Commentary |
Community college, think about it

Community college is not an exciting exotic choice but can be the better choice in the long run.


by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator


Parents and high school seniors should seriously talk about community college or even a trade school. Community college is not an exciting exotic choice but can be the better choice in the long run.

The national average in-state tuition for community college is $4,847 per year. Costs vary a bit depending on classes and textbooks. Some states are lower, some are higher.

The national average in-state public university tuition is $11,610 which does not include room, board and supplies. The average cost including room and board is $25,055 per year. If you choose to go out of state the average cost jumps to $36,797 per year. The national average cost of in-state private colleges including room and board is $53,949! If you have to go to a private college, spending your first two years at a community college makes even more sense – cents!

The average American doesn’t even start trying to save money until the age of 31.

Typically, the first two years of college are about meeting the institution’s general requirements. These are the classes you may not be that interested in but are required by the institution. Why pay big money to take classes you are not interested in taking? You can do this at the community college level for a lot less money.

After two years of community college, you can then go to almost any university you can afford. If you have a full scholarship ride to a four-year school then that’s different. Today, many schools offer a lot of partial scholarships to lure students. Many will dangle a scholarship of a few hundred to even several thousand. The idea is to entice you to their school because you still will have to pay them thousands of dollars each year. So, it’s still a big win for the university.

A college President at a private college said they offered many athletes half of the tuition cost to come to their school but they still had to pay the other half. Financially, the school still came out ahead with that kind of deal.

If you go to community college and it costs you $5,000 a year then you could put the other $5,000 in a Roth IRA. If you have $10,000 in a Roth IRA by the time you are 21 then that $10,000 will be worth about $728,00 at age 66. This is assuming a ten percent average interest rate over those 45 years. Even at eight percent over 45 years, your total cash at age 66 could be about $309,000. This is just for cramming $10,000 into a Roth IRA by age 21 and then not touching it for 45 years.

The average American doesn’t even start trying to save money until the age of 31. Starting late means the same $10,000 at age 66 will be worth about $147,000 at an eight percent average rate.

Thus, if you can go to community college from 18-20 or 21, work some and invest your savings at a young age, then you won’t have to work or worry quite as much at age 66 or 67.

Think about it. You can go to the famed state university or even private school your junior and senior years and still have a degree from that school. Plus, you’ll be a little older, smarter, more mature and even have a chunk of your financial future already secured.

Think about it.

About the author ~

Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.

The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.


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Viewpoint |
What are microcredentials? And are they worth having?

Photo: Thirdman/PEXELS

by Daniel Douglas, Trinity College

As private firms and governments struggle to fill jobs – and with the cost of college too high for many students – employers and elected officials are searching for alternative ways for people to get good jobs without having to earn a traditional college degree.

Microcredentials are one such alternative. But just what are microcredentials? And do they lead to better jobs and higher earnings?

As a sociologist who has examined the research on microcredentials, the best available answer right now is: It depends on what a person is studying.


Defining the term

While there is no official definition of a microcredential, there are some broadly accepted components. Like traditional degrees, microcredentials certify peoples’ skills and knowledge, ranging in scope from software skills like Microsoft Excel to broad abilities like project management.

Microcredentials typically indicate “competencies” – that is, things people can do. They are represented by digital badges, which are emblems that can be shared online. Just as a diploma verifies a degree-holder’s achievement, badges verify microcredentials. An employer can click on the digital badge to see who awarded it, when it was awarded and what it represents.

Microcredentials also allow people to verify what they already know, such as a person who is an experienced Python coder, or what they acquire through short-term learning and assessments. An experienced coder in the Python programming language could take an assessment and earn a microcredential, as could a novice after completing a programming course. Either way, microcredentials “allow an individual to show mastery in a certain area.”

What usually distinguishes microcredentials from other short-term learning, like nondegree certificates, is duration. Certificates typically take longer. The other difference is location: Microcredentials are typically completed online.

Data from Credential Engine, a nonprofit organization that catalogs education and training credentials, and Class Central, a searchable index of online courses, indicate that business, IT and programming, and health care are popular focus areas for microcredentials.


A growing trend

Many colleges and universities, such as SUNY, Oregon State and Harvard, offer microcredentials. But they are also offered through social media companies like LinkedIn Learning and private providers like EdX and Coursera. Professional organizations like the National Education Association also award microcredentials.

Some microcredentials directly prepare learners to become industry certified – like SkillStorm’s CompTIA A+ certification, an eight-week online course that prepares learners to work in IT support and help desk roles. Others focus on general employability skills – like Binghamton University’s course in career readiness, which helps learners develop their resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile. It also provides a mock interview opportunity. Some microcredentials are “stackable” – meaning that they indicate related skills. Someone pursuing a health care career, for example, might earn stackable microcredentials in clinical medical assisting, phlebotomy and as a electrocardiogram – or EKG – technician.

Some microcredential programs are credit-bearing and may serve as entry points to degree or certificate programs.

Because of the short duration of microcredential programs, most are not regulated by Title IV of the U.S. Higher Education Act and are not typically eligible for federal financial aid, which only covers programs lasting 15 weeks or longer.

If Congress passes the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act, some microcredentials – those that last eight weeks or more – could become eligible for financial aid. But until there is a final bill, it is unclear whether and how legislation would impact learners pursuing microcredentials. The bill was set to be considered on Feb. 28, 2024, but that vote has been postponed.


Who seeks microcredentials?


Should you get a microcredential? Answers may vary, but it really depends on your career goals and where you see yourself financially. Microcredentials in the IT or construction fields offers the greatest opportunity financially and for upward mobility.

