Author: Mark Rummel

October is Michigan College Month, the statewide focus of a larger national initiative that encourages graduating high school seniors to submit at least one college application and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by Oct. 31.

Michigan is home to some of the country’s finest two- and four-year colleges and universities. Still, the decision to attend college remains a difficult choice for many, even with recent studies showing that graduates have greater access to job opportunities and earn $1 million more on average over their lifetimes than those with only a high school diploma.

Beyond the numbers, going to college also provides formative sociocultural benefits, bringing students together in diverse communities to bond over shared interests and different perspectives while challenging preconceptions that prove costly in today’s global marketplace.

Why SC4?

Cost

The cost of a college education can make an undeniably smart choice more difficult. That’s one of the main reasons why community colleges like St. Clair County Community College are so important: They offer options and affordability.

• Associate degree programs prepare you to immediately enter your chosen field in as little as two years.
• Save time and money on a bachelor’s degree by earning affordable credits you can transfer to a four-year institution.
• SC4 offers a more personalized learning environment, with smaller class sizes and more one-on-one engagement with instructors.
• If you’re not sure what to study, you can explore various subjects that interest you by taking courses that cost less.
• Study on your schedule. SC4 offers more flexible courses in the evenings after business hours and online.

Campus life

When considering community college, campus life is sometimes listed as a drawback. While flexibility and affordability are important, many students are interested in a “true college experience.” That’s where SC4 sets itself apart, offering the benefits of a community college with the feel of a four-year institution — including the opportunity to complete a degree or earn easily transferable credits at nearly a third of the cost.

• A 29-acre campus in the heart of downtown Port Huron, a uniquely vibrant city where something new is happening every day. Our city is right on a busy international border, straddling the banks of the St. Clair River and steps away from the beautiful shores of Lake Huron.
• Accredited programs led by faculty members who have achieved success in their fields, lending their expertise to prepare students for fulfilling careers.
• Brand-new campus housing right downtown, with room for 80 students and all the creature comforts.
• 11 athletics teams, with tailgates, game days and all the excitement of college sports.
• A center of arts and culture in the community, with everything from special exhibits to one-of-a-kind concerts, plays and so much more.
• A full fitness center — free for students — with a basketball court, walking track, weight room and cardio equipment.
• A wide array of student clubs and activities to explore interests and passions.
• Dedicated advisors and student support services like the math, writing and achievement centers.

This Michigan College Month, let’s not lose sight of our important local institutions. Amidst rising costs, SC4 is a different kind of community college offering more than you’d expect.