A newly released survey from the National Association for College Admission Counseling reveals that America’s community colleges are what’s keeping the college dream alive for more and more families as those families feel the effects of the recession.

Thirty-seven percent of respondents indicated an increase in the number of students planning to enroll in community colleges versus four-year colleges.

Sadly, the survey shows that more families and students are putting off college altogether.

Counselors at public schools were more likely to report changes in student behaviors than those at private schools, including increases in number foregoing “dream school,” number delaying postsecondary education, enrolling in public versus private colleges, and enrolling in community colleges versus four-year colleges. In fact, counselors at public schools were three times as likely to report both increases in delay of postsecondary education (25 percent versus 8percent) and community college versus four-year college enrollment (63 percent versus 21 percent).

This is coming at a time when more and more employers are seeking people with higher education and skill levels.

It is important for Virginia families to remember that the college dream is within reach and there are many paths available to pursue it.

To explore them, visit the Virginia Education Wizard.  Or stop by your nearest community college and talk to folks there about what they offer and what tools are available to help you afford it.

Posted by Jeffrey Kraus