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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Nationwide 'No Kings' Movement Gears Up for Flag Day Protests

The 50501 Movement is organizing a nationwide "No Kings" day of action on June 14—Flag Day—to protest authoritarianism and assert that real power lies with the people, not in military displays.


URBANA - As Flag Day approaches on June 14th, the 50501 Movement is poised for a nationwide show of defiance against what they perceive as authoritarianism in America. Dubbed the "No Kings" day of action, events are scheduled in 49 states, with notable absences, including Nebraska.

The movement, known for its advocacy of nonviolence and grassroots mobilization, contrasts its vision with what they describe as Donald Trump's planned display of military might in Washington, D.C. Instead, they emphasize the power of community-driven action across the country, from bustling downtown Chicago to the quieter corners of small-town Illinois.

Downstate Illinois will host multiple rallies, including gatherings in Kankakee, Urbana, Macomb, Carbondale, and Charleston, with the largest event planned for Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago, starting at noon.

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Protesters chant at Champaign's Hands-Off! rally in Champaign's April rally. June's 'No Kings' event is expect to draw an even larger crowd.

In Champaign-Urbana, activists will convene at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana from 10am to 2pm for a local "No Kings" rally, highlighting the movement's commitment to grassroots democracy and peaceful protest.

The National Day of Action follows a spirited May 1st celebration where the 50501 Movement joined over 1,100 protests nationwide in solidarity with unions and immigrant rights groups. Reflecting on their mission, Kat Duesterhaus, 50501's Communications Lead, stated, "We're building a massive resistance to the Trump Regime. 50501 isn’t just a hashtag; it’s a people-powered movement."

Hunter Dunn, National Press Coordinator for 50501, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the movement's stance against perceived attacks on democracy. "When the Trump administration attacks one of us, it is an attack on us all."

For more information on the "No Kings" movement and its upcoming events, visit FiftyFifty.one.

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U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi tosses hat into the ring for Senator Durbin's seat in 2026

As a member of the House, Raja Krishnamoorthi is the ranking member on the Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.

by Ben Szalinski
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SPRINGFIELD - U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is the latest Democrat to enter the 2026 U.S. Senate primary for retiring Sen. Dick Durbin’s seat.

Krishnamoorthi, of Schaumburg, has represented the 8th Congressional District since 2017. He was born in India and grew up in Peoria. He earned a law degree from Harvard and has worked in the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and led a small tech company in the Chicago suburbs.

Describing his middle-class upbringing, Krishnamoorthi said he’ll “never be quiet while billionaires like Elon Musk and a convicted felon deny the dreams of the next generation for their own egos.”

"People want to know: At this moment, in this time, where is the power to fight back?” Krishnamoorthi said in a video launching his campaign. “What does it look like? Well, I’ll tell you. It looks like you ... all of us ready to step up and fight back.”

Krishnamoorthi represents parts of Kane, DuPage and Cook counties. As a candidate for Congress, Krishnamoorthi has often wooed voters with TV commercials showcasing casual mannerisms and his name, telling voters “just call me Raja.” It’s a theme he is continuing as he joins the Senate race.

“I worked on a friend’s campaign that showed Illinois will give you a shot, even if you have a funny name,” Krishnamoorthi said, referring to his stint as an advisor to Barack Obama’s 2004 Senate campaign. “And inspired by Barack’s example, I was elected to Congress.”

As a member of the House, Krishnamoorthi is the ranking member on the Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. He also serves on the House intelligence committee.

Read more: ‘I’ve done this my way’: Durbin reflects on decision to retire

Like other Democrats around the country, Krishnamoorthi recently visited areas of Illinois outside of his district that are represented by Republicans in Congress to highlight the impacts of the Trump administration’s policies.

Krishnamoorthi is the third Democrat to enter the race and begins with a big cash advantage. Federal election records show he has $19.4 million in his campaign fund and has consistently raised more money than other members of Illinois’ congressional delegation. His campaign reported raising $3 million in the first quarter of 2024.

Read more: U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly joins Democratic primary to fill Durbin’s Senate seat | Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton announces U.S. Senate campaign

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, a Matteson Democrat, have also joined the race. Records show Kelly has $2 million on hand while a political action committee launched by Stratton earlier this year has not reported any contributions yet.

Krishnamoorthi’s war chest could be a leg up in the competition as U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Gov. JB Pritzker – two of the state’s top Democrats – endorsed Stratton before any other candidates joined the race. U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, a Naperville Democrat, is also exploring a run for the Senate.

No major Republican candidates have entered the race so far.


Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

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Myths have potentially contributed to more than 900 measles cases reported across the country. Public health officials are working to combat misinformation surrounding vaccines in an effort to curb the spread.

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CHICAGO - At least two people have tested positive for measles in Illinois and public health officials are working to combat misinformation surrounding vaccines in an effort to curb the spread.

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"Ninety-seven percent of people who got measles this year happened to be unvaccinated," Joshi pointed out. "Vaccination is incredibly protective."

Joshi added over the past 50 years, the measles vaccine has saved more than 150 million lives across the world. He noted the department has launched a campaign to counter some of the misinformation that is circulating.

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"There are a lot of myths out there, such as 'vaccines can cause autism,'" Joshi pointed out. "I want to state categorically that is incorrect, that there's no credible evidence to support that, yet these myths continue to perpetuate."

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U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly joins Democratic primary to fill Durbin’s Senate seat. Former state party chair once again challenging a Pritzker-backed candidate.

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SPRINGFIELD - U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly is the second Democrat to step into the 2026 primary race to succeed U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. Kelly, a resident of south suburban Matteson, has represented Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District since 2013 and recently served a short stint as chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois.

“This moment requires proven leaders who have the experience to take on the toughest battles,” Kelly said in a statement. “I’ve never backed down – not from gun lobbyists, not from MAGA extremists, and certainly not from a fight for what’s right.”

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State Rep. Lisa Hernandez embraces U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly in 2022 after unseating her as Democratic Party of Illinois chair.

Kelly won a crowded 16-person primary in a 2013 special election to fill the congressional seat vacated by former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, who resigned while under investigation for misuse of campaign funds and eventually went to prison. Kelly received more than half the primary vote before easily winning the special election.

Kelly currently represents one of Illinois’ most geographically diverse congressional districts. The 2nd District stretches from the South Side of Chicago more than 100 miles south to Danville.

Kelly also served two terms in the Illinois House and unsuccessfully ran for state treasurer in 2010.

As a member of Congress, Kelly has focused much of her time on health care and gun violence issues. In a video launching her campaign, Kelly reflected on the time she refused to stand for a moment of silence in the U.S. House following a mass shooting.

“And the next time, someone else sat down with me,” Kelly said. “And then another, until a moment of silence felt more like an echo of inaction.”

Kelly joins Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton in the race. Stratton has already received endorsements from Gov. JB Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth.

Her entrance into the race also sets up another battle with Pritzker.

With Durbin’s support, Kelly was elected chair of the state Democratic Party in 2021 to replace Mike Madigan after the long-time party head bowed out of politics amid a then-ongoing federal investigation. Kelly beat Chicago Ald. Michelle Harris for the party leadership job, but her success was short-lived.

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Kelly enters the primary with $2 million in her campaign account, according to federal election records.

“You could say I’ve been an underdog my whole life,” Kelly said in the video.

Democratic U.S. Reps. Lauren Underwood and Raja Krishnamoorthi are still contemplating entering the race for Senate, but Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs announced Monday he will not join the fray.

State Sen. Robert Peters, D-Chicago, posted on social media Tuesday he is considering next steps in his career and possibly running for Kelly’s congressional seat in 2026.


Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

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