MAKING THE BEST OF EDUCATION

When students consider a college education, there are a number of factors to weigh: Location, quality of instruction, entrance requirements and, of course, cost.

A comparison of cost per credit hour at nearby community colleges and Southeast Missouri State University shows why many students are opting for the two-year program: The cost is about $35 per credit hour less than the university.

Nearly 140 Missouri students, including 44 from Cape Girardeau, are driving to Shawnee Community College in Ullin, Ill., where classes cost $51 per credit hour. The cost at Southeast is $87.50.

Community colleges serve many purposes other than low cost, however. Entrance standards for community colleges generally are lower than Southeast. The two-year colleges offer students an opportunity to demonstrate their ability and desire to pursue a four-year degree. Students who do well in a community college generally will have little trouble getting into Southeast.

Location is becoming more of a factor. Shawnee Community College is offering some courses in Cape Girardeau this year. The Bootheel Education Center in Malden is a cooperative effort of Southeast and Three Rivers Community College at Poplar Bluff. Southeast and Mineral Area Community College at Park Hills are looking at a joint effort in Perry County.

All of these opportunities and blends of opportunities are good news for students. Each student has a choice to make, and there are plenty of good options for obtaining a college education.