Low-Cost B.A. Starting Slowly in Two States

1.http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/19/education/low-cost-ba-starting-slowly-in-two-states.html?ref=us

2. Category of Problem: Education

3. Level of Issue: State

4. Article Concerns: Providing affordable  $10,000 B.A. degrees at community colleges.

5. The importance and affect on individuals/families:

With the rising costs of education Texas and Florida are starting to implement low cost B.A. degrees to encourage drop outs to finish, provide educational opportunities for those who can not afford going to big institutions, and show colleges that education can be affordable.

6. Personal View:

Ideally this is a great concept because of the outrageous increasing costs to attend an accredited 4-year university. It would be so amazing to to be able to go to school and receive an education that won't leave you in debt your whole life. As a senior who has been in college for 6 years and graduating with roughly $30,000 of  loan debt I would be all for attending such a university. Money is always an issue and is the biggest reason why people are drop out of college, are deterred from attending college or simply can't because finances do not allow. This would provide those who do not have the means or financial stability to be able to attend a bigger institution with the same opportunity, just at a lower cost.  I do believe that this will help encourage those people who graduate from community colleges and want to continue their education. This would have a positive impact on the drop out rates as mentioned due to the low cost. The requirements that must be met in order to attend the college--3.0 GPA-- is a great idea!! Since cost would be significantly reduce in comparison to a 4-year university, it is important that they admit people who are dedicated and focused because then the states/colleges would be at a great monetary loss. My only concern is that many costs are not yet factored into this proposal/idea. When deciding what degrees will be offered at this low cost it is necessary for the state to recognize whether or not the proper tools, supplementations, and resources are available to students and professors to make their learning experience great. Also, would the degree be of same "value" as a degree from another university? There are many things that need to be thoroughly thought and planned out before attempting to do such a thing. In retrospect it is an amazing idea. I mean who wouldn't want to graduate college with $10,000 loan debt (the equivalent of one semester).