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The Takeaway’s Community College Challenge has profiled students and colleges from around the country. Though college represents a coveted opportunity for many, millions continue to struggle with student loan debt, which now totals $1.2 trillion dollars nationally.

For many, completing a four year degree and graduating with a job lined up is not guaranteed, and higher ed institutions themselves are finding it difficult to cover the costs to be financially sustainable and a place young people want to be.

Dorothy Horrell is the chancellor of The University of Colorado Denver. She says it’s a struggle to beat off the competition, and keep her institution relevant and affordable for the students.