Lawmaker proposes free tuition at Oklahoma's two-year colleges
By AP, Published November 23, 2007

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A state lawmaker wants to provide free tuition to students at Oklahoma’s community colleges and career techs to help increase the number of college graduates in Oklahoma.

The proposal by state Sen. Kenneth Corn was immediately endorsed by the heads of several two-year colleges who said it would increase the earning potential of Oklahomans and boost the state’s economy.

“If you look at the economic impact it will bring to our state, it is tremendous,” said President Donnie Nero of Connors State College.

Scholarship and incentive programs that encourage high school graduates to get a higher education have helped increase the number of college graduates in the state, Corn said.

Under Corn’s proposal, any Oklahoma high school graduate would be eligible to attend a community college or career tech school free, regardless of their parents’ income. The program would not have the same high school curriculum and grade point average requirements as Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program scholarships for four-year schools.

“I believe if students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree, they’ll be much more likely to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree as well,” Corn said, who added the program would cost about $20 million annually.

The proposal is similar to programs already offered by Oklahoma City Community College and Tulsa Community College to students in their areas. Oklahoma has 12 two-year colleges and 29 career tech districts with 56 separate campuses.

The legislation will be considered by the 2008 legislature, which convenes in February.