Re-engage

Enrolling or re-enrolling in higher education after pausing your educational journey can seem overwhelming, especially for family providers and caretakers who already have a lot to juggle. Here’s a quick list of reasons why it may be worth your time to re-engage at St. Clair County Community College (SC4).

You’ll earn more for less.

According to a State of Michigan release, “Michiganders without a college degree or training credential often face economic challenges. A 2020 analysis by the American Association of Community Colleges reports the median earnings of full-time employees with a high school degree is $40,510 annually, while those with an associate degree make $50,079 per year, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.” Of course, many SC4 students transfer on to earn bachelor’s degrees, earning even more annually. Plus, tuition at SC4 is historically much lower than at four-year institutions.

You can do what interests you.

There are so many exciting careers out there to try—and many that may not have even existed just a few years ago. Now may be the perfect time to explore your interests and passions—and take action toward a new career. College advisors at SC4 can help you map out how to best get there, whether that means earning a degree or certificate or taking select courses and transferring to finish your requirements.

There’s financial help and support available.

Financial aid experts can help you understand what kind of grants and scholarships may be available to you every step of the way. Additional community-based scholarships from area foundations and organizations may be available as well. For those ages 25 and older, you may even qualify for free or reduced tuition at SC4 through Michigan Reconnect.

You can build connections and take better advantage of future opportunities.

Job opportunities often come when you least expect them—but many may have degree or educational requirements. Starting back with courses at SC4 now can help prepare you for a future opportunity at your current place of employment or in a new career. Additionally, the connections made on a college campus with expert faculty and staff members, fellow students, and community-based businesses and organizations add exponential value and opportunity on your future career path.

You’ll grow as an individual.

General education and college courses not only help students prepare for a specific career, they also help students build a knowledge base, develop communication and critical thinking skills, and gain a love for learning they can take with them long after they graduate. According to philosopher Socrates, the gaining of knowledge is the ultimate goal in life. Re-engaging on your educational journey can open new doors, elicit new passions and result in infinite possibilities!

You’ll move forward.

Like with many things in life, the first step is often the most difficult. Once you’re able to take it, we have no doubt you’ll join our impressive and growing alumni community of health care leaders and professionals, teachers and professors, engineers, doctors, lawyers, welders, scientists, government officials, public safety officers, designers, managers, entrepreneurs, artists and much more.

Whether you want to explore and innovate, treat and care for others, educate and inspire, serve and protect, or more, SC4 can help you get there.

• Take courses on your way to careers that require two-year associate, four-year bachelor’s and graduate degrees.
• Benefit from high-quality programs, personalized attention and support, flexible options and seamless transfer pathways.
• Save time and money on your path to a rewarding career.

To learn how to continue your educational journey at SC4, visit sc4.edu/smart-start/.