How Much Is It For Community College

Am I An Eligible Resident

Youre eligible to enroll as a resident if you live in the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County and portions of Franklin and Jefferson counties included in the Meramec Valley R-III and Rockwood R-6 school districts.

If you live in Missouri, but arent part of our home district, youre eligible for the in-state rate.

STLCC partners with the MidWest Student Exchange Program to offer in-state tuition to students from eight Midwestern states.

Accredited Online Community Colleges

Students should only consider accredited online colleges when choosing schools. Regionally accredited online colleges go through the same process as traditional institutions. An accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation must review the school’s programs and practices and ensure it meets or exceeds the educational standards for that area.

Students attending regionally accredited online colleges gain access to federal financial aid, transfer credits, and employment opportunities after graduation. They also get the assurance that their school compares favorably to others in that region. When in doubt, degree-seekers can search the list of regionally accredited online colleges from the Department of Education.

Is Online Community College Easier

Students should not expect online community college to be easier than an on-campus program. Online learning demands commitment and dedication and may even require students to spend more time on their independent studies than normal. While many community colleges offer open admission requirements, coursework can be just as intensive as that of four-year schools.

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Average Cost Of Community College

The cost of attending the average community college has remained relatively stable over the past 20 years when compared with four-year institutions. The total cost of attendance may vary according to the type of institution and by student status.

• $3,730 is the total annual cost in tuition and fees for the average full-time, in-district student to attend a community college.
• On-campus living typically increases annual expenses by $6,000 per academic year at public institutions.
• At private institutions, on-campus living may cost an additional $10,000.
• Students who pay rent off-campus typically spend an extra $9,500 per year.
• $1,865 is the average cost of tuition for one semester at a community college.
• In 20 years, the cost of tuition at the average community college has risen 46%, compared with a 76% rise among public universities.
• 27% of all community college revenue comes from tuition.
• $10,281 is the median annual cost of attendance at a 2-year institution.
• 17 states offer a tuition-free community college education, including Delaware, California, Maryland, New York, and Montana.

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Cost Of Community College Vs University

According to The College Boards 2019 Trends in College Pricing report, the average in-state tuition and fees at public four-year colleges were $10,440 in A.Y. 2019-20 while out-of-state tuition and fees were $26,820. In comparison, the average in-district tuition and fees at public two-year colleges in the same year were just $3,730.

Aside from tuition, however, books and other supplies are should be included in the overall cost. Based on data from the U.S. Department of Education, during 2016-2017, the average community college student spent $1,422 on books, while students from private universities spent $1,190.

Room and board is another expense for both community college and university students. Before you do a Google search fordoes financial aid cover housing, though, keep in mind that most community colleges generally do not offer on-campus apartments and dorms to students. As such, students that need room and board may opt to live off-campus. During A.Y. 2016-17, students at public two-year colleges spent $8,191 on room and board. Students at public four-year universities spent an average of $9,602.

Living expenses such as groceries, transportation, and utility bills also eat a chunk of a students expenses. The average living expense of the community college student who lived at home is $3,988, while the student who lived alone spent $3,964.

Shopping For Community College

• Check the local community colleges through the American Association of Community Colleges.
• The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation provides all factors to consider when choosing a college.
• The National Center for Education Statistics offers an online college navigator to locate potential schools by types of degrees and campus setting, size of enrollment, etc.

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Average Cost Of Community College By State

California, New Mexico, and Arizona have the lowest in-state average costs for community colleges in the U.S. For out-of-state students, two-year public institutions in Nebraska, Kansas, and Arkansas have the lowest average costs. On average, out-of-state students paid $4,755 more in tuition and fees than in-state students during the 2020-2021 academic year.Note Reference

How Much Does Two Years Of Community College Cost On Average

In 2021, the average total cost of community college for in-state students living off campus without family was $19,577 a year. Over two years, that’s $39,154.Note Reference

Because out-of-state students paid, on average, $4,755 more in tuition and fees than in-state students in 2021Note Reference , the average total cost for two years of school for these students was about $48,664.

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Shop Around For Books

Students have little flexibility in choosing their books. However, students can cut costs by buying used books, renting books, borrowing books, or using e-books. If you must buy a new book, look online before going to a college bookstore. Also, remember to sell your books back at the end of the semester to recover part of your investment.

