Introduction
Aaron Pressley majored in political science at Arizona's top-ranked Maricopa Community Colleges, where he served as an Honors Advisory Council leader. Nearly half the nation's undergraduates attend two-year schools, many of which struggle with low funding and poor graduation rates. (Maricopa Community College District)
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Community colleges are an increasingly important part of the nation's education system, enrolling about 45 percent of all undergraduates, many of whom are unprepared for the rigors of a four-year institution or cannot afford to attend one. Policymakers and business leaders say community colleges, which typically grant two-year associate degrees, are crucial for training the next generation of American workers and ensuring the nation's continued global competitiveness. President Obama is proposing government-funded tuition for community college students who maintain a 2.5 grade point average and attend at least half-time, similar to Tennessee's free-tuition plan. But critics argue that Obama's plan is too costly and could disproportionately benefit middle-class students and that many community college students drop out before graduating. Both critics and advocates of community colleges agree the institutions have a challenging mission: opening their doors to all high school graduates, even those who struggle academically. Meanwhile, some community colleges are offering bachelor's degree programs designed to meet the needs of local employers.
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Colleges and Universities |
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Dec. 04, 2020 |
Graduates' Prospects |
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Sep. 11, 2020 |
Higher Education in the COVID Era |
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Oct. 26, 2018 |
Issues in Higher Education |
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Nov. 20, 2015 |
Greek Life on Campus |
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May 08, 2015 |
Free Speech on Campus |
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May 01, 2015 |
Community Colleges |
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Jan. 02, 2015 |
College Rankings |
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Jan. 18, 2013 |
Future of Public Universities |
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Feb. 04, 2011 |
Crime on Campus |
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Jan. 07, 2011 |
Career Colleges |
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Dec. 12, 2003 |
Black Colleges |
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Apr. 21, 2000 |
Community Colleges |
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Feb. 16, 1996 |
Academic Politics |
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Jan. 05, 1990 |
What Should College Students Be Taught? |
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Jul. 27, 1984 |
Colleges in the 1980s |
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Jan. 23, 1981 |
Plight of America's Black Colleges |
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Apr. 11, 1980 |
College Admissions |
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Sep. 06, 1974 |
College Recruiting |
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Mar. 01, 1974 |
Academic Tenure |
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Sep. 14, 1966 |
Graduate School Crush |
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