With the continually rising costs of a four-year university education, smart students and prospective students are looking for ways to reduce the expense of a quality post-secondary education.

Virginia’s community colleges have long been known for the opportunities they offer for adult enrichment and career and technical education, but they are increasingly being seen as an alternative to the first two years of university studies. With lower rates per credit hour, more flexibility in scheduling and convenient locations near just about any home in Virginia, the commonwealth’s community colleges offer a sensible way to knock off some of the general-education requirements that are normally included in the first two years of a four-year college program.

Paul D. Camp Community College has taken the value proposition a step further recently with a transfer agreement the school inked with its sister institution, Tidewater Community College. Under the agreement, students who have completed the General Education Certificate at Paul D. Camp will be able to transfer 33 credits to TCC’s applied arts associate degree program.

TCC has a well-recognized program for those looking to get a basic background in the arts and design fields. Graduates leave with associate degrees and often go on to careers in museums and galleries. PDCCC’s agreement with its sister school will give students in Western Tidewater a simple path to their applied arts degree and, from there, either to a university-level degree or to employment in the arts, while allowing them to complete a significant part of their education right in their backyards.

As Paul D. Camp attempts to restructure itself under the guidance of an interim president, it is important to note that this small community college cannot be all things to all people. Agreements such as this one, however, allow PDCCC to partner with a growing array of other educational institutions to give area students more options than ever.