Connecticut Community College Costs

Connecticut has one of the most affordable community college systems in the nation for in-state attendees. Out-of-state students, however, pay 50% more per year than the national average.

• $2,380 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Connecticut.
• $13,270 is out-of-state tuition.
• For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $12,730.

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States Where Community College May Be Free

States that provide tuition-free community college do so in one of two ways, through first-dollar or last-dollarprograms.

• First-dollar programs tend to cover the full tuition amount without considering any other financial aid you may receive. Thanks to that structure, itâs known to reduce overall costs because, with your tuition paid for, you can put any additional financial aid you receive toward other educational costs.

• Last-dollar programs are meant to fill any gaps, so they take into account any aid you receive. If that aid doesnât cover the cost of your tuition, the program pays the difference.

As of 2022, there are 20 states in the US that offer tuition-free community college through either a first-dollar or last-dollar program. These include:

While most states require recipients to be residents, some also make additional stipulations, such as specifying the subject matter you can earn your degree in, necessitating community service, and requiring that graduates work in the state for a set number of years after completing their degree program.

Tennessee Community College Costs

Tennessee community colleges charge the highest average out-of-state tuition. Itâs one of only two states in which out-of-state tuition exceeds $16,000.

• $4,270 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Tennessee.
• $16,620 is out-of-state tuition.
• For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $9,860.
• Tennessee Promise is the stateâs tuition-free community college program.

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Is Community College Worth It For You

There are a lot of myths surrounding community colleges. Theyre not quality. They wont give you good connections. But theyre just myths. Sure, there are pros and cons as with any decision. However, for many, the benefits of significant savings are worth it.

While community college and living at home may not sound like the most exciting option, you might just be relieved you chose this path when you graduate and are not burdened under a mountain of debt like your peers. Whatever you decide, though, it deserves careful consideration.

Thinking about paying for college, whether for a 2-year or a 4-year school, can be stressful. Having a plan for your finances is a must and scholarships can help. Use College Raptors FREE Scholarship Search tool to find the awards you qualify for and easily apply.

Oklahoma Community College Costs

Oklahomaâs community colleges are a little more expensive for in-state and a lot more expensive for out-of-state attendees.

• $3,990 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Oklahoma.
• $13,920 is the total cost to live on-campus.
• $9,330 is out-of-state tuition.
• For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $7,850.
• Oklahomaâs Promise is the stateâs tuition-free community college program.

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New Jersey Community College Costs

New Jerseyâs tuition costs are significantly higher for in-state students, but on par with the national average for out-of-state students.

• $4,670 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in New Jersey.
• $8,290 is out-of-state tuition.
• For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $14,040.

Arizona Community College Costs

Arizona has the third-most affordable community college system, charging over a thousand dollars less than the national average.

• $2,220 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Arizona.
• $14,430 is the total cost to live on-campus.
• $8,310 is out-of-state tuition.
• For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $10,870.

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Is A Community College The Right Setting For You

First, you need to consider: will you be happy at a two-year school? Class sizes tend to be smaller. There are groups and clubs, but there may not be much selection. Sports can be pretty limited, as can the gym. And there may be little to no campus life students are often just going to their class and going home. This isnt ideal if youre looking to make friends.

However, there are upsides to it, too. You might have high school friends who are also staying nearby. And the cozy atmosphere of a community college may be right up your alley.

Just like four-year schools, you should tour your community college options. Did you like them? You dont want to attend a school you absolutely hate!

If youre on the fence about your options, talk to your high school guidance counselor for some direction.

Arkansas Community College Costs

Arkansasâ in-state tuition is slightly above the national average, but its out-of-state tuition is almost half of the national average.

• $3,390 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Arkansas.
• $12,880 is the total cost to live on-campus.
• $4,900 is out-of-state tuition.
• For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $8,430.
• The Arkansas Future Grant is a state-sponsored program to provide free in-state tuition.

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Paying For Community College: Average Cost And Other Factors

• Paying for Community College: Average Cost and Other Factors

As students graduate high school, they make plans for their future. Guidance counselors steer students toward the military, college, or careers. However, when it comes to college, students tend to overlook community colleges even though they are an increasingly viable and affordable option.

