Attending college is complicated. Generation Z is the largest age group currently entering college, and they face challenges their parents, primarily Generation X and Baby Boomers, did not have when making their college decisions. Tuition rates, financial aid and funding options, and admission requirements have changed drastically over the last 40 years. According to the Education Data Initiative, since 1989-1990, average college tuition rates have increased 181.3% after adjusting for inflation.
In the ever-changing higher education landscape, many employees at Johnson County Community College (JCCC) have people in their lives who are thinking about pursuing college. And they have questions and anxieties that many prospective students share: What is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and why do I need to file it? What are other ways to pay for college aside from student loans? How do I choose the best college and major for me? Why should I go to college at all?
The answers look different for every prospective college student. This spring, JCCC will host a series of in-person events to help prospects learn more about the college admissions and financing process and make a confident decision when choosing a college – no matter where they plan to go.
College 101
Starting in February, JCCC’s Financial Aid Office, Career Development and Transfer Services Center, Workforce Development and Continuing Education branch, and other departments will collaborate on a series of events to help the JCCC community prepare for college next fall.
- February 13, 2025 – Destination Education: How to Choose Your Major/FAFSA Completion Night – 4:30-7:30 p.m.
- March 5, 2025 – Nontraditional Student Night/FAFSA Completion Night – 5-7 p.m.
- April 10, 2025 – Planning for College in High School – 5-7 p.m.
- May 7, 2025 – Beginning the College Search Process – 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Prospective college students, their families, and interested community members can register for any – or all – of the sessions.
Alongside the February and March events, JCCC will host its annual FAFSA completion night, where experts from the JCCC Financial Aid Office will be available to help complete and answer questions about the form. Each will include key information to help students define first why they want to go to college and then how they can make it happen – logistically and financially.
More on each session
The first event helps prospective students determine their “why.” When students first start thinking about going to college, it’s important to define their educational/career goals. Not all colleges offer the same academic programs, and students should be sure that the school they choose offers the potential degrees and certificates they are interested in.
The March and April events will present information specific to nontraditional college students (those outside the traditional demographic of graduating high school seniors/young adults) and high school students who are preparing for college.
- The March session will have breakouts on paying for college, short-term and long-term options for earning college credit, receiving credit for prior learning, tips for career changers, and more. Young children of prospective college students are also welcome to attend the March event.
- The April session, Preparing for College in High School, will provide guidance to high school students (of all ages) who want to start thinking about college. From earning college credit in high school to applying for outside scholarships and financial aid, JCCC experts will provide guidance on how teens can start thinking about life after high school, discover their areas of interest, and confidently make plans for their future.
And finally, in May, the JCCC Admissions team will host Beginning the College Search Process. This session will provide students with the information needed to begin applying to colleges. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the application process. They’ll know what materials a student needs to apply to colleges, how to pay for college and understand a financial aid package, and what kinds of questions to ask and information to consider during a campus visit.
Learn more
JCCC is excited to present this free event series to the Johnson County and Greater Kansas City community. For more information, and to register for sessions, visit jccc.edu/college101.
