From the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Secondary education

If a state school won't take you, don't worry: We have your backup plan.

By Jake Smith

August 22 2007

While the average Joe is complaining about sky-high property taxes, the reality is that Florida collected fewer taxes than expected this past year. So what's this mean for the average, ramen-slurping college student? Gov. Charlie Christ recently told the state's 28 community colleges to expect a 4 to 10 percent budget cut for the 2008-09 school year. For Broward County Community College, that could mean a loss of between $3 million and $7.4 million in state funding. A 10 percent cut would cost Miami-Dade College nearly $20 million.

After some deliberating, the state university system decided to freeze enrollment, a cap that would keep 4,200 Florida residents from attending community college in 2008. Essentially, this means that community colleges, which have always prided themselves on accepting anyone with a high school diploma, will turn away thousands. So for those people who won't be getting into college next year, here are three alternatives.

South Florida Dental Assistant School

Web site: Sfdaschool.com

Tuition: $1,895

Expected post-graduation salary: $31,000

OK, so you can't take History of Civilization and English 101 at PBCC. But why bother? The real money is in sticking your hands in strangers' mouths. After 72 hours of laboratory study and a 40-hour internship, this school will send you off with a diploma and the ability to pull in more than $30,000 a year.

Pet's Playground Grooming School

Web site: Petsplayground.com

Tuition: $4,684

Expected salary: $30,000

Puppies and kittens are fun, but let's be honest — veterinary school probably isn't on the table if you're concerned about getting into community college. While veterinarians can expect to make $77,000 a year after graduation — while trying to pay off at least $75,000 in student loans — a groomer can make half that after only five weeks of school and without having to dissect a single bunny.

American Institute of Massage Therapy

Web site: Aimt.com

Tuition: $9,600

Expected salary: $54,000

Getting paid to run your hands all over naked bodies doesn't seem all that tough. Sure, you'll have your share of mouth-breathing and body-fungi-riddled clients, but when that first hottie drops towel and climbs onto the table, it'll all be worth it.

Contact Jake Smith at jsmith@citylinkmagazine.com.