A recent article by Gallup stated that confidence in community colleges has surpassed that in four-year universities. The Lumina Foundation and Gallup survey states that Americans express greater confidence in community colleges than in four-year colleges and universities on each of seven aspects of higher education, including affordability, quality, and the student experience.

According to the survey, 48% of Americans express high confidence in community colleges, compared to 33% for four-year universities. The survey highlights a significant disparity in confidence regarding the cost-effectiveness of different educational paths. In comparison, 58% of respondents believe that community colleges offer affordable education, and only 11% share the same sentiment about four-year universities.

John A. Logan College President Dr. Kirk Overstreet emphasizes the College’s unique benefits, stating that more and more students are choosing JALC because of the exceptional combination of cost savings and the quality of education it offers.

“Our students that transfer to a university are not only saving nearly $25,000 on tuition for their bachelor’s degree alone, but they are also, in many cases, outperforming students that began at the university. This is a testament to the quality teaching they receive here at the College.”

Students taking transfer courses are just some of the students benefitting from savings at community colleges. According to JALC Provost Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford, students enrolled in Career and Technical Education programs at JALC are landing jobs after completing a one or two-year program.

Hartford highlights the diverse range of programs at JALC, stating, “In addition to our popular programs like Nursing, Cyber security, HVAC, Automotive, Construction, Electronics, and Welding, we have launched new programs in Hospitality Management, Phlebotomy, and Digital Media. These programs cater to the high demand for jobs in southern Illinois, offering limitless opportunities for our students.”

Fall classes at John A. Logan College begin on August 12. The college also offers several fast-track and late-start classes to meet the needs of working adults.

“There has never been a better time to enroll at John A. Logan College,” said President Overstreet. “We have programs to help working adults gain new skills and for students right out of high school to get everything they need to transfer to a university or start their career at a substantial savings.”

Overstreet encourages every student to complete the FASFA form and apply for scholarships through the John A. Logan College Foundation.

“Over 70% of our students receive financial assistance, and the John A. Logan College Foundation awards over 1.5 million dollars in scholarships. To apply, you click scholarships on our website, jalc.edu.”

Students interested in John A. Logan College can enroll anytime at www.jalc.edu. Walk-in registration begins on August 1, and extended hours start on August 5. The College will host a special Saturday Sign-up on August 3 from 9 a.m. to Noon. Individuals interested in the Saturday Sign-up are encouraged to pre-register at www.jalc.edu.

The fall semester at John A. Logan College is set to begin on Monday, August 12. Registration is currently underway, and walk-in registration starts on August 1. The College will offer a Saturday Sign-up on August 3 from 9 a.m. to Noon. The event is designed to help working adults and other individuals who cannot visit the campus during regular business hours. Although walk-ins are welcome, Individuals interested in the Saturday Sign-up can pre-register at www.jalc.edu.

“We are excited to offer the Saturday Sign-up event again. We have offered this the past few years and it has been a great success,” said Assistant Provost for Student Affairs Dr. Rachel Sveda-Webb. “We know life can get in the way, so we designed this day to help people with their schedules, financial aid, books, and scholarship information outside the normal workweek.”

Sveda-Webb added that individuals planning to attend could expedite the process by completing the application for admission at www.jalc.edu and completing the online FAFSA form before August 3.

Welcome Week activities begin on August 9 with Fall Kick-off Day. The Fall Kick-Off is designed to help students transition to college and get excited about the semester.

“Students feeling overwhelmed or excited about starting college can take this extra day before the semester starts and prepare ahead of time,” said Director of Enrollment Management April Martinez. “On Friday, August 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., there will be a welcome panel session, light lunch in the conference center, and an opportunity to meet with faculty and staff.”

Students interested in taking part in the Kick-off Event can register at https://www.jalc.edu/fall-kick-off-day-registration/.

During the first week of classes, Navigation Stations will be set up throughout campus to help students locate their classes. College officials will also offer golf cart rides from the parking lot to building entrances.

On Monday, August 12, a Welcome Picnic with free food and swag will take place in the Waterfall Courtyard from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A Welcome Bash with free pizza and ice cream will be held on Tuesday, August 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and free popcorn will be handed out in the E-Wing Coffee Shop on Wednesday, August 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Four-week Fast-Track classes begin on August 19. Fast Track courses are perfect for non-traditional students, those working full-time, and those who require flexible schedules. This fall, new flexible options are offered at Carbondale Community High School in the evenings. For more information on Fast-Track offerings, visit https://www.jalc.edu/fasttrack/.

For more information on registration procedures, course offerings, and academic advising, please visit the John A. Logan College website at www.jalc.edu or contact the advisement office at 618-985-2828, ext. 8070, or registration@jalc.edu.