Pikes Peak Community College opened in Falcon in 2008, starting out with 311 students. In 2011, the college enrolled 572.The benefits of having a campus in Falcon School District 49 include availability and cost effectiveness for students. Sharing a facility with the Patriot Learning Center decreases leasing costs for the college; and, in turn, lowers tuition, said Jeff Horner, director of enrollment services at the Falcon campus. The presence of a college in oneís backyard eases the transition to higher education. ìStudents can see the potential of continuing their education, while staying close to home,î Horner said.Out of the four PPCC campuses, Falcon has the highest retention and graduation rates among students, he said. Horner credits smaller class sizes. ìSmaller classes mean instructors can interface with the students more,î he said.PPCC is based on semesters and offers evening, online and televised classes. A computer lab, a book store on a limited basis and enrollment and financial aid advisors are all housed at the Falcon site. The college is open to anyone seeking higher education.
