Education

Students outside community college districts could get tuition breaks

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By BRIDGET BUSH
Capital News Service
LANSING– Some students could pay cheaper community college tuition if lawmakers approve a change in state law before the end of the year. What’s more, some employers could get better access to community college job training programs under legislation the Senate is poised to take up. It would give voters in counties that don’t border community college districts the chance to approve joining a district. The bill sponsored by Rep. Amanda Price, R-Park Township, could be voted on by the Senate Education Committee as early as Tuesday. Co-sponsors include Reps.

Education

Michigan legislature split on how to handle college tuition

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By RAY WILBUR
Capital News Service
LANSING — Michigan officials are weighing their options for solutions to a university funding crisis that saddles the state’s students with the ninth-highest average debt in the country. That’s how the Michigan League for Public Policy recently ranked the state in a report that shows state support of universities dropping 30 percent since 2003. The revelations are not surprising. In 2011 Gov. Rick Snyder cut higher education funding by 15 percent, the league said. That came after years of smaller cuts caused by the nationwide recession.

Education

Community college network to promote affordability

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By LAUREN GENTILE
Capital News Service
LANSING – Community colleges may find themselves becoming a branded network within the next year to polish their image and show the public they are an affordable option for higher education. “We are working on making the 28 individualized colleges more of a state system and able to help one another promote each other,” said Michael Hansen, president of the Michigan Community College Association, said. Hansen said branding will be more than a logo. It will be a “new community college network.”

“As an association, we believe there is a lack of understanding by the public, that community colleges offer a high-quality education at a low-cost,” Hansen said. “Community colleges also offer programs that offer direct-market payoff, and you can graduate with a career.”
The plan will help colleges list opportunities and offerings for prospective students in one location.