Quote Originally Posted by cassiesmom View Post
I started to ask this question last night but my laptop locked up. So I am back to ask today. I missed a big portion of the State of the Union address because of rehearsal, but I heard a clip of the President suggesting that community college should be free. Does he want it to be free across the board, or only for certain students? The City Colleges of Chicago are piloting a program for tuition waivers for graduates of the Chicago public schools with a grade point average of 3 or higher. I hope it will especially benefit students who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford college.

If there is widespread free community college, though- how would that work? Would there be overcrowding of certain courses as everyone tries to get the ones they need? What would you do for students who can't or won't go to college- maybe they would like to attend trade school instead? What about those who choose to go straight to a 4-year college or university? How would you make sure there are enough qualified instructors and enough facilities to accommodate students? What if some fields of study are extremely popular and some are hurting for students- would you try to balance them out? What if I am going back to college as a career changer or pursuing higher education long after graduating from high school- would I get free tuition? What about fees, books and other costs?

I think it's an idea worth pursuing further, but it seems like there are a lot of "what ifs" that would need to be addressed. It could help people achieve goals or do something they have always wanted.
I laughed when I heard this 'plan'.

Not a well thought out idea?

Here is the way I would do it.

You pay for your semester and if you pass, you will be reimbursed for those classes....

If you want a student loan, go for it......

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If you invest in something, you probably are more apt to finish what ever you start.

I went to the HR dept to ask about what programs they had in place for continuing education.....The clerk told me that I was SOL because I wasn't a nurse or doctor.

I was ticked off for a second and then took every -ology and health/infect disease class I could, and paid for it myself.

My only regret is not getting a degree.

But, I take comfort in knowing that I can find my rear end with one hand, whereas I have seem people with a degree who were unable to find their rear with two hands, a mirror, printed instructions and a GPS.