A couple of things jumped out at me when reading this N&R article on the N.C. Center for Public Policy Research’s study recommending the state provide more financial aid for community college students.

For starters:

Tuition and fees for community college are about $1,344 for a 16-credit-hour semester. But when basic living and transportation costs are factored in, the N.C. Community College System estimates students pay as much as $15,600.

I’m just not sure where the $14,000 discrepancy comes in, even with the high price of gas. And since students already live in the community in which they’re attending school, I don’t see how living costs can be factored in. If someone can break it down, help me out.

Here’s another interesting passage:

Piper Gartner, 23, is in her third semester at GTCC studying cosmetology. She received more than $4,000 in a Pell Grant that covers tuition, books and then some.

“I cried when I found out I didn’t have to pay anything and wouldn’t have to pay anyone back,” she said.

Understandable emotion, though personally I’d jump for joy.