Graduate from A&M and never leave McKinney?

It could happen...McKinney recently beat out Frisco and Allen for the new Collin Higher Education Center to be built in the northeast corner of US 75 and Highway 121. While Collin County Community College District is already a well respected community college where you can get an Associate's Degree or continue your education in a variety of fields, Collin County residents have needed to commute to Dallas, Denton, Sherman or Ft. Worth for their higher education needs. The new concept will allow easy transition from an Associate's Degree to a four year degree. Right now eight universities including Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor, TWU, UNT, Texas Tech, Texas A&M Commerce and UTD are in the running as potential partners. Upon graduation with either a bachelor's or master's degree, the diploma will bear the name of the university partner.

One of the primary benefits to attending a community college is cost. The credit hours are less expensive and there are addition opportunities for scholarships and financial aid. This concept is part of a growing trend nationwide. McKinney is on the leading edge in Texas.

Ground breaking is planned for February with a target start date of spring semester 2010. The campus will also be home to administration departments and possibly a research center. Colleges are shown to be a large contributor to the economic development of their city.