(Butler, PA) Butler County Community College’s Winter Session offers an affordable opportunity to earn up to six credits online to remain on track for graduation or to advance, according to guest students.
“I thought, ‘Why not save some money?’” said Robert Pontius, of Wexford, who transferred credits from BC3’s 2023 Winter Session to the private four-year university near Pittsburgh from which he earned two bachelor’s degrees in the spring. “If I am going to get the same class for a fraction of the price, there was no point in going somewhere else.”
BC3’s 2024 Winter Session is scheduled from Dec. 11 to Jan. 16. Guest students can apply for admission at bc3.edu/winter through Dec. 7 or in person by 3 p.m. Dec. 8. BC3 and guest students can register for courses at bc3.edu/winter through Dec. 11.
Residents of Butler County will pay $636 in tuition and fees for a three-credit course in BC3’s 2024 Winter Session and save at least $486.60 per course compared to online winter program costs at regional public four-year universities.
Residents of other Pennsylvania counties will pay $945 in tuition and fees for a three-credit course in BC3’s 2024 Winter Session and save at least $177.60 per course compared to online winter program costs at regional public four-year universities.
“I would think everybody would be shopping for the best price in this day and age because education is expensive.”
BC3’s credits can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree at public, private and online four-year colleges and universities.
“I would think everybody would be shopping for the best price in this day and age because education is expensive,” said Amy Pignatore, BC3’s dean of admissions and the college’s registrar. “If you could get a course or a couple of requirements taken care of at a lower price point, who would not take advantage of that?”
Pontius, 23, is a former resident of New Wilmington and a 2019 graduate of Wilmington Area High School. He compared costs of online winter program courses at a regional public four-year university in 2023, then chose BC3.
“You’re investing in your life,” said Pontius, who earned bachelor’s degrees in accounting and in finance in the spring from the private four-year university and intends to become a certified public accountant.
“I think it is very smart to shop around as much as you can, and crunch the numbers as much as you can, before you make that decision.”
“I am looking to get credits made up, and compared to there, BC3 is a lot more affordable for a winter course. Knowing that the credits transfer over, I am going to make sure that I do the more affordable option.”
Lauren Bowser, 19, of Worthington, a 2022 graduate of Armstrong Junior-Senior High School, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early grades preparation at a public four-year university near Philadelphia.
She transferred credits from BC3’s 2023 Winter Session to the public four-year university and has registered for BC3’s 2024 Winter Session.
“I am looking to get credits made up, and compared to there, BC3 is a lot more affordable for a winter course,” Bowser said. “Knowing that the credits transfer over, I am going to make sure that I do the more affordable option.”
BC3’s first Winter Session, in 2018, drew 64 BC3 and guest students from nine Pennsylvania counties and two states, according to Rebecca Smith, the college’s director of records and registration. The college’s 2023 Winter Session attracted 168 BC3 and guest students from 16 Pennsylvania counties and two states, Smith said.
Seventeen courses are available for BC3’s 2024 Winter Session.
Courses offered for a seventh consecutive Winter Session are elementary statistics, general psychology, human growth and development, intermediate algebra and introduction to art. Courses offered for a sixth consecutive Winter Session are American literature: Colonial and Romantic, American national government, introduction to music, introduction to religions of the world and productivity applications.
BC3’s spring semester begins Jan. 16 with a 15-week Session 1. The college’s 10-week Session 2 starts Feb. 12.
