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5 Alternative Methods for Earning Community College Credits
Not all community college students spend their winter and summer break on vacation. Some utilize that time to take a few extra classes and earn credits that can help them graduate early. Other students test out of courses and receive credit for work experiences in order to get ahead. In this article, learn about the various methods you can use to pursue extra college credits.

Most college students want to spend their winter, spring, and summer breaks relaxing and having fun with friends and family. However, the grind of going to class, doing homework, and studying for tests can take its toll as the semester goes on. However, for students who wish to get ahead, those who need to make up some credits because of a bad grade here and there, or those who have work or family obligations, taking courses during these breaks is a smart choice.

Many community colleges recognize the appeal of taking courses while regular classes are not in session. Summer courses are the most popular, with many community colleges offering just as many classes during the summer session as they do during the regular school year. Some community colleges have seen double-digit increases in summer enrollment over the last few years, fueling an ongoing expansion of course schedules to accommodate increasing demand. However, many colleges also offer courses during shorter breaks, particularly during spring and winter.

In recent years, colleges nationwide have also begun offering alternative options for earning college credit. Some schools have opened pathways for students to receive credit for their experiences at what they've accomplished in life. Other institutions allow students to test out of specific courses instead of enrolling in higher-level classes. Still, other colleges offer college credit to students who perform community service or study abroad. In short, community colleges offer their students a broad array of possibilities for earning credits

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Free Community College Coming Soon? President Obama Hopes So

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Free Community College Coming Soon? President Obama Hopes So
Earlier this year, President Obama outlined a proposal that would make community college free for millions of community college students. What does it mean for you?

So you want to go to college but can’t afford it. Perhaps you don’t want to take out loans that will take decades to pay off. Or maybe you don’t think you’d get many (or any) scholarships or grants because your grades are good enough but not that great or because you make just enough money not to be considered in great financial need.

If the President has his way, none of this will matter.

In January, in his State of the Union Address, President Obama outlined a $60 billion plan to make community college free for everyone. While ‘everyone’ doesn’t actually mean everyone, the plan would still open many doors for students who may not otherwise be able to attend college.

What are the Criteria?

The criteria for a tuition-free community college under the Obama plan are straightforward. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA, which leads to a smattering of Bs and Cs – grades that most students quickly achieve. Attendance must be at least half-time, which is typically considered to be six or more credit hours each semester. That’s just two classes per semester, which is easily achievable by most students, even those who work or have other obligations outside of school. In short, students who put in the effort would get a free education.

There is, however, a third criterion. To limit the program's long-term costs, the plan would be

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Mental Health Support for Community College Students

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Mental Health Support for Community College Students
With serious mental health issues on the rise on college campuses nationwide, community colleges are scrambling to provide expanded mental health services to students.

Heading off to college is a time filled with excitement about the future. Meeting new people, learning new things, and experiencing college life are all events that many college students look forward to. Yet, college is also an extremely stressful time. The cost of college attendance, increased academic demands, and concerns about dating, relationships, and friendships are all common factors that contribute to an increasing number of college students that report a mental health issue.

If you find yourself feeling down, anxious, or otherwise mentally unwell, you are definitely not alone. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that 44 percent of students that seek help at their college counseling center have a severe psychological issue. That’s up from just 10 percent in 2000! Most mental health issues present themselves between the ages of 18-24 as well.

The National Alliance of Mental Illness surveyed college students diagnosed with a mental health condition within the last five years, with 19% of the surveyed individuals being community colleges. Depression and bipolar disorder constituted more than 50% of the respondents' diagnoses. The results across the spectrum were:

In this article, we review several common mental health problems that community college students face, as well as solutions to help you get back on a path to good mental health.

Depression

According to research by

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10 In-Demand Jobs for Community College Grads

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10 In-Demand Jobs for Community College Grads
From nuclear medicine to physical therapy, consider 10 in-demand jobs for community college graduates. With salaries ranging from $50,000 to even $100,000, opportunities are ripe for those with the right training from community colleges.

Going to college represents a piece of the American dream. Students can expand their minds, learn new skills, meet new people, and enjoy intellectual, social, and cultural experiences they might otherwise not have a chance to experience. But it also represents an opportunity for students to improve themselves by preparing for employment after college.

Advantages of attending a community college

The advantages of attending a community college are numerous.

  • You can graduate sooner, usually in just two years.
  • The skills you acquire are often immediately applicable to the workplace, making you an attractive candidate for fast employment. Community college is much less expensive than four-year institutions, meaning that more of the money you begin to earn goes into your pocket and not towards paying off student loans.
  • Many of the most in-demand jobs are those that require only an associate’s degree. An added bonus is that a number of these jobs offer excellent income potential, with starting salaries for many of these in-demand occupations in the $40,000-$50,000 range. Some jobs even offer the potential to earn a six-figure salary with just a community college degree!

The trick is to find something that you are both passionate about and that will allow you to earn a comfortable living. Unfortunately, not everyone’s passion will be in a career area that is growing quickly, or that pays well. However, if you have an interest in a job in the medical field, you are certainly in luck because

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Is President Obama's Plan for Free Community College Right for America?

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Is President Obama's Plan for Free Community College Right for America?
President Obama recently introduced a plan to deliver free Community College tuition to all Americans across the country. Is it the right call?In this story, we will not attempt to make a judgment call on whether free Community College is right or wrong for the United States. Instead, we paneled a few experts in education and economics to get their take on the issue. We’re showing both sides of the coin, and letting readers decide on their own.

Last week, President Obama introduced a plan to deliver free Community College tuition to all Americans. Is it the right call?

In this story, we will not attempt to make a judgment call on whether free Community College is right or wrong. Instead, we paneled a few experts in education and economics to get their take on the issue. We’re showing both sides of the coin, and letting readers decide on their own.

The Case for Free Community College

The democratization of Higher Education

The most prominent supporters of Obama’s plan laud the proposal as a right step in the right direction toward an equal democracy. One such organization, University of the People, offers tuition-free degrees to many students who would have been shut out of the opportunity to attend college otherwise. Founder and President Shai Reshef says, “According to the proposed plan, students could save an average of $3,800 a year. It is known that the average student spends as much as $1,200 each year on textbooks and supplies alone.”

Rasheen Carbin, Co-founder, and CMO of career app nsphire, says Obama’s plan is the right step for America. “As we all know, the price of college has skyrocketed. We also know, having a Bachelor’s degree adds about a million dollars to your lifetime earnings.” Rasheen is adamant that free community college can lift a burden on lower-income families, and close the gap between poor and wealthy classes in the U.S.

“College is still a

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