In this still-uncertain economy that remains rife with unemployment, hundreds of thousands of out-of-work blue- and white-collar professionals, competing for scarce available jobs, find themselves faced with the need to further their training, expand their skill sets, or in some cases change career paths altogether. Many are going back to school, some to obtain their first college degree, others to get an additional or more advanced degree that could give their résumé a much-needed competitive edge in a crowded marketplace.
Demand for the Convenience of Online College Degrees …
In recent years, many “non-traditional” students who aren’t able to attend classes on the conventional resident college student’s full-time schedule — working parents, returning older students, students holding down a part-time or full-time job — have gravitated toward online degree programs that allow students to work toward their college degrees from home (or anywhere with a computer and an Internet connection) and at their own hours. As accredited online colleges and programs have proliferated, so have the number of students pursuing online college degrees.
These online college degrees, however, can often be pricey, requiring many students to take out a significant amount of money in student loans and private student loans. And some online universities have continued to offer only associate degrees and certificate programs, no bachelor’s or advanced degrees. As competition for jobs has intensified in a shrinking economy, many job-seeking professionals have found that their two-year college degree is going up against four-year and professional college degrees.
… and Demand for the Lower Costs of Community College Programs
Community colleges have traditionally offered lower-income and non-traditional students a lower-priced, commuter-friendly, and part-time alternative to pricier online college degrees and full-time four-year colleges and universities. But the two-year community college degree has posed the same drawbacks as two-year online college degrees: When going up against four-year degrees in a job search, two-year degrees simply aren’t as competitive.
Four-Year Community Colleges Offer a Cost-Convenience Solution
Now, however, students are finding a growing number of four-year degree options at community colleges. As more community colleges respond to increased student demand for affordable higher education, expanding their programs to include four-year bachelor’s degrees and applied baccalaureate degrees, new and returning students are increasingly able to obtain the academic pedigree of a four-year degree with much of the flexibility offered by online college degree programs but at the lower cost of a community college education.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs at Community Colleges Expanding
Florida currently leads the nation with 14 community colleges authorized to award bachelor’s degrees, reports The New York Times, with 12 schools already having done so, in fields including fire safety management and veterinary technology (“Community Colleges Challenge Hierarchy With 4-Year Degrees,” May 2, 2009). Nationwide, 17 states, including Nevada, Texas, and Washington, have granted community colleges the authority to award associate and bachelor’s degrees.
In some states, community colleges have even become four-year institutions in order to facilitate their new longer programs. At Miami Dade College in Florida — formerly known as Miami Dade Community College — more than 1,000 students are currently enrolled in the school’s bachelor degree programs. The average age of these students is 33.
LaKisha Coleman, a Miami Dade student who will graduate with a college degree in public safety management this spring, recommends the school to family members for its advantages over a traditional four-year degree program at a state or private university.
“It’s much cheaper, the teachers are good, you can do it in the evening while you work, and everyone’s very helpful,” Coleman told The New York Times.
Applied Baccalaureate Degrees Another Burgeoning Community College Offering
In the current economy, at a time when students have fewer financial resources to cover their college costs and job prospects are uncertain, the applied baccalaureate degree is becoming a popular option for students, says Debra Bragg, the director of the Forum on the Future of Public Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Usually focusing on applied academics or applied sciences and technologies, an applied baccalaureate degree is a four-year bachelor’s degree that may be earned at both two- and four-year institutions, including technical colleges and community colleges. Unlike bachelor’s degrees at some conventional four-year universities, however, the applied baccalaureate degree counts technical and associate degree–level courses as degree credits, allowing community college students to keep their course costs low and minimize their need for student loans or other financial aid.
“Applied baccalaureate degree programs at community colleges can be used by students looking for a career that is emerging, or for adults who have earned college credits in the past and are looking to re-enter college, often to advance their careers to a supervisory level,” Bragg explains.
Since 2000, the number of states offering an applied baccalaureate degree has doubled, reports the University of Illinois. Currently, 39 states offer the degree.
The applied “real-world” focus of applied baccalaureate programs and coursework is aimed at grooming students to fill projected workforce needs in areas of the country where large concentrations of jobs have been lost due to outsourcing, a shrinking manufacturing base, or a shift in local industry.
“An applied baccalaureate degree represents a viable pathway for someone who previously hadn’t thought about earning a bachelor’s degree,” says Bragg, “but now sees it as a necessary step to getting and keeping a good job with benefits.”
Choosing a college can be a very difficult task. Many highly rated colleges and universities are worth looking into. I wanted one that would enhance my spiritual, social, and academic values. My parents had little influence on my college decision. I was alone. Just one of the many who had to decide where to spend the most formative years of my life.
I once held the belief that selecting a Christian Liberal Arts College would prevent me from being a witness to the unsaved, and jeopardize my education. Several churches that I attended and friends I respected supported a Non-Christian education for two basic reasons: Academic standards could be lower at a private college and there would be little or no opportunity to win others to Christ.
