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

Partnerships help students earn two degrees

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By LAUREN GENTILE
Capital News Service
LANSING – Many students are finding a new way to get a four-year degree for a lower cost through degree completion programs at their local community colleges. “Degree completion or transfer programs are run by a community college with the help of a four-year institution,” Michael Hansen, president of the Michigan Community College Association, said. “Most programs are either two or three years at the community college, then one at the university.”
Campuses all over the state have partnered with colleges to make “big university dreams” come true at an affordable rate, Hansen said. “These programs allow students to pay the community college tuition rate, sometimes for up to 90 credits,” he said. For example, Macomb Community College worked with Oakland University to create the state’s first concurrent enrollment program.