What are your plans once you graduate from high school? If attending college is on the cards and you’re attending the International College Fair in the hopes of finding the right institution for you, then take a second look at Bermuda’s very own community college.

It may be your door to future success and puts higher education close to where you live, work and play.

Besides the Bermuda College’s open admissions policy, it also offers courses in Applied Science and Technology, Business Administration, Hospitality and Liberal Arts at a fraction of the price of going abroad.

According to the Bermuda College’s Admissions Officer, Sandra Dill, the annual tuition at the Bermuda College is $3,030, while tuition at a Canadian college, like the University of Western Ontario, can cost up to $15,854 a year.

Planning to attend the University of New York? Tuition at this prestigious institution will set you back $41,200 a year, including room and board.

Need more reasons? The Bermuda College offers Associate Degrees, certificates, diplomas and college preparation, “smart think” online tutorials 24 hours a day for all students, transferable credits to colleges and universities abroad, free tutorial in the Academic Resource Center, free laptops with Internet access on the college’s wireless campus, on-line registration and the recently launched, but extremely successful College for Working Adults.

Unlike many institutions abroad, Ms Dill adds that the college offers financial aid and scholarships to students in their first year and allows students to pay their tuition in instalments.

As for transferable credits, she explains that the college has a “two plus two” programme in which students can complete two years at the Bermuda College followed by two years at institutions abroad. In this way they can complete a bachelor’s degree in four years, save large sums of money in the process and take advantage of a bridge between high school and college abroad.

The Division of Applied Science and Technology plays a critical role in society by providing the necessary education and training of a skilled workforce that can meet the competitive challenges of both business and industry.

Applied science and technology trades in Bermuda now comprise some of the fastest-growing occupations today and will soon come under a new national policy of standardised trade certification.

This division offers five Associate Degree programmes and six certificate programmes.

Core subjects for all technical programmes are Technical Mathematics, Technical Science and Technical Communications.

In the Business Administration and Hospitality Division, students are provided with a strong foundation for careers in either industry.

There are three departments within this division including Business, Administrative Sciences and Computer Information Systems and Hospitality and five associate degree programmes: Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Culinary Arts, E-Commerce, and Hospitality Management.

There are also three certificate programmes: Accounting Assistants, Office Assistants and Office Skills and seven diploma programmes: Chef Apprenticeship Diploma in Culinary Arts, Computer Network Administration, Computer Network Technology, Culinary Arts, E-Commerce Technology, Food and Beverage Management and Office Administration.

Ms Smith explains that the Division of Business Administration and Hospitality also offers the Mount Saint Vincent baccalaureate programme in Business Administration, allowing students to earn the undergraduate degree in Bermuda.

The Division of Liberal Arts offers eight Associate Degree programmes in Arts, Art and Design, Arts and Science, Arts (Human Services), Education, Human Services, Science and Actuarial Science.

In the fall of 2005, a total of 1,215 students enrolled at the Bermuda College, of whom only 210 were returning students.

The Centre for Professional and Career Enhancement (PACE) at the College has created unique opportunities for many professionals to develop their skills through market-driven programmes and courses.

Ms Dill says many adults are returning to college not only to upgrade their skills, but also to enter new fields.

In order to cater to this growing number, the Bermuda College introduced the College for Working Adults last year.

This programme is geared towards those studying towards their Associates Degree and allows them to attend classes three times a week in the evenings an on Saturday mornings.

Still strapped for cash and not sure about holding a part-time job while completing your studies? The Bermuda College offers various work opportunities on campus.

“The good thing about working on campus is that the students get to network with others and don’t have to leave the campus and return to attend classes,” Ms Dill explains with a smile.

Bermuda College is an affordable alternative