I will warn you up front this review is a bit more personal than most as I used to work at St. Petersburg College.
I know it can be a daunting thought to go back to college if you are an adult, especially if you have children. Based on the St. Petersburg College (formerly St. Petersburg Junior College) Fact Book http://www.spjc.edu/central/ir/factbook2003/ 62% of their students are female, 32.5% are 20-24, 15.1% are 25-29, and 17.2% are 30-39 years of age. Which goes to show more adult women are going back to school.
I worked on the Clearwater Campus of St. Petersburg College for 23 years and attended classes off and on the whole time I worked there. Now having worked there, you're thinking I'm going to be prejudiced. I promise you I am not.
St. Petersburg College http://www.spjc.edu/ is an excellent school. It is the first hybrid College in Florida. It is still a Community College where you can get a Certificate or an Associate in Science degree to go right into a profession or upgrade job skills or an Associate in Arts degree to continue on at a University to get your Bachelor's degree. It is also a College where you can get your Bachelor's degree in a number of subjects. The fees are also reasonable.
Through SPC's University Partnership Center you may also get your Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degrees from their University Partners.
Scholarships and Financial Assistance is also available. http://www.spcollege.edu/central/SSFA/HomePage/index.htm The staff works very hard to help students find a way to go back to school.
SPC has counseling services to help you figure out what you want to do if you are undecided. On the Clearwater Campus there is also a great program called Women on the Way http://www.spcollege.edu/webcentral/resource/wow.htm that assists women who have been away from school for some time. They offer academic and emotional support.
I realize it was awhile ago, but when I went back to college at SPJC, I was 28, had just lost my job, and had no money. I walked into SPJC with very little hope. I walked out a student. I was scared to death and excited at the same time. I was given help to get a grant, a student loan, and was given a job as a student assistant. I liked working there so well that a year later, I applied for a full-time job and got it. From the moment I walked in the door I was made to feel like I was part of a large family by the staff and the faculty. I felt that way the entire time I was there. If a medical condition had not sidelined me, I most likely would still be there.
I worked mainly at the Clearwater Campus, but I also spent time on the other campuses. Each campus has its own atmosphere and feel. You will get a good education no matter which one you choose.
If you are looking to go back to school. I highly recommend checking out St. Petersburg College.
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