President Barack Obama emphasized a previously announced plan to subsidize community college costs for eligible students during his sixth State of the Union address Tuesday.

Although his plan has received criticism from the Republican Party, the president said he has high hopes for the future of post-secondary education. Obama announced his plan Jan. 8 to make community college free for those who were willing to “earn it.” Requirements include keeping grades up and graduating on time.

The president said community colleges enroll 40 percent of American college students, making it a popular choice for veterans and other non-traditional students who wish to pursue better jobs.

Obama said the opportunity would help further education of people who would otherwise be bound by financial weights.

“I want to work with this Congress to make sure Americans, already burdened with student loans, can reduce their monthly payments so that student debt doesn’t derail anyone’s dreams,” Obama said.

The president said approximately two out of three jobs will require higher education by the end of the decade. With the addition of Vice President Joe Biden’s training system, community colleges are easily connected with local businesses.

The free community college plan is expected to drastically increase the enrollment and participation within colleges across the nation, leading to a direct increase in employment with the attainment of degrees.

Dr. Keith J. Cotroneo, president of Mountwest Community and Technical College, said the movement toward free community college is an important stride for the nation and especially the state.

“In West Virginia the post-secondary participation rates are low compared to the country,” Cotroneo said. “Our degree attainments are low compared to the rest of the nation, and there’s a lot of opportunity for increasing post-secondary education here.”

Cotroneo said it is important to acknowledge Obama’s support of adult students and the high school graduate population. The average student age at MCTC is 29.

“If it does go through, it will lead to higher participation rates in post-secondary education and community college for citizens of the state,” Cotroneo said. “That’s a good thing. There are significant differentials between incomes for those who don’t have degrees and those who do.”

Cotroneo said that Obama’s recognition of post-secondary education’s importance is promising.

“It’s a positive move,” Cotroneo said. “And it’s great that the president put it on the table. I was pleased to hear that he has attempted to move the country in the right direction.”

Lexi Browning can be contacted at browning168@ marshall.edu.