Community college is a good economic deal

The cost of attending college has risen dramatically over the last three decades, making it increasingly unaffordable for many. Expenses at a four-year private university in the United States have surged to more than $58,000 per year, totaling upward of $500,000 for a bachelor's degree when factoring in loan interest and lost wages as a result of attending school full time, as reported by the nonprofit Education Data Initiative.

This surge in costs has resulted in significant debt burdens for countless Americans and has dissuaded many from pursuing higher education due to financial concerns. In such a challenging environment, community colleges like Nassau Community College play a crucial role in providing an affordable alternative for students seeking quality education.

Despite federal financial aid and grants, an astounding 57% of graduates from private universities end up with debt averaging $28,400, according to the College Board. Alarmingly, many individuals continue to carry this debt into their retirement years, with borrowers now over the age of 50 accounting for 23% of the federal student loan balance as of 2021.

The harsh reality of mounting student debt has deterred numerous individuals from pursuing college education, helping contribute to an 8% decline in undergraduate enrollment from 2019 to 2022, the largest drop on record according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This decline in enrollment could have severe repercussions not only on local economies like Nassau and Suffolk counties but also nationally, particularly in industries that already are experiencing labor shortages such as health care and technology. The advantages of obtaining a degree are evident, with nondegree holders earning an average of 75% less than their counterparts with bachelor's degrees, as highlighted by Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce.

The 30 community colleges in the SUNY system offer a high-quality education at a significantly reduced cost. Nassau residents, for example, can pursue a semester of 12 or more credits at Nassau Community College for just $2,900 in tuition fees. Furthermore, students can transfer their credits to four-year SUNY and CUNY schools, or even private universities, potentially saving tuition debt that could amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In addition to cost-effective education, New York’s community colleges also provide valuable programs that lead to job certification and readiness in high-demand fields such as nursing, cybersecurity, and now, entrepreneurship and business management, to name a few offered at Nassau CC. These programs provide diverse pathways for students to employment and success in challenging and rewarding professions.

Community colleges like Nassau CC are vital economic drivers both locally and nationally, enabling students to save money while preparing for higher education or entering the workforce. For high school students and their families preparing to navigate the challenges of paying for college or adults embarking on a career change, now is an opportune time to give community colleges a good hard look.

As a Nassau Community College alum, I am honored to serve as an example of the impact community college can have on your life and career.

This guest essay reflects the views of Maria Conzatti, chief administrative officer of Nassau Community College.