A college education is highly valuable in the increasingly competitive and crowded world we live in. College campuses are where intriguing minds go to extend their academic, social and cultural educations for the betterment of themselves and their community.

Unfortunately, Selma is losing such a place in Concordia College Alabama after the spring semester ends. The Historically Black College (HBCU) was founded in 1922, but will be closing after this academic year due to financial hardship. According to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, there are 101 HBCUs across the nation. Next year, there will be one fewer.

The faculty, staff and nearly 400 students at CCA heard the news from interim president Dr. James Lyons this past Wednesday afternoon. According to Lyons, the school pledges to help the students find similar programs to transfer to.

It’s closing will leave Selma University as the only four-year college left in Selma. They will also be the only HBCU left in town as well.

The closing is unfortunate for the students, staff, faculty and the community. CCA prided itself on offering one of the lowest tuition costs in the state. Students will have to decide between spending more money to continue their education elsewhere, or worse, not continuing it at all.

It’s a sad day for the community as well.

The men’s and women’s basketball teams both won a national championship for the 2016-17 season. The soccer team is a diverse unit with players from around the world who came to Selma to play ball while earning their education. The student body had enough school pride to compete against HBCUs from across the nation to raise money for their school. CCA students rallied their campus and local supporters to help them win the Ford Strive to Greatness contest. The students took it upon themselves to help raise money for the college and won $50,000 for finishing in second place in the contest.

It is hard to see a school close down, especially one with historical significance. Good luck to the CCA community who will be moving on once the doors finally close. This is just one obstacle on one path. Hopefully, the students of CCA will be able to find another way to continue their education and work towards achieving their degrees, dreams and aspirations.