at California community colleges.

California and the Importance of the Cal Grant Support

Created in 2000, the Cal

. . .read more

How Community Colleges Fundraise to Improve Campuses

Updated
|
How Community Colleges Fundraise to Improve Campuses
Learn about how fund raising efforts are boosting community college campus environments.

Community colleges receive a majority of their funding from tuition costs and student payments. Despite this income, however, community colleges across the country still strongly depend on effective fundraising venues and actions to boost the campus environment, programs, and academic offerings. As Council for Advancement and Support of Education asserts, “With economic stagnation and diminished tax revenues depleting the coffers of state and local governments nationwide, America’s community colleges must look beyond the public sector to fund their educational missions.”

According to expert advisors and academic leaders, successful community college fundraising actions can help boost a school’s appealing qualities, student opportunities, and overall institutional successes.

This video offers some ideas for community college fundraising.

The Current State of Fundraising Affairs

According to Community College Times, many community colleges could improve their overall successes by implementing more effective fundraising strategies and actions. As Donald Summers, an expert fundraising consultant with experience with working in community college development offices asserts: “‘To my mind, nothing would be better for American democracy and education than for community colleges to rake in the billions they deserve.’” Community colleges often primarily strive to provide current and potential students with accessible and affordable courses and programs, but many community colleges struggle to bring in enough money to create sustainable and competitive programs.

As Summers further argues, local governors need to become more attentive to the fundraising abilities of appointed board

. . .read more

Recent Articles

Debating Your Way to Career Success: The Hidden Benefits of Joining a Community College Debate Club
Debating Your Way to Career Success: The Hidden Benefits of Joining a Community College Debate Club
This article highlights three key reasons why joining a debate club in community college can significantly boost career prospects. It explores how debate activities enhance public speaking skills, critical thinking abilities, and networking opportunities, all of which are valuable assets in the job market.
Community Colleges Nationwide Joining in President Obamas Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge
Community Colleges Nationwide Joining in President Obamas Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge
Learn about the number of colleges joining the President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge, which was introduced by the White House this past spring.
Careers: Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Logistics
Careers: Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Logistics
Explore the dynamic world of customs brokerage and freight forwarding, where precision meets strategy in global logistics. This article delves into the critical role of customs brokers and freight forwarders, who navigate complex regulations and ensure the smooth transit of goods across international borders. Discover the skills and expertise required to excel in this field, from understanding tariff codes to managing documentation and customs clearance. Learn about the impact of these professionals on supply chain efficiency and the opportunities available in this growing industry.