Economy has parents doing their homework

High school seniors may dream of going away to college in sunny California or attending a prestigious private four-year school. Parents want to make these dreams a reality and often have their own dreams for their children's futures. The reality of today's economy, however, has many students and parents re-evaluating those expectations and looking for other options.

A recent study of high school seniors by MeritAid.com found that nearly 60 percent were considering less expensive colleges than they initially planned to apply to and 14 percent changed their focus from four-year to two-year colleges. At Waubonsee Community College, our strong increases in fall enrollment mean we are seeing this trend firsthand.

Fortunately, for many students and families, community colleges are a viable option. Community colleges enroll nearly half of all U.S. undergraduates and at a cost significantly below that of four-year institutions. Community college tuition and fees average $2,361. This year the average four-year private college or university's tuition and fees come to $23,712, and four-year public institutions average $6,185. These four-year numbers do not include room and board. Community colleges are a great choice for students to work their way through college and emerge without stifling student loan debt. And with the recent credit crisis, many students are learning that getting large loans can be challenging.

For those already in the work force, the economic downturn has not lowered employers' expectations. If anything, the competition is becoming more fierce. This is the time when many workers realize education can provide that competitive advantage. These job seekers and job changers are flocking to community colleges to learn new skills and increase their marketability.

Waubonsee students benefit from the added advantage of learning from top-notch instructors in a cutting-edge environment. Because of the strong community support Waubonsee received to fund its 2020 College Master Plan, the college has the capacity and facilities needed to serve students' growing demands. In the last two years, Waubonsee opened two learning facilities where students have access to state-of-the-art technology that provides tangible, applicable experiences. In addition, the college is building new campuses in Plano and Aurora.

Students and families who do their homework about the benefits their local community colleges might be surprised, and the reward is great. The savings gained from attending two years at a community college and transferring later can make the dream of earning a bachelor's degree from a prestigious school affordable for both students and parents.

• Christine Sobek is president of Waubonsee Community College.