Twelve years ago, when Tim McArter, 38, learned the company he was working for as an industrial mechanic was going out of business, he was thrown into a world of uncertainty.
“They sent me a letter in January saying in June they were going to close,” he said. “I didn’t know what I was going to do.”
At the time, his wife was attending classes at Hillsborough Community College- Plant City (HCC) with the goal of earning an associate’s degree so she could become a paraprofessional. He joked with her that he’d start taking classes too.
It was no laughing matter.
Thanks to a financial aid package that included Pell grants and scholarships, along with a part-time job, he enrolled in HCC classes, eventually earning an associates degree. He continued his education at University of Florida’s Plant City campus, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in agricultural education and communication in 2015.
McArter works at HCC as a services for students with disabilities coordinator (two of his own children are autistic).
“Without financial aid I couldn’t have done it, it’s been an interesting ride,” he said. “If you would have told me 22 years ago that I would be sitting here working in the office that I work in I would have said you don’t have the right person.”
It can be hard to tell if you’re ready to go back to school. Returning to finish a degree can seem like a daunting challenge, with some of the biggest deterrents being a lack of money and time.
Whatever your age, it’s never too late to earn a degree.
“The median age of our student population is 21 but it’s not unusual to have 30 or 40-year-old students in our classes,” said Dr. Martyn Clay, President of HCC-Plant City. “We’ve had graduates older than 70 walk across the stage at commencement, it’s never too late.”
While there are plenty of reasons to earn a college degree, money and greater opportunity are two driving factors. According to Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the fastest growing jobs in Florida are those requiring education beyond high school.
Average annual wages by education/training level, is $35,750.35 for individuals with a high school diploma, $43,978.15 for a vocational certificate, $72,609.33 for an associate’s degree, $84,126.74 for a bachelor’s degree and $110,504.70 for a master’s degree or higher.
It’s not too late to register for classes. While the spring 2024 semester began on Jan. 8, HCC offers classes that start throughout the semester. Some classes begin Feb. 5, Feb. 13, Mar. 5 and Mar. 26.
Is money an obstacle? Financial aid manager Kyle Campbell said his team can help students and prospective students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). “It all starts with that application, even if you don’t think you’ll qualify,” he said.
The maximum Pell Grant award is $7,395 for the 2023-2024 award year. Tuition for a full-time enrolled HCC student is approximately $2,500.
“Pell Grants are just one award, there are other federal and state-based grants and awards,” said Campbell. “We also have an HCC foundation that offers scholarships as well.”
Clay said this year, one very generous donor gave the college $235,000. “That gift translates into a perpetual scholarship fund for two students a year,” he said. “The principal amount will stay intact as the interest helps educate students.”
Not sure what you want to do? Job placement assistant Hannah Smith runs the career center, which provides free job aptitude testing. “We help people narrow down their major but we also provide job and career support as well,” she said.
With degrees and workforce certificates available in a wide variety of subjects, there’s not time like the present to achieve your educational goals.
For more information about Hillsborough Community College’s academic programs or to apply for admission visit hccfl.edu or call (813) 253-7000.