Parents of Wor-Wic Community College students feel better NOT paying more.

We all want the best for our children. Yet, the cost of sending a child to a four-year school means having about $125,000 saved by the time that child graduates from high school. As a result, parents have often relied on taking out second mortgages on their homes. But, today’s shrinking credit availability makes loans much more difficult.

Going deep into debt is not the only option. Take a look at the reasonable tuition and fees at Wor-Wic as a way of securing your child’s future without risking your own.

According to Dr. Ray Hoy, president of Wor-Wic, “We have experienced tremendous growth in our enrollments, partly due to the fact that parents are seeing Wor-Wic as an affordable option in their child’s journey toward a four-year degree.”

Sitting in his office at the college campus in Salisbury, Md., Hoy explained that “For the past 10 years, we’ve been the fastest-growing college in Maryland. Our enrollments continue to skyrocket. Last fall we had a 12 percent increase over the fall of 2007 — which was already up 9 percent over the same period from 2006.

“While many have taken advantage of the excellent educational opportunities that Wor-Wic offers, the current economic situation is causing people who might not have considered Wor-Wic before to take a closer look. As the economy tightens, so does the job market,” Hoy added. “To compete in today’s financial climate, people need solid credentials to obtain and keep their jobs. Yet, the cost of getting those credentials has spiraled upward in recent years. With grants and scholarship opportunities at Wor-Wic, college is within reach of those students who would not otherwise be able to attain their career goals.”

With a $78 per credit hour charge for Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset county residents, Wor-Wic offers the most reasonable rates in the Middle States region — an area encompassing New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Washington, D.C. That adds up to an average annual cost of $2,400 — or about one-third of the cost of a four-year, public institution. 

Wor-Wic’s appeal does not end with just the economic benefits. Credits earned at Wor-Wic transfer anywhere. The college offers a top-notch education featuring small classes taught by caring faculty with advanced degrees and practical work experience, not by teaching assistants who often conduct the classes at larger four-year schools. Hybrid and online classes are tailored to accommodate students with family and work obligations. The career services office helps students pick courses that best suit their plans — and Wor-Wic works closely with area high schools to ensure their graduates know all their options. Hoy further noted that, “Community college graduates who transfer are more likely to earn a baccalaureate degree than those who enroll at a four-year college from the start.

“Our students have diverse goals. Many are seeking that four-year degree, and some are ready to get the job skills they need to begin a career,” Hoy explained. “We’re happy to accommodate them all.”

The dedicated faculty and staff at Wor-Wic have been paving the way to success for the residents of the Lower Eastern Shore for more than 30 years. To learn about more than 50 certificate of proficiency and associate degree options that Wor-Wic offers in 16 different career program areas, as well as 10 majors designed specifically for students planning to earn a bachelor’s degree, call 410-334-2800 or visit 32000 Campus Dr., Salisbury, Md., or log on to www.worwic.edu.