Since 1962, St. Louis Community College (STLCC ) has remained focused on its three critical mission parameters: workforce preparation via certificate and degree programs, transfer of credit opportunities via liberal arts and general transfer degrees, and non-credit offerings of continuing education and customized corporate training. The college has served more than 1.2 million citizens of the St. Louis region and continues to thrive as it remains true to its mission of expanding minds and changing lives.Â
The faculty and staff at STLCC work diligently to provide prospective and current students with high-quality educational programs that prepare individuals for the workforce, further education and career advancement. Since my arrival in 2015, I have seen and heard countless examples of how the college has assisted individuals with pathways to rewarding careers and how the institution has assisted local business and industry with the preparation of a highly skilled workforce so desperately needed in today’s competitive labor market.
In 2016, Missouri students received a much-needed boost to their educational options and opportunities. During that year, then-Governor Jay Nixon signed Senate Bill 997, or the Missouri Higher Education Core Curriculum Transfer Act (CORE 42). CORE 42 is the general education framework that guarantees transferability to all public colleges and universities in Missouri. Last year, a core curriculum of 42 hours was jointly developed between faculty and staff from two- and four-year institutions, and the components of the bill went into effect in time for the fall 2018 semester.
While there are several options for transfer within CORE 42, it is important for residents to understand that students who complete the Associate of Arts Degree at STLCC and transfer to a Missouri public four-year university shall have completed all lower-division general education requirements at the receiving institution. Students shall receive full credit for all CORE 42 courses transferred, and the receiving institution cannot require the student to take any additional lower-division general education courses within the 42-hour core.
CORE 42 is a tremendous opportunity for individuals seeking an associate or bachelor’s degree. When one considers the increasing costs of higher education, it is prudent for any individual desiring postsecondary education to consider the value that CORE 42 brings to Missourians. It is also important for interested students and their families to understand that STLCC continues to keep student debt to a minimum. In fact, thanks to federal and state financial aid programs such as Pell and A+, less than 15 percent of STLCC students receive loans, and for those who do take out loans, the two-year average is $3,900. This compares to a national average of $38,000 for all students who have enrolled in higher education.
St. Louis Community College provides very affordable pathways to high-wage jobs or further postsecondary education. Currently, the college’s tuition and fees are approximately $110.50 per credit hour, which is less than one-third of the average tuition and fees for Missouri four-year public institutions. Given that national student debt is now more than $1.4 trillion, the significance of affordable postsecondary educational opportunities will continue to increase over time.
For citizens of St. Louis and surrounding regions, be assured that the faculty and staff at STLCC are working diligently to keep tuition and fees low and provide high-quality career and transfer pathways. Given the vision of St. Louis Community College is to be the first choice for students, CORE 42 represents a viable and value-added opportunity for their postsecondary success.
Jeff L. Pittman is chancellor of St. Louis Community College.
