RethinkErie

Community College FAQs

• Why do we need another college? We have fine ones already.
  • They are two different things and they meet different needs: not “another college.”
  • Not everyone wants or needs a four-year education right away. Some do not have aspirations to go to a four-year.
  • Community colleges have certificates, less-expensive two-year degrees that transfer credits, and life-long learning programs.
  • Some can’t meet four-year entrance requirements (grades, test scores).
  • Average tuition in PA is $2565 a year; local four-year colleges are $14-$24,000 a year.
  • You only need a high-school diploma or GED for a community college, which also offers remedial education.
    
    
• Why train for jobs we don’t have? Businesses are closing down.
  • Community colleges help business attraction to increase the tax base, bring in new jobs.
  • Community colleges can educate now for the next cycle of job growth and Baby-Boomer retirement.
  • If jobs are lost in one industry, community colleges can retrain for another (in Michigan, 36,000 auto workers being retrained).
    
    
• Why start a new community college? Why not be a satellite of an existing college?
  • We talked to three (Butler, Jamestown, Penn College)
  • Double tuition for out-of-county students.
  • Transfer programs only; local county would have to pay for specialized or occupational programs, including equipment, maintenance, etc.
  • No local representation on governing boards.
    
    
• What’s the difference between a community college and a “proprietary” school?
  • Differences: Size, mission, tuition, quality, and student populations served.
  • Proprietary schools are “for-profit” businesses.
  • Community colleges offer courses needed in the community and a wide-range of programs, versus the specialty of a proprietary.
  • Community colleges can offer training as part of credit programs toward degrees or transfer; proprietary school degrees usually don’t transfer.
    
• I am retired and on a fixed income. I have no kids to send to college. What’s in it for me?
  • A better local economy benefits us all.
  • Businesses with stable, productive workforces stay in business and pay taxes.
  • Underemployed or less-affluent can be educated and get jobs, reducing social service needs and expenditures (welfare, child services, jails).
  • Community colleges help attract new businesses.
  • $1 invested = $3 back to the community.
  • Your tax dollars are already paying for the other 14 community colleges in the State, and you do not get the benefit. In fact, this is the most populous area of PA without a community college.
  • And you may have always wanted to learn _____.