America’s colleges and universities have been in the news recently as part of the national debate over the value of higher education. Speaking from personal experience, as a child whose parents valued education but were not themselves educated, my ability to attend college created opportunities that I had never dreamed possible.
In my nearly 30 years as an educator, it has been my privilege to witness and guide countless others through their own transformative educational experiences. Individuals, families and whole communities benefit from educational opportunities. Whether through enhanced social and economic mobility, through the accumulation of generational wealth or through a richer lived experience with greater insight into the complexity of the world around us, education simply makes things better.
Earlier this month, Walla Walla Community College hosted ceremonies celebrating the achievements of nearly 1,000 graduates. Commencement season is my opportunity to hear directly from graduates and their families about the value of a degree and whether the cost and hard work were truly worth it.
This year’s WWCC graduating class included Honors student Viviana Ochoa, who cared very deeply about the cost of college when making her decision about where to enroll.
“I did not want to cause a financial burden on either my parents or myself,” she shared about her concerns going into college.
Ochoa consulted a WWCC navigator, who helped her explore her options.
“I saw how many opportunities there were to get small scholarships. And the Foundation made it so much easier to afford,” Ochoa said, adding that a combination of athletic scholarships, assistance from the WWCC Foundation and other resources made it possible for her to earn her associate degree.
Ochoa now plans to complete a certificate in early childhood education at WWCC before going on to a university to pursue her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.
“Coming here — being a Warrior — was one of the greatest decisions I could have made,” she said.
According to data analyzed by Best Colleges, the average college tuition cost for the 2022-2023 academic year (latest figures available) was $21,130, with variations for elite private institutions compared to small public colleges. WWCC’s tuition is far lower, averaging $5,300 for tuition and fees, depending upon the program and whether the student is a Washington resident.
Washington is well known for offering some of the most comprehensive financial aid programs in the country. WWCC leverages that state aid to ensure that financial need is never a barrier to enrolling in college. Even so, while tuition costs at all U.S. colleges and universities have more than tripled since the 1960s, financial concerns sometimes prevent potential students from even inquiring about registering for classes.
WWCC’s solution is the Warrior Pledge program. Supported by generous private donors, as well as federal and state funds, our “Warrior Pledge” is that financial obstacles will never prevent students from attending WWCC. For students with demonstrated financial need, WWCC will assemble a package of financial support and with Warrior Pledge, ensure that unpaid balances such as remaining tuition or fees are covered after a student’s other financial aid has been applied. This means there is no out-of-pocket cost to students who qualify. For some students, it truly has made the difference between dropping out or continuing on to a degree.
Participation in Warrior Pledge requires only that students complete a federal financial aid application (FAFSA), state (WASFA) form, or submit a special inquiry form on the Warrior Pledge website by Aug. 1.
This past school year, 839 WWCC students paid no additional tuition or fees after state and federal grants and other scholarships or resources were factored in.
WWCC’s commitment to students is clear: Cost should never be a barrier to your education.
The WWCC Foundation continues to welcome additional donations and support as we expand the program. All the work we do at WWCC is based on the fundamental principle that education is the most effective way for people to realize their full potential –be it economic, social, cultural, artistic, technical, or otherwise.
Ochoa dreams of one day becoming a middle school English teacher.
“Middle school is the hardest age. They’re the ones that need the help the most,” she said. “If you can reach them, you can help them decide who they want to be.”
In order to create the kind of world we can be proud to leave our children, we have to learn to dream boldly and think big thoughts. We have to be willing to make college affordable and possible for all. We owe it to ourselves and to future generations.
Title: Commentary: We Need to Dream Boldly to Make College Possible for All
Author: Chad Hickox
Publication Date: Jun 22, 2024
Source: Union-Bulletin