Those schools face rising expenses, while financially strapped governments are cutting aid to higher education.
"If you attend a community college and then transfer to a four-year public university, you will save $12,000. If you attend a community college and then transfer to a private university, you will save $32,000," said dr. Wayne watson, chicago city colleges chancellor.
"Over 46 percent of all students – undergraduates - currently go to community colleges. And the numbers are growing," said Sally Reed, Collegebound newsletter.
You can see the entire Newsviews interview Sunday morning during ABC7's news beginning at 8 a.m.