University of Phoenix’ plot to corner the cheap education market

[freedom fighter jh]

6. I think upper-level bachelor's degree courses at a CC can work because . . .

. . . the CC may be closely connected to the state university system. At least it is in Virginia, where I teach at a community college. The state college system, at least the best of it, is highly respected. The community college system has a guaranteed transfer agreement with every state-run college in the state. The University of Virginia has a program where students study at the community college and eventually get a UVa degree.

The community college is so big that it can offer a great variety of courses -- so why shouldn't some of them be at a higher level than traditional CC courses. For example, I took a CC course for professors in how to teach online.

Nothing wrong with community colleges expanding their mission, as long as they remain true to their original mission. I've seen lots of hard-working, motivated, intelligent students who, because of finances, a family situation, or simply their own poor record from high school (before they got motivated), could not have followed the direct high-school-to-college path. Community college gives them a chance. I'd hate to see this opportunity be lost.