Commentary by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — Perhaps, one of the most important aspects concerning a proposal to bring a community college campus to Wellington few are talking about is the financial debt now being incurred by today’s college graduates – including those in Sumner County.

Being a parent of two students currently in four-year universities, it is shocking how expensive college is. The overburdening financial strain parents and students alike are now facing to obtain a college education is astronomical. Few will argue that this college-age generation seeking a better way of life are already behind the economic eight-ball when they receive a college diploma.

Yet in the ultimate Catch-22 situation, not earning a four-year college diploma, will leave an individual at a significant disadvantage in future career endeavors.

Some people are arguing that a half-cent sales tax will add to Wellington and Sumner County’s already burgeoning tax load. I would argue this is a financial opportunity the community can not afford to pass up for their own personal economic good. Bringing a community college to town will be a tremendous savings for anyone looking to obtain a four-year and/or post graduate degree.

I stumbled across a Consumer Report article, “Student debt – lives on hold” which outlines the plight of millions of Americans, who went to college seeking a better future but were now facing crushing debt from student loans. All the while a financial industry has been making record profits off these loans.

Jackie Krowen of Portland, Ore. is a nurse with a student loan balance of $152,000. She was quoted in the article as saying:

“I feel I kind of ruined my life by going to college. I can’t plan for an actual future.”

The article went on to say student loans are a $140 billion-a-year industry, and unlike many of its student customers, the industry’s future looks bright.

Older generations may look down upon the younger generations for their lack of work ethic, attitudes, etc. But there is no doubt, that the financial hardship put upon the younger generation at the beginning of their careers, is far beyond what they have experienced.

The article outlined a University of Wisconsin study states: in 2003, students paid about 30 percent of the costs to UW. In 2015, students are responsible for 47 percent of the costs as more state cuts to higher education are forthcoming. As states cut back funding, universities naturally raise tuition.

To cover the increase, more students borrowed, which brought in even more money to the thriving financial industry. Debt collection has now become a tremendous industry in itself as collectors garnish former students’ wages, company pensions, homes, etc.

The average student debt is now $37,173. In 1975, it was $10,349.

When breaking the costs down between two-year vs. four-year colleges, the differences are profound.

According to a recent college board study, the cost to attend a community college with tuition and fees are only $3,131 – just over one-third of the cost for a year at a four-year public institution.

Kansas residents are lucky to have available a strong and vibrant community college program for which many students have gotten ahead in the tuition game.

Both my son and daughter took several Cowley College prep classes while at Wellington High School. My daughter, who attends Pace University in New York City, was told by her advisor recently she had one of the most accomplished college preparatory transcripts the college has seen and she could graduate in three years. Whether she does that or not is up to her. The fact that she was given the opportunity to take these college courses in high school apparently not afforded to her college mates in the east coast region, speaks volumes for the state of Kansas.

Cowley College is asking for a half-cent sales tax to build a campus in Wellington that will give Sumner County high school students an even greater opportunity to get ahead in college.

There is still great benefits for freshmen attending a four-year institution right out of high school, and if one can afford it, then please do so. But spending four years at say a KU or a K-State will no doubt leave a bigger hole on a parents’ pocketbook than say two or three years with an associates degree under a students’ belt.

Community Colleges are no longer a substitute to the four-year college experience. It is now considered part of the process. There is no shame in getting that degree from, say, a Duke or a Rice that includes community college credits.

It is exciting that Cowley College officials are looking at Wellington to expand their operations. It is exciting that high school Sumner County students will have an even more opportunity to take more courses without driving out of town. It is exciting that those with bachelor and Master degree opportunities can get ahead of the financial game within the confines of Sumner County. It is also exciting that such a campus is available for people like you and I – who simply would like to take a college course to broaden our horizons or learn more about a subject.

I never even touched the financial economic development benefits Sumner County will receive from such a campus.

On Nov. 8 (or if you are inclined like me to advance vote), you will be entrusted to vote for a potentially better Sumner County future. Please join me by voting “yes” on Question 2.

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