Palo Alto College is not only home to Bexar Countys students, but it embraces regional students, as well.

I chose Palo Alto College because I just got out of a trade school and wanted to get a degree in something, said Steven Herrera, a freshman Business Marketing major who lives in La Vernia. I figured that Palo Alto would be a good start. I just want to finish college, start a regular job and begin my own life.

Each year, more students living in cities outside of Bexar County are choosing to attend Palo Alto College. Located on the South Side of San Antonio, the college is convenient to students living in surrounding cities, such as Floresville, La Vernia, Somerset, Pleasanton, Poth, Pleasanton, Poteet, Seguin, Hondo and Castroville, to name a few.

According to the Palo Alto College 2007-2008 Fact Book, a total of 7,797 students were enrolled. Of that sum, 1,277 were regional students. Atascosa County had 426, Guadalupe County had 148, Medina County had 280 and Wilson County had 423.

I chose to take my classes on Tuesday and Thursday, said Nicole Cantu, a freshman Pre-Med major who lives in Floresville. It is easier on my schedule, and I have a little more time [to work] on my homework.

The fluctuating price of gas has impacted regional students who have further to drive to campus. Higher gas prices lead to added expenditures, directly affecting those individuals traveling to school.

Getting a $400 bill at the end of the month was shocking, but since the price has been going down, it is not so bad, said Herrera.

Tuition for students living outside of Bexar County is substantially more. Students residing in Bexar County, pay $745 for 12 hours, while Non-Bexar County students pay $1,273, a difference of $528 for the same 12 hours.

I dont like the additional charge, said Norbert Chavez, a sophomore Electrical Engineering major who lives in Floresville. Its not fair that we have to pay Out-of-District fees because there is no affordable college that I could attend where I would be considered an In-District student.

Even though the higher rate seems steep, Alamo Community Colleges tuition is still a bargain compared to a four-year university. One semester of 12 hours at the University of Texas at San Antonio will cost more than $3,000. So regional students may earn a two-year degree for nearly $1,000 less than it would cost to attend one year at UTSA.

Thats the main reason I chose Palo Alto College, because the tuition is lower than going to a university, said David Moya, a sophomore Engineering major who lives in Somerset.

Regional students are flooding the campus of Palo Alto College. Next time youre in class, ask around. Youll be surprised to find out just how many regional students there are.