I have learned through my first few weeks here at a noted Baptist University, in the Fall of 1986, that this theory about no witnessing opportunities is absolutely untrue. First of all, there are more rules to be broken on this campus, so the men of the world who want to be radical are going to try everything they can to break them without getting caught.
That’s where I come in. These guys may be cool with the majority of the guys on my dorm wing, but when they come around me they know I stand up for my Christian beliefs. I may have a priestly nickname by the end of the year, who knows? When guys come down the hall cussing up a storm at one o’clock in the morning there needs to be some kind of mediator. Those sources and associates that had me believing everyone in a Christian College was saved must have been on L.S.D.-”A Low on Common Sense Diet.”
The second belief that concerned me the most was low academic standards. Many students are paying almost seven grand a year to attend college, why on earth would a Christian teacher fail a student? This would lower enrollment, make the school look bad to the public, and give teachers a bad name. Academic standards must be lower in a private college, right?
Wrong! Professors who teach here at our Christian University have degrees from Baylor University, Pepperdine, University of Southern California, and University of Illinois, to name just a few. I enjoy listening and learning from those who have had hard core “upper class” educations and include this into their Christian faith. Also, with low academic standards it would have been very difficult to receive the accreditation that this college has obtained.
Miraculous changes can take place on a Christian campus. Continuous Bible reading and teaching leads to greater knowledge. After all, Solomon in the Book of Proverbs does state: “The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” The students, professors, and faculty that I’ve met in my first few weeks here on campus have been people whose sole purpose is to serve God with all their heart.
That’s big for me, because I believe that without the positive influence of Christian friends I do not believe that I can reach my full potential in college or in my life’s goals and dreams for that matter.
Though once led astray, I now believe that the Christian Liberal Arts Education is superior to universities that are based solely on academic standards. My decision on this issue may sound very one-sided. I have to agree with you. However, my thesis is summed up most eloquently in the book of proverbs: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all knowledge.”
Having an opportunity to attend college was one of the life’s experiences that will always have an impact on my journey through life. With that experience and becoming a little wiser (older is a more applicable description), expressing pride in my institution is something that I really enjoy and feel is essential. I have no problem becoming a walking, talking billboard for my institution (Southern Illinois University – Go Salukis!) including sharing my stories with many during my journey. This activity has a dual effect. For me, it offers a reciprocal reaction which states that my institution is fortunate and grateful to have an alumnus that offers contributions to the world and demonstrates commitment and discipline to his craft. These types of characteristics continue to benefit my institution.
My college experience was fabulous. It seems like it was yesterday that I was on campus either heading to class or meeting many friends enjoying a great pizza or playing football on a frigid Saturday morning before we began our tailgating ritual. Yes those years were certainly memorable and quite an impact. As I continue to reach higher levels in my career, I will always reflect on my college experiences, classes, instructors and friends. Each reflection increases my admiration and pride for Southern Illinois University. With many of us unanimously agreeing that our college days were instrumental in where we are today, we must continue to express pride and make a commitment to our institution. There are many ways to express pride in your institution. Let’s take a look at some of the basic methods:
Alumni Giving – Alumni financial giving is at the core of any institution’s survival.
Participation/Alumni Groups – Each college/university has alumni located in the majority of large cities. Locate your local chapter and get involved.
Personal Story – Just a simple conversation about your experiences during your college days could create interest in your institution.
Institution Merchandise – Shirts, banners, bumper stickers, hats are additional ways to express pride in your institution. Also, by purchasing university merchandise, a source of revenue is provided for the institution.
Attend Athletic Events – Many institutions have well established athletic programs that create a wealth of revenue for the institution. Purchasing tickets, tailgating, participating in activities all contribute to the bottom line.
Volunteer to speak to youth groups – Middle and high school students are influenced by individuals that actually display effort to help. When you speak to a youth group, you provide an impact beyond measure.
Now many alumni ask the question “Why Should I Express Pride in my institution?” Many alumni feel that they have given enough to the institution via tuition. However tuition only covers a percentage of the overall cost of operating an institution. Many institutions rely on alumni giving to provide day to day operations. Our higher-ed institutions are the backbone of creativity for this global environment. Continued support for our institutions is crucial to our children’s success. Let’s give them an opportunity to experience some of the simple pleasures in which their memories will last a lifetime. I will always cherish my short period of time at SIU. From the beautiful campus and an invaluable education to the social events and life long friendships, my time at this institution will always be a part of my fabric. Express Pride and Commitment to Your College/University! Support Your Institution!
Melvin Anderson is VP-Business Development for Movitas Corporation. ExpressYourPride.com is a brand of Movitas. http://www.expressyourpride.com. ExpressYourPride.com provides products that allow students/alumni/fans/supporters of colleges/universities the opportunity to express pride and commitment to their individual institution. Each personalized/animated product is dynamically created with your first/last name, year of graduation, name of degree, etc. Express Pride and Commitment to Your Organization!