Students who are considering community college may still have questions. This article will cover the cost of attending community college, paying for community college, and other factors prospective community college students should consider.

Definition Of Community College

Community college, sometimes referred to as a two-year college or junior college, is a postsecondary educational institution that offers associate degrees or certificates in a variety of programs. These institutions typically have open admissions policies, meaning anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent can enroll. Students who attend community college gain access to a wide range of courses, from general education classes to career-specific programs.

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Student Loans And Financial Aid

• 22% of students receive financial aid from their respective state governments.
• Federal grants are issued to 34% of community colleges in the US.
• Community colleges receive 33% of Pell Grants.
• 15% of students in community colleges are recipients of government loans.
• 7% of students get financial aid from their respective colleges.
• There are 17 states that offer tuition-free education at the college level.

Oregon Community College Costs

Oregonâs community college system is one of the more expensive, though its out-of-state tuition is closer to the national average than in-state costs.

• $4,620 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Oregon.
• $15,340 is the total cost to live on-campus.
• $8,760 is out-of-state tuition.
• For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $10,670.
• The Oregon Promise Grant provides awardees with tuition-free community college.

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How Students Pay For Community College

Many community college students utilize financial aid and work full or part time to pay for their education.

In 2020, 80.6% of students enrolled at two-year public institutions received some type of financial aid to attend school.Note Reference Aid was received in the form of federal, state, or institutional grants and/or student loans.

• 60% of students who were awarded financial aid in 2020 received it through federal grants.
• The average amount of federal grant aid awarded to community college students during the 2019-2020 academic year was $4,840.
• Students were awarded, on average, $2,278 in state/local grants and $2,088 in institutional grants.
• The average amount in student loans offered to learners was $4,696. This only includes loans made directly to students, meaning Parent PLUS loans or other loans made to parents were excluded.
• Just 17.2% of community college students were awarded federal student loans.

In 2019, 45.3% of full-time and 87.3% of part-time community college students were also employed full or part time in the workforce.Note Reference

Factors That Affect Community College Fees

The total cost of attending a community college is influenced by a variety of factors. The specific degree or certificate that you want to take, as well as the type and frequency of classes that you are going to attend, have an effect on the total cost. The overall cost will also be determined by your lifestyle and on whether you would choose to live on-campus or off-campus. Whether you can afford to maintain a job while attending community college, as well as the amount of financing that you can get, would also have an effect on the total cost.

There are typically five main categories of expenses that, once identified, can help you figure out how much your community college education is going to cost. These categories include tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, personal expenses, and transportation. To some extent, you have control over some of these costs that affect your total fees. It would be much easier to create a budget once you know how much you will be spending on each of these categories.

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New York Community College Costs

New York community colleges are more expensive than the national average despite the stateâs relatively low-cost public universities.

• $5,390 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in New York.
• $17,670 is the total cost to live on-campus.
• $9,430 is out-of-state tuition.
• For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $8,180.
• New Yorkâs Excelsior Scholarship is the stateâs tuition-free community college program.

Is Community College Right For You

Before addressing costs, students must determine whether a community college will be a good fit. After all, no matter how affordable a school might be, money spent on a school that will not further a students career goals is money wasted.

There are two types of colleges. Traditional colleges offer bachelors degrees after students complete four years of study. Community colleges, on the other hand, typically offer associate degrees after students complete two years of school. Most community colleges also offer vocational or career certificates in jobs such as nursing and bookkeeping.

Because of the different types of degrees offered, the most important question to ask when considering community college is, What type of career do I want? This question is the most important because some career paths require a bachelors degree. For instance, students cannot apply to law school or medical schools without completing a bachelors degree. But only 10% of community colleges offer four-year degrees. So, community college students who want to pursue careers as doctors, lawyers, or similar professions must plan to transfer to a university.

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Michigan Community College Costs

Out-of-state students enjoy much lower-than-average tuition in Michigan, whereas in-state tuition is on par with the national average.

• $3,570 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Michigan.
• $13,990 is the total cost to live on-campus.
• $6,750 is out-of-state tuition.
• For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $12,810.