The NEIU Independent

Issue date: 2/9/10 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: sxc.hu

With the current condition of the nation's economy and rising unemployment rates, students are seemingly the only ones seriously devoted and committed to success. Returning students of Ivy Tech Community College set another record of higher enrollment in their college's last fall semester, as indicated by the latest study of the Pew Research Centre. The study also indicated that the rapid increase in college enrollments was among the key factors affected by the recent economic recession.

The latest study showed that, as of October 2008, enrollment in the two-year colleges rose up to 11.8 percent from 10.9 percent in one year. The rapid increase in two-year college enrollments coincides with the 47 percent unemployment rate among young adults as of September 2009 as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The students who turned to community colleges from private colleges and universities because of rising tuition fees are still no better off because of two key factors: one being fees and expenses and second being unemployment. The average tuition fees at public two year college ranges to $2,372 this year, as reported by the College Board. Although the figure is less than the $7,020 fees of public four -year colleges and the $26,000 of private colleges, students are still left over with the living expenses and books' costs. To make these ends meet, students find themselves struggling for employment, which is also hard to find. The increase in college enrollment and unemployment rate parallels with each other in this aspect.

On the other hand, colleges are struggling to make ends meet for the rising student enrollment, for completion of their graduation, by cutting courses to meet budget requirements and offering classes at times,such as late nights, early that mornings and on weekends. Many students have been turned away because of the lack of space too.

The rising number of successful students and increasing enrollment rates could only bring prosperity. College will only be a safe investment for students when they are employed and would be able to complete graduation at affordable costs and could pursue deserving careers. The economic downfall and gradually increasing unemployment aren't making colleges a good investment for students, as Pew Research Centre's study raises an important question here that whether this overwhelming population of community college students will be able to get its credentials and their deserving careers.

Although President Obama proposed a $ 12 billion budget for community colleges, to which the House showed willingness to pass a $ 10 billion student aid bill, they're still waiting for the Senate's approval. The bill should be approved as soon as possible on a continuity basis as the college enrollment rate would keep on increasing from now on.

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