CCRI Makes Economic Sense, Students Say

With college prices continuously on the rise, students nationwide can’t afford to attend big-name universities that come with a hefty price tag.

Many students who often can’t afford even state school tuitions seek out an education at the(CCRI) for part or all of their degrees.

"I don't know what I'm doing with my life, so I figured CCRI was a good start, as opposed to taking a year off from school altogether,” Molly P. Henshaw, a CCRI student from Portsmouth, said. “If I was at a university for a specific major I would be making a huge mistake because I'm unsure of what career path I want.”

Henshaw said going to community college allows her to “jumpstart [her] education” by completing prerequisite courses that easily transfer to other colleges.

She referred to CCRI as “kind of like a college starter kit,” since it is cheaper, closer to home, and less of a commitment.

“I plan on eventually getting a four-year education because, in the current job market, a degree is almost always necessary,” Henshaw said. “You really need that piece of paper in your hand to stand a chance these days.”

Joshua C. Dunlap, of South Kingstown, also had similar reasons for choosing CCRI. After joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 2006, he was deployed twice and honorably discharged in 2010. At 23 years old, he had found himself on his own.

 “It’s hard to even get a part time job these days.  I’m ultimately here to save money and gain a degree in Emergency Management,” he said. “This fits me well and is a good refresher after being out of school for five years.”

Caitlin M. Donovan, of Newport, also said she attends CCRI for financial reasons.

 “I went to Rhode Island College for the past two years to become a teacher.  I’m not sure what I want to do anymore, so I’m here to take general classes and figure it out,” she said. “Classes are much cheaper here than at other colleges and universities."

Donovan said her brother also found success by going to the community college.

“My brother dropped out of high school and then got his GED.  He attended CCRI and took general courses for two years, and now he’s at Rhode Island College getting his Bachelor’s Degree,” she said.

Ryan M. Leys, RI explained his series of events that led him to CCRI.

“I applied to Towson University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Bryant University, Bloomsburg University, and Keuka College.  I got very little financial aid from any of the colleges I was accepted to, and I was planning on going to Bloomsburg University.  I had my deposit sent in, I had my schedule, my dorm, and I even met my roommates before I changed my mind to go to CCRI,” he said.

Leys said his plans changed once he graduated from Middletown High School.

“If you had asked me where I was going to school the day I graduated, I would have said I was 100 percent sure I was going to Bloomsburg. When I started figuring out how much student loans were going to cost, and how long I would be paying for just one semester of college, I realized that was not possible for me to attend there at this point in time.  I applied to CCRI two weeks before classes started and everything’s been going well.”

College Counselor Miriam Santiago said she views CCRI as a “great opportunity” for students and is just as competitive as other community colleges in New England.

“I highly recommend high school graduates to go to community college first and then to a four year college so they can integrate their major with their career.  In this dire economic state it’s crazy for kids to go into so much debt,” Santiago said. “Money should be used wisely towards an education.”

Professor William E. Preston, an English teacher at CCRI,  also said the school is a good choice for many students.

“CCRI offers a quality education with classes, as good, if not better, than other colleges and universities.  It’s outrageous that state schools don’t offer their students more money, and even URI’s tuition has reached new heights,” Preston said.  “I think it’s great that people obtain a two-year degree from CCRI and then move on to a four year school.  It’s a great way to save money.”