Community Colleges in PennsylvaniaOver half a million students take advantage of Pennsylvania's junior college system and workforce training. Of these half a million over two hundred thousand students are undergraduates marking one out of five as undergraduates. Pennsylvania community colleges operate under a unifying mission to lead proactively in higher education by promoting effective transfer agreements and advocating the needs and positions of the colleges. Pennsylvania junior colleges fulfill this by partnering with state workforces and creating sustaining internal and external relationships. Pennsylvania community colleges operate like other community colleges across the nation. Existing within a unique niche in higher education Pennsylvania offers students affordable access to begin and continue their learning experiences. By providing workforce readiness skills Pennsylvania strives to provide an equipped workforce to build a vibrant and competitive economy. Pennsylvania's community colleges embrace the concept of community colleges by offering affordable tuition and accessible and flexible degree programs. Despite economic challenges and subsequent budget cuts Pennsylvania community colleges continue to rise to the challenge offering workforce training and certification programs and affordable access to higher education. Supporting Pennsylvania's community college vision over thirty thousand students transferred from the community college program into four year degree programs. Pennsylvania community colleges are comprised of 14 community college campuses spread throughout the state. In addition to these campuses the college system as a combined 12 branch campus and 122 instructional sites and centers throughout the 67 counties. Assisting in their college curriculum Pennsylvania community colleges offer online educational courses to allow students flexible alternative to traditional classroom deliveries. Pennsylvania community colleges, like other community colleges across the nation, are challenged by economic turbulence. Currently per credit tuition costs hover around $117 for Pennsylvanian residence and approximately $351 for non-residence. Assisting with tuition costs are standard federal loans and grants. Students can also take advantage of a variety of scholarship programs designed to offset tuition costs. Specific community college campuses can assist students in offering the most accessible financial programs with the goal of overcoming financial barriers. Pennsylvania community colleges are unique in their vision of offering necessary components to build a strong workforce. Under Pennsylvania community college's workforce initiatives updated and improved skills are offered to students to enhance their ability to compete in the evolving workforce. Degrees and certificates are designed to expand student's opportunities. The Pennsylvania community college system continues to meet the challenge and demands of the times. Offering accessible education helps not only the student but the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by equipping students with necessary skills and a practical education at a reasonable cost. |