A wonderful story on NPR last Saturday: Houston Community College has Global Appeal by Larry Abramson told a different story about the role of  two-year institutions.

The Hope Scholarship has also played into higher demand for junior colleges.  With the bar set so high at places like the University of Georgia, many pass through community colleges on their way to the more competitive flagship schools.

Marketing still plays a role.  Rome, Ga. has a high concentration of health care workers and Georgia Highlands College is an important “supplier” .  Their two year nursing program and dental hygiene provide a well trained workforce to area facilities.