Kaskaskia College President Dr. Penny Quinn issued a statement about President Barack Obama’s recent proposal to give students two years of free tuition.  This has sparked a great deal of discussion and debate about improving access to higher education for the general public.  The discussion is about the cost of such a program, but it also highlights the importance of community colleges in preparing today’s workforce, and how community colleges do so well at providing quality education and jobs-centered training at an affordable rate.  She points out a study from Northern Illinois University’s Center for Governmental Studies that shows a Kaskaskia College program graduate can expect to increase their career earnings by 61 percent over those not completing a community college program.  The study confirms the value of a community college education, particularly KC students who pay less and earn more than the state average, in terms of cost and return on investment.  The annual rate of return on the initial investment for a degree from Kaskaskia College is 36.9 percent.  Area high school students and their parents get a head start on their higher education experience through KC’s dual credit program.  In fiscal year 2015, students who took advantage of the dual credit program saved in excess of $7.8 million dollars compared to taking those same number of credit hours at an institution such as Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.  Dr. Quinn also said, “the investment in a Kaskaskia College education is also an investment in the local economy, as students who attend, tend to stay in the area of school upon graduation, unlike four year college students who tend to move out of the area.  This is highlighted by KC’s own job placement results which shows 93 percent of graduates are employed, and working within 50 miles of the region and 92 percent are employed within Illinois.  These students are likely to remain, become part of the fabric of the community and become civic and community leaders.”  She finished by saying, “A community college education is an investment, which pays richly for the student and for the community, and Kaskaskia College has a rich history of student success.”