Confidence in Community Colleges Surges Amid Economic Concerns

Published on July 11, 2024

A recent article by Gallup stated that confidence in community colleges has surpassed that in four-year universities. The Lumina Foundation and Gallup survey states that Americans express greater confidence in community colleges than in four-year colleges and universities on each of seven aspects of higher education, including affordability, quality, and the student experience.

According to the survey, 48% of Americans express high confidence in community colleges, compared to 33% for four-year universities. The survey highlights a significant disparity in confidence regarding the cost-effectiveness of different educational paths. In comparison, 58% of respondents believe that community colleges offer affordable education, and only 11% share the same sentiment about four-year universities.

John A. Logan College President Dr. Kirk Overstreet emphasizes the College’s unique benefits, stating that more and more students are choosing JALC because of the exceptional combination of cost savings and the quality of education it offers.

“Our students that transfer to a university are not only saving nearly $25,000 on tuition for their bachelor’s degree alone, but they are also, in many cases, outperforming students that began at the university. This is a testament to the quality teaching they receive here at the College.”

Students taking transfer courses are just some of the students benefitting from savings at community colleges. According to JALC Provost Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford, students enrolled in Career and Technical Education programs at JALC are landing jobs after completing a one or two-year program.

Hartford highlights the diverse range of programs at JALC, stating, “In addition to our popular programs like Nursing, Cyber security, HVAC, Automotive, Construction, Electronics, and Welding, we have launched new programs in Hospitality Management, Phlebotomy, and Digital Media. These programs cater to the high demand for jobs in southern Illinois, offering limitless opportunities for our students.”

Fall classes at John A. Logan College begin on August 12. The college also offers several fast-track and late-start classes to meet the needs of working adults.

“There has never been a better time to enroll at John A. Logan College,” said President Overstreet. “We have programs to help working adults gain new skills and for students right out of high school to get everything they need to transfer to a university or start their career at a substantial savings.”

Overstreet encourages every student to complete the FASFA form and apply for scholarships through the John A. Logan College Foundation.

“Over 70% of our students receive financial assistance, and the John A. Logan College Foundation awards over 1.5 million dollars in scholarships. To apply, you click scholarships on our website, jalc.edu.”

Students interested in John A. Logan College can enroll anytime at www.jalc.edu. Walk-in registration begins on August 1, and extended hours start on August 5. The College will host a special Saturday Sign-up on August 3 from 9 a.m. to Noon. Individuals interested in the Saturday Sign-up are encouraged to pre-register at www.jalc.edu.