Press release:
Despite numerous stories and reports about the escalating cost of college tuition, a degree from Genesee Community College remains affordable to anyone seeking to establish a career. GCC is making the goal of earning a college degree ever more accessible with a number of new opportunities and options aimed at helping students pursue their dreams without forsaking financial health.
"We don't want any potential new student, regardless of age or interest, to be deterred by the many news reports that college tuition is skyrocketing and college students are graduating under an unbearable debt load," said Virginia (Ginny) Taylor, Ed.D, vice president of Student and Enrollment Services said.
"GCC is still very affordable. There are still many summer courses open and there is still time to register for the fall semester. And, we have numerous welcoming and insightful people at our seven campuses throughout GLOW waiting and wanting to help. Just walk in and come see us!"
While tough economic conditions in New York State recently forced GCC to raise its tuition by $75 per semester, this was the college's first tuition hike in four years, and college officials are doing everything possible to create new avenues for students to save money and help defray costs. These are among the options students can take advantage of in this current challenging fiscal climate:
• No deposit application process– GCC offers FREE online registration at: http://www.genesee.edu/depts/admissions/apply/.
• Financial Aid– GCC advisors are ready to help students explore and maximize the best financial options by applying for grants such as federal PELL and NYS TAP, which do not have to be re-paid: http://www.genesee.edu/depts/admissions/financial/grants.cfm.
• College bookstore reduced shipping costs– In a special arrangement with Barnes and Noble, GCC is now offering a flat rate of $1.95 per package for all textbooks and all other items shipped from the campus store, such as flash drives, clothing and general supplies. Items are shipped directly to students' homes, usually within a day or two. The store is also the best source for discounted prices on rented textbooks (50 percent off the purchase price), used textbooks and new books.
• STAP- Arts and Humanities Scholarship still have funds available for Fall 2012. The Special Talent Award Program Scholarship in the Fine and Performing Arts recognizes students who excel in the classroom, and on stage or in an art gallery. Talented students who graduated from high schools in the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming county region should contact Fine and Performing Arts Director Maryanne Arena immediately for information: mcarena@genesee.edu.
• General Scholarships – GCC has numerous options for awards based on academic excellence and financial need in its scholarship program. Some funds are still open for fall 2012. Click here for more information: http://www.genesee.edu/depts/admissions/financial/scholarships.cfm.
• Genesee Promise Plus- The college has extended the registration deadline to June 27 of this incredible opportunity for 2012 GLOW-area high school graduates to earn a full-tuition scholarship for two summer classes at any GCC location for Summer Session II starting July 2. This program is also available for GLOW area juniors who successfully pass GCC's placement test, homeschooled or other persons who have successfully passed their GED in 2012. For information go to http://www.genesee.edu/gcc/promise/.
The first step in meeting the goal of a better, brighter future is just walking into any of GCC's seven locations in Albion, Arcade, Batavia, Dansville, Lima, Medina or Warsaw, and meeting with a friendly GCC advisor. It's easier and more affordable than ever. There is an online FAQ Web page that answers many of the basic questions (http://www.genesee.edu/depts/admissions/faq/), but GCC staff is renowned for its friendly demeanor and willing to go beyond students' expectations to assist.