Photo: Oladimeji Ajegbile/PEXELS
In 2021 and 2022, my colleagues and I surveyed more than 300 students pursuing noncredit programs at two community colleges. The students are similar to microcredential seekers in that they’re doing short-term programs that are often hybrid or fully online.

Our survey showed that the vast majority – over 90% – were over 25 years old and that most – over 65% – had prior college experience, including many who had earned degrees or certificates.

The majority of surveyed students indicated that their programs were either free or employer-sponsored. About a fourth said they wanted to get out of low-wage jobs or advance in their current jobs. Between 35% and 50% said they wanted to explore a career change.

Many noncredit programs at community colleges are offered partially or fully in-person, while microcredentials are more typically earned online. While online programs may be convenient, they are also known for high withdrawal rates. Nondegree programs of study also have very low completion rates.


Which microcredentials pay off?

Credentials in traditionally male-dominated fields, such as IT and construction specialties, yielded substantial benefits – lower unemployment rates and far higher wages. Credentials in female-dominated fields, such as education and administrative support, yielded little to no benefit in terms of either employment rates or earnings. These findings come from a 2019 survey of adults without degrees.

The bottom line is that salaries can vary widely. For instance, people in fields such as IT cloud computing may see a pay boost of US$20,000, whereas people in office administration and certain education-related jobs may not see any salary increase. Credentials in these fields are less likely to be employer-sponsored.

Should you get a microcredential? The answer certainly depends on your current employment situation – including your employer’s willingness to sponsor training – and your career goals. While 95% of employers see benefits in their employees earning a microcredential, 46% are “unsure of the quality of education” represented by microcredentials, and 33% are unsure of their alignment with industry standards.

Given the lack of systematic evidence at this point, I believe their concerns are warranted. Federal and state regulation could lead to better data collection and more quality control for microcredentials.

About the author:
Daniel Douglas, Lecturer in Sociology, Trinity College

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Chicago-area colleges work to enroll more students

by Jonah Chester
    Illinois News Connection


Since the pandemic began, enrollment in Illinois community colleges has declined to its lowest point in years, and now, one school is working to keep students on track to graduate.

City Colleges of Chicago already has launched two major initiatives to get folks who may have left college during the pandemic to return, or to keep folks in school who are considering leaving.

Veronica Herrero, chief of staff and strategy for the schools, explained the Fresh Start program forgives debts for returning students, and the Future Ready initiative offers free education for high-demand fields.

"We want to make sure that these students, especially if they're doing well and want to complete, that we're making completion accessible and possible for them," Herrero noted.

According to the Illinois Community College Board, enrollment in community colleges across the state dropped from more than 271,000 in 2019 to about 230,000 in 2021, a decline likely partially attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to the new programs, which are largely designed for current or returning students, City Colleges is working to attract students who graduated from Chicago Public Schools in 2020 and 2021 but did not enroll in higher ed.

Herrero pointed out efforts include financial support, free laptops, Wi-Fi connectivity for virtual education and additional academic aid.

"You know, we do everything we can to get the students enrolled in college as they're graduating high school," Herrero observed. "But we saw with the pandemic that many of our students were not able to because of family obligations or the issues brought upon them by the pandemic."

Harry S Truman College, one of City Colleges' schools located in northern Chicago, is also partnering with the Center on Education and Labor at New America to develop new strategies to re-enroll students who put their education on pause during the pandemic.

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Guest Commentary: In hard economic times, be creative

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator


Americans are no strangers to hard economic times. Poverty still exists. Millions struggle with financial despair.

The answers are not always easy but here are possibilities.

Look into your local community college and see what training is offered. One and two year programs are typically taught in our public community colleges. You might learn a new trade in as little as a year. Community colleges are affordable.

Often there is enough federal grant money to cover the entire cost of your study. In as little as a year or maybe two at the most you could be in a new career. Also look at trade schools. A trade school will offer a program preparing you for a new life skill. Sometimes trade schools are not a good deal financially.

Compare them carefully with the public community college and often you will find your options are better with community college. Call the admissions office of your local community college. They want you to attend. They will help you figure it out. It's not hard. Try!

Once you learn your new trade you can apply for jobs or start your own business. Be creative.

Working from home is more accepted than ever. The best business you can get into is one that does not require you to go into debt. Start out small. Try not to borrow money. Work from your house or car or whatever to get started. If you need to rent, be economical. Big overhead can kill any business. If your service and quality are good people will find you.

Partner with someone to learn a new skill. Ask someone to mentor you or help train you to do something. If they do then work hard to be an asset to them. In time you may be able to utilize your skill elsewhere but don't use your training to take business away from your mentor. Move your skill to a new community or market.

What do you already know that will make money?

If you have lived very long you are bound to know something. Utilize what you know into a small business. Making some money is better than none. If you do a task that someone wants done you can make money. If you have information that someone needs, you can make money. If people like what you do or want what you can do then you can make money.

Think of all the service people who make good livings. Plumbers, carpenters, electricians, mechanics, landscapers, heavy equipment operators, truck drivers, taxi drivers, barbers, cooks, servers, managers, consultants, tour guides, entertainers and more.

Have you thought about turning your home into a bed and breakfast? Hotels today are struggling to be very inviting during the pandemic.

Advertise your skill. The way to thrive is to advertise. If you have something people want or need then you must get the word out about your service.

County and small communities must also rise to the challenge of today's economy.

We don't have time to fight with each other. We must be innovative, work together and keep trying new ideas until something works. If we try long enough something will eventually click and start working.

Just because you can think something does not always mean you can achieve it. However, if you cannot dream it, you have no chance at all.

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Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of American Issues, Every American Has An Opinion and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.

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This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Sentinel. We welcome comments and views from our readers.


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