SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– Community colleges have long operated in the shadows of more expensive four-year colleges, but worries about the cost of college are now drawing students to two-year programs. A new survey by WGBH News shows Americans believe strongly that community colleges are essential to providing families with opportunities and give high ratings to the quality of community colleges compared to four-year universities—and consider them a much better value.

Increasingly, the public has come to understand the importance of a community college education. Data revealed that if someone knew a high school graduate who had inherited $200,000, nearly two-thirds of those polled said they would encourage him or her to go to a community college and keep the rest of the money, instead of spending it all on a four-year degree, the survey, by WGBH News in Boston, found.

One reason is a backlash against the price of private four-year colleges and universities. Fewer than half of those polled said they considered four-year private colleges and universities a good value for the money. Affordability is a factor driving 75 percent of community college students’ enrollment.

“This really is bubbling into the mainstream,” said Chris Anderson, president of Anderson and Robbins Research, who conducted the survey. “The value proposition with four-year colleges may be a little bit out of whack right now.”

With open enrollment and low-cost tuition, South Suburban College serves all students, including: full-time workers, parents, military veterans, immigrants and people who speak English as a second language. Our campuses in South Holland and Oak Forest offer an academic curriculum, which attracts students looking to continue at a four-year institution, as well as those preparing to go right into the workforce. Payment options such as Financial Aid, Scholarships, Work Study and FACTS payment plan are available to help students pursue their education. A variety of one-class tuition waivers can also be found online at ssc.edu. Our Child Care Center serves students in need of child care while participating in college classes and related activities.

Prospective students are encouraged to get started soon with the Online Application at ssc.edu. Tuition at SSC is only $135 per credit hour for In-District students, and the Lake County rate is just $170 per credit hour.

For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois.