College Spotlight: Salt Lake Community College

Next on our lineup of college spotlights is Salt Lake Community College, or "SLCC", usually pronounced "slick".  I feel like this option gets overlooked by our students, simply because it is a community college and doesn't have a big name.  Don't make the mistake of equating only a big name with success, because the goal is to go to college, and if you're holding out for a big name, but lack the grades and money, this is an option that can make your college goals a reality, while still giving you an amazing college experience!  Take some time and read on:

• SLCC is the only community college in the state of Utah, though it is rather a blend between a tech college, a junior college and a 4-year college.  Students will have a degree to move to a job, or continue at a 4-year college for a GREAT PRICE and a GREAT EXPERIENCE.  
• Tuition and fees for the YEAR = $3,688  (12 - 18 credits / semester)
• The Tech Program is now a part of SLCC.  Any tech programs are becoming competency based, so that when students show mastery of the technique, they can move forward and finish the program faster.  
• SLCC does a good job of mirroring what Salt Lake City is. There is no "typical class", because it takes in a HUGE spectrum of individual students.  The largest population does include students ages 18 - 22, but they also have a lot of non-traditional students.
• SLCC helps students transferring to a 4-year college.  50% of students transfer to U; the other 50% transfer to other 4-year colleges throughout Utah.  They have a transfer program to help students prepare for this, and regularly host Program Directors to make sure students are on track.
• There are 10 different campuses throughout the Salt Lake Valley.  Even though the main campus is at Redwood—there are opportunities at EVERY campus.  Each campus houses a different program.  
• Dozens of clubs and activities to be involved in, including service-learning.  If a student completes a certain number of service hours with their college work, they can graduate with a certificate of service-learning.  (This is a new push with all colleges & universities)
• Scholarship Deadline is February 1!  When students complete their application, it sets up a student profile, and matches them to every possible scholarship.  This application will be available by the end of November.  
• Financial Help!  Any student that is pell-eligible (full OR PARTIAL AMOUNT!), degree seeking, and taking 12 credits/semester can receive extra financial help.  SLCC will pay the gap between the amount given through financial aid the total amount owed for tuition and fees.  Their goal:  to help student's dreams become a reality.  This is HUGE!!!
• Some of their programs:  2 year nursing degree, dental hygiene, radiology tech, arts & media program (sound / video / animation / fashion institute / interior design).  Many, many more available.  Check out the dozens of programs and certificates SLCC offers.
• SLCC has a lot of adjunct faculty, which can really benefit students.  Most of the professors come directly from the industry:  they may not have their Ph.D., but they have the expertise in their industry and can help w/ internships & job placement.  There are some benefits to adjunct professors:  they are up-to-date with industry standards and best business practices.  
• Class size at SLCC is capped at 25.  At a big university, you need to be in an Honors College to have general education classes this small.  It's an ideal place for first-generation students, because the professors will know your name and reach out to help you.  
• Open Enrollment--any student can attend.