Associates Degree Question

[ss20ts]

it's not just the price of your local CC its about the government initiatives in place. Check your state. More and more states offer free tuition for older students, students out of high school, senior citizens, etc. Currently, over 17 states offer programs in place. This list isn't even accurate because I know my state isn't on that list because they just passed a new program. And I know two other states that aren't on the list that provide free tuition to senior citizens.

List:

https://thecollegepost.com/free-communit...Washington.

My state is on that list and I know for a factor that over 90% of the students are NOT eligible for free tuition via the Excelsior Scholarship program. It's been VERY controversial. I am not eligible because I previously attended college. You also have to be a full time student for the entire degree. You can't take a semester off. You must complete your degree in 2 years for the CC scholarship and 4 years for the bachelor's degree. This is also only tuition not the fees which at our 4 year state schools are often much more than the tuition. There are also income limits. The scholarship is after all grants are applied (if you are eligible for them). The window to apply for the scholarship is a month and a half long! June 1 - July 15. 

The scholarship MAY be for UP to $5,500. Meanwhile, tuition - just tuition - at SUNY Albany is $7,270 this year for the fall and spring semesters for full time students. This scholarship is ONLY for full time students. According to SUNY Albany's website, the tuition for those who receive the scholarship is still $6,470 for the year. Plus the fees.  Articles like these very rarely actually research what is involved in these "free" programs. 

https://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/...rship.html

https://www.albany.edu/undergraduate_bul...costs.html

https://www.insidehighered.com/views/201...plan-essay

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/report...2018-08-16

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2017...d-defenses

https://fingerlakes1.com/2019/10/28/empi...-designed/