Online Community College Funding

The community colleges for the first time in the United States opened its doors more than 100 years. At that time they were called junior colleges and its main objective was to provide the first two years of a four-year college or university. Since then, the mission of many community colleges has expanded to include vocational training, hobby courses and English as a Second Language (ESL). During the early part of the 20 tuition and fees also for a greater proportion of funding for the university community. However, the current emphasis in many community colleges is to keep tuition as low as possible.

Community Colleges – History

Two-year higher education institutions have been in existence since early 1800, but the term “junior college, community college and originally known, is attributed to William Rainey Harper, who was president of the University of Chicago at the time. Harper called for the creation of “colleges”, inspired by the first two years of a four-year college program.

Crane Junior College, the first university in the city of Chicago, was a system drive and Chicago Public Schools received funding from tuition, fees and the local school system. The concept of community colleges was introduced by the 1947 President of the Commission on Higher Education, known as the Truman Committee, which also generated a greater acceptance of community colleges.

Community Colleges – Federal Funding Sources

The federal government plays an important role in the indirect financing of community colleges immediately after the Second World War. Mechanical reset of the Act of 1944, commonly known as the GI Bill made it possible for many returning veterans to attend colleges, universities and community colleges, which they did in mass quantities.

The Law on Higher Education Services Training and Education Act of 1963 indicated a specific federal funding for community colleges. The Perkins Act of 1991 allowed articulation agreements between community colleges and high schools, making it possible for high school youth and seniors to take college courses.

Community Colleges – State Funding Sources

Many community colleges are regulated under the state education system, like state universities, although not usually included in the state university system. As local funding for community colleges has been reduced, the contribution of state funds has increased to cover a portion of the gap. During the 20 th century, state aid increased from zero in 1918 to an average of 26 percent in 1950 and 39 percent in 1999. States use a variety of methods for determining funding levels, ranging from a flat fee provided annually to an amount calculated per capita based funding.

Community Colleges – Local sources of funding

Community colleges to be funded almost entirely by local property taxes. Many community colleges were considered really part of the local school system. However, most community college systems are no longer included in local public schools and now receive only a small proportion of their funding from local sources. During the 20 th century, local funding for community colleges has dropped dramatically from an average of 94 percent in 1918 to 49 percent in 1950, only 18 percent in 1999.