The Voice - Student Newspaper

Paying the price for education

By Taric Watts-Williams
Reporter, The VOICE

Unlike the universities in Arizona, particularly Arizona State University (ASU); Glendale Community College (GCC) and every other Maricopa Community College has kept tuition steady.

Coincidentally, the enrollment at GCC has skyrocketed opposed to other institutions.

Comparing a rough estimate of classes at GCC and ASU, one credit hour at GCC is 71 dollars, adjusting to 213 dollars for a standard three credit hour class, plus 21 dollars in fees.

Whereas, with ASU, you're looking at 1,158 dollars, after fees; around a fivefold increase for taking just 3 credit hours.

According to GCC's Dean of Enrollment Services, Mary Blackwell, there are more factors to our exploding population. "The economy is a huge part," she explains. "Statistically, when the economy is in a downturn, enrollment increases." This statement goes double for GCC.

Even though GCC doesn't offer full four-year degree programs, we have accessible certifications, teaching everything from truck driving to nursing at a fraction of what other institutions charge.

Even if a bachelor's degree is not for you, a simple two-year certificate (GCC has many to choose from) could be what is keeping you from having to stand in the unemployment line.

In case you're afraid of transferring on at this point, Dean Blackwell has some reassuring words for you. "ASU has a lot of good things going on," Blackwell states. And she's right. According to KTVK (Channel 3) news, certain majors may be looking at a cap on their tuition increases. Universities' higher tuition is unavoidable.

Just know that, by attending GCC, your first step is on sure footing.

Please send comments to taric@gccvoice.com