What is community college's role in the student debt crisis

Community colleges are a special and important type of higher education institution. They not only offer a variety of different (two-year associate) degrees and certificate programs, but they are also a bridge for people who want to later transfer to other four-year institutions.  

In 2015, these institutions became the center of a discussion involving free public higher education when President Obama proposed the “American College Promise” program, aiming to make two years of community college at no cost for students.  

As stated by TIME in 2015, this proposal was more than just a partial solution to the student debt crisis, it also joined the community of thinkers who perceive community colleges as the best alternative to solve the issues in higher education cost. 

Easing the financial burden on the students, making community colleges free would represent a hope for the future generations in higher education. A poll done last year by New America showed that 65% of current college students said higher education is no longer worth the cost — and for Latinx students, it was even higher, 71%.

Read the full article here.