staff writer
06/09/09
Amy Garmon
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In today’s job market, it may seem impossible to find a job without some type of post-secondary education. While studies show a decline in four-year university completion rates, more people are choosing to continue education through two-year colleges. “I chose to go to West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) because they offered a two-year plan. You get the same education that you can at a four-year university. The pace is just much faster and it’s alot cheaper,” South Fulton resident and SFHS graduate, Neka Sellers said. Sellers graduated from WKCTC in 2005, receiving her cosmetology license and an associate’s degree. On average, in-state tuition, cost to attend a four-year college, such as Murray State University or University of Tennessee at Martin full-time is $2600-$2988 per semester. The cost per semester will most likely be multiplied by a minimum of eight semesters, by the time a bachelor’s degree is obtained. The average earnings for college graduates with an associate’s degree is $38,200 annually, while graduates with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of $52,200 annually according to the U.S. Census Bureau. “Community colleges offer more one-on-one with professors and smaller classes than four-year universities. After graduating from WKCTC, I enrolled at the University of Tennessee at Martin because I wanted a bachelor’s degree, I have one year left and I plan on eventually getting my master’s,” Sellers said. Typically community colleges, offer associate degrees and certifications, and are funded by the state, which makes them more affordable. On average tuition for a two-year college is $2000 per semester.
Although four year college students are more likely to have debt from student loans than are two-year students, cost factors are not the only reasons more individuals are opting toward two-year institutions. With increased living costs, decreased job availability, and more single-parent households, two-year colleges may seem more attainable.
“As someone who did not go to a two-year college, I wish I had. It is a good way to get your general eds out of the way for less money. None of my friends have jobs in their fields, and some have jobs they do not need a four-year degree for. I suggest if you want a master’s, work for a company that will pay for it,” former Fulton resident and Fulton graduate Alissa Rice said.
