Students need to take advantage of the Bermuda College for its high quality and low costs, according to former Education Minister MP Randy Horton.

Speaking in the House of Assembly on Friday, Mr Horton praised the “outstanding institution” for leading students on the path to success.

Mr Horton, the former chairman of the Bermuda College Board, acknowledged the school’s recent accreditation with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The association accredits institutions like Harvard and Yale.

He said all Bermudians should be “very, very happy to see that happen”, calling it “a seal of excellence” for the college.

According to Mr Horton, it is an indication of outstanding professional and superb academic services.

He said it would provide greater ease in transfering credits and be more affordable for those looking to benefit from tertiary education.

“First and foremost is we have been considered an outstanding institution and the most important thing in this time of tightness and financial restraints and challenges is there are many of our Bermudians being challenged now to meet their responsibilities.

“Bermuda College is providing a quality of education that is affordable to our students,” Mr Horton said.

He said colleges in the United States, England and Canada cost between $50,000 and $100,000 for a two-year period, including tuition and board.

“It makes eminent sense for Bermudians to be thinking now very hard about sending their children to the Bermuda College for the first two years of their education.”

They will get the grounding they need to be successful at other institutes of higher learning, he said. Several prominent members of the community also came out of Bermuda College, including lawyer Larry Mussenden, he added.

“This is an indication of what can happen but at a much (more) affordable price. I am standing here encouraging Bermudians to look at the Bermuda College and more importantly and currently those in our education system to go to the Bermuda College that doesn’t happen enough.”

Mr Horton encouraged private school students to also go to the college before transferring overseas for university.

He said it would give their parents, who are now scambling to pay $15,000 each year for private school, a chance to recover before starting payments for university.

“Use the first two years and save yourself $100,000 and debt to ensure younger people get the opportunity they need.

“Students who go to Bermuda College will receive a quality education to prepare them for what ever area they choose to go in. We have a quality product in Bermuda.”

There are 19 associate degrees available at the Bermuda College. For more information on the school visit www.bercol.bm.