Making Higher Education Affordable For All
In November 2017 the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee released a report titled “The College Affordability Crisis in America,” which detailed the skyrocketing cost of higher education and the challenge it presents to students wishing to pursue a college degree.
According to the report, the average cost for tuition and fees at a public four-year college in Texas is almost $10,000 a year, while the average cost of tuition, fees, and room and board at a public four-year university nationwide now exceeds $20,000 a year. Community colleges are more affordable, but costs vary widely based on tuition and fees established by individual districts.
Collin College offers the lowest tuition in the state of Texas: $46 per credit hour for students living in-district. A 15-hour semester costs only $692, which is anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of what it costs to attend a typical four-year university in North Texas. Tuition for a 60-hour associate degree at Collin College costs less than $2,800.
“The value of a Collin College education cannot be overstated,” said District President Dr. Neil Matkin. “Our academics are not only rigorous, but they also transfer seamlessly to four-year institutions, which means a student can earn a university degree for almost half the cost by attending Collin College for their first two years.”
‘FREE’ COLLEGE?
Pell Grants help those in need
Even with such affordable tuition rates at Collin College, the idea of “free college” has been in the news again recently, particularly in community college districts serving large numbers of economically disadvantaged students. So the question arises: Can students attend college for free?
Some already do because they have been awarded scholarships from foundations, corporations, community organizations or the colleges or universities they attend. But what about other students, particularly those with demonstrated financial need, who want to pursue a college education but cannot afford the cost?
Those students can apply for assistance through the federal Pell Grant program. Pell Grants provide a subsidy for students who need help paying for college and do not need to be repaid. They are administered by the U.S. Department of Education and cover such costs as tuition and fees. In some cases, there may be sufficient funds to pay additional expenses such as the cost of books, off-campus housing, and transportation.
In Collin County, 21 percent of students are considered economically disadvantaged, according to the Texas Education Agency. Alan Pixley, director of financial aid, said 16 percent of Collin College students receive Pell Grants, and about half of those (seven percent) attend tuition-free.
For students who are planning to enroll in summer or fall classes at Collin College and need financial assistance, now is the time to apply for Pell Grants. “We currently have about 6,000 students at Collin who would be eligible for Pell Grants in the summer if they attend at least half-time,” Pixley said. “We encourage them to take advantage of this federal program and will be happy to assist with any questions they may have.”
For more information on Pell Grants or financial aid at Collin College, visit www.collin.edu/gettingstarted/financialaid.