Higher Education Deals and You

Watching television, you see more ads for ways to further your education. As a librarian, I really don’t watch a lot of television. If I’m sick at home, that’s the one time when I’m more likely to cave in and watch some Springer... Err, I mean the news. What does this have to do with libraries? Well, actually a lot. At a public library, you’re going to find out about more cost effective options that are every bit as good as something you’ll see on TV or even those web advertisements. Meaning a community college or even a full-blown online university in the State of Kansas might not have a huge ad budget but the education is still good.

For instance, you may see EMT programs. To become an Emergency Medical Technician, Kansas City, Kansas Community College has a dynamite program. It’s quick and convenient. Or you may see something about truck driving school. Check out Fort Scott Community College’s program. They have a branch campus in Kansas City, Kansas.

Say you’d like to take an online class, check out Fort Hays State University. Located in Western Kansas, FHSU offers everything from certificates to master’s degrees. Price their tuition against the for-profit schools you see on TV. You may be pleasantly surprised. There’s a reason Fort Hays State prides itself on “affordable excellence”. There are other options. If you’ve always admired the Jayhawks, KU has a branch campus in Johnson County in addition to their main campus in Lawrence. Also, a lot of schools outside of Kansas want bragging rights that they have students “from all 50 states”. About one percent of all Americans live in Kansas so that means that there are fewer Kansans than New Yorkers or Texans applying to schools. If you want an adventure, there are places all over the country that are looking for a Kansan.

With any program, check out its accreditation. Also, ask about graduation rates. Before you start your search, check out some books at the library. You’ll be surprised at all the options that you may not have even considered. Prices and values vary from school to school. Remember we have books that outline financial aid. The price they quote is sometimes like the MSRP on a car. Most people don’t pay full price unless it’s a very popular car. Speaking of education, we’re having a guest speaker at Kansas City, Kansas Public Library speak at the Main Library on Tuesday, June 22 in the second floor auditorium. The talk will be on getting your EMT certification from Kansas City, Kansas Community College. Until next time, catch me in the library.