Despite federal cuts to higher ed, Mass. free community college presses on, transforming students' lives

Tribal colleges like Tohono O’odham Community College provide an accessible route for indigenous students to pursue higher education, with tuition waivers available for students from federally-recognized tribes. Tohono O’odham’s enrollment has grown from about 700 in 2019 to more than 1,200 last year, but funding for tribal colleges is in jeopardy due to proposed federal budget cuts.

Arrupe College offers two-year associate degree programs in smaller classes and at significantly lower costs on the Loyola University campus. At Arrupe College, 50% of the students graduate, and 70% of graduates continue to earn their bachelor’s degrees. With the help of the nonprofit Come To Believe Network, several four-year universities across the country are also beginning to offer two-year programs.

The United States Department of Education made federal Pell Grants available to college students who are incarcerated to help cover school expenses. This spurred the development of new prison education programs and partnerships with colleges.

Riverside County launched College Comeback to address the COVID-19 related decline in graduating high school students going to college. Six counselors each spend 25 hours a week reaching out to the high school class of 2020 and holding one-on-one appointments to help students navigate application deadlines, financial aid, and California Dream Act forms, as well as provide information about technical programs and military service. Counselors’ stipends come from money previously allotted for travel, and since they are also trained mental health professionals, counselors provide emotional support as well.

Students who are new to America or lack college-educated parents often don’t know their options. Increasing transparency about financial aid systems and encouraging students to strive for competitive schools are some of the ways that first-generation citizens can get a university education.

Community colleges were originally designed to be affordable and accessible, yet the myriad pressures on students means that the best intentions often don’t lead to positive results. But the University of Central Florida and its partners are proving a new model called DirectConnect—heavy on individual attention and clear academic goals—that paves a surer path.

The CCAMPIS program at Northern Illinois University provides essential support to student parents, including financial assistance for child care, to ease the burden of balancing academics and parenting. CCAMPIS also funds services like housing, transportation, food, and mental health support, fostering a community for student parents.

The Transfer Scholars Network partners with community colleges and elite universities to help high-achieving students complete their four-year degree at a top school. Alongside mentorship throughout the application process, students who are accepted to partner institutions receive a financial aid package and ongoing support.

At CU Coventry, students take just one course at a time for four hours each day, which allows them to finish a bachelor’s degree within three years. The fixed schedule and “no frills” tuition is often more convenient for nontraditional students who may have children or full-time careers outside of school.

Wayne State University’s Warrior Way Back program allows former students who left college without a diploma to re-enroll and have up to $4,000 of their student debt forgiven.