There are many benefits to a college degree, such as expanded knowledge and skills, job opportunities, and increased earning potential. However, higher education has not always been accessible for everyone because of many reasons, including cost, travel distance to the campus, time requirements, or fear of not fitting in.

Columbia State Community College is making it easier to work on a college degree by eliminating these challenges and reducing excuses. The College is offering an Introduction to Psychology course, PSY 203, in Linden this spring at Perry County High School.

This class was scheduled to accommodate residents of Perry and surrounding counties including REAP Program Participants, Dual Enrollment Students and anyone else interested in attending. The class is open to all.

"By offering the psychology class locally, Columbia State is eliminating the need to travel, saving the student time and money," said Stephen Milligan, Director of the Clifton Campus of Columbia State. "Best of all, this class will be made up of friends and family from the Perry County community, helping ease the transition and making the student feel right at home. Because this is a community college course, the cost will be about half that of a university and just a fraction of the cost of a private college or university."

In addition, students may be eligible for a number of financial aid opportunities including fee discounts, Pell Grant, Dual Enrollment Grants for high school students, HOPE Scholarship, student loans and the REAP scholarship.

The instructor for the psychology course is Stan Vespie. The class will meet on Monday evenings from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. For admission and registration information, please contact Rhonda Delk, Perry County REAP Coordinator, at 931-589-5012, Columbia State Community College's Clifton Campus at 888-346-6581 or 931-676-6966, or your high school guidance counselor. The last day to submit applications for admission and register for the spring term is January 8.