While community colleges are more affordable than other higher education options, here in Pennsylvania, chronic defunding of these critical educational institutions is making it more challenging for community colleges and their students to overcome the uncertainty caused by COVID-19, says Sara Goldrick-Rab, Founding Director of The Hope Center for College, Community and Justice on PBS NewsHour.

Brittany Halbsgut, a University of Pennsylvania student who recently posted her higher education financial story on LinkedIn, says that, thanks to her education at the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) prior to transferring to Penn, "My entire degree will cost only $55,000 - 17% [percent] of the advertised $320,000 price tag."

Since mid-March, all but a few employees and all students at HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, have been working and learning remotely as a result of the global pandemic. Thousands found themselves coping with unique situations as they adjusted to today’s “new normal.” Some have tips to help.

Pennsylvania community colleges continue to evaluate their response to COVID-19. As guidance changes, the most up-to-date information from each community college is available through the Commission's website.