By Dr. Leah L. Bornstein
With the cost of gas soaring, grocery prices skyrocketing, the housing industry in a slump and an uncertain economy, now is prime time for folks to take advantage of their community college.
Historically, in times of economic recession, students have headed back to school to acquire more skills or to earn a certificate or degree in a field where they’ll find jobs. The beauty of community colleges is that the students who attend and receive training or develop skills usually use that training and those skills in the communities where they receive their education. And they are filling vital positions!
For example, more than 50 CCC graduates are working to make our communities safer places to live. These graduates include 25 percent of the county’s firefighters and 25 percent of our detention officers.
Meantime, 133 Coconino Community College graduates are working in healthcare in Coconino County. These graduates now make up 16 percent of the registered nurses and 14 percent of the paramedics.
In addition, every tax dollar invested in the community college multiplies to benefit the economy of the county.
On average, community colleges nationwide generate $4 for every taxpayer dollar that funds a college. Coconino County is enjoying an even bigger bargain as every taxpayer dollar invested in CCC generates more than $7 dollars in the local economy!
While the economy improves, students can be working to improve their financial outlook. Research shows that those who earn an associate’s degree will earn nearly half-a-million dollars more than a high school graduate will earn during her or his career. And the cost of that CCC degree is a bargain! At about $1,560 a year, CCC’s tuition and fees are one-third less than the national community college average!
While taxpayers continue to pay taxes, they can be assured that their dollars are earning a healthy return on their investment and contributing to the amount of services and quality of life in general in their county.
Whether you are a college student, a future college student or a resident anywhere in the county—from Flagstaff and Tuba City to Page, from Sedona and Williams to the Grand Canyon—Coconino Community College continues to add value to individual lives as it adds value to the communities it serves.
For more information about the Office of the President, please contact Joan White
This page is maintained by Administrative Staff.
Last updated:
July 22, 2008
© 2008 Coconino Community College