One class at Auburn University: $798-$1572 and endless studying. One class via Auburn’s Community Outreach Program: $40-$140 and self-generated interest. Finding that one hobby that makes you happy: priceless. “I chose the Lose Weight course because summer is coming up, and it’s that time of year to get into shape,” said Alexandra Richards, an Auburn resident. “It’s only $95, which is less than a gym membership and I’ve always wanted to see what the Community Outreach Program is all about. I am not a student at Auburn and have a job so this seems like it would be a good way to take classes without actually being enrolled.”

Matthew Batteh, junior in business, said he was encouraged to check out the program when he heard it offered 50-75 different non-credit courses. Batteh said it’s a simple way to enhance his knowledge without having the time commitment of adding another class. This program is put on by Auburn’s Office of Professional and Continuing Education. Courses include everything from computer to health, music to language and are open to non-student residents as well as students. "The courses seem to have a lot of variety to them,” Batteh said. “One that I would be interested in taking would be the investments one, because this is a very important part of life, not just for someone in the business field. I feel like these courses could be beneficial to add to your résumé as well, because they are not standard college courses."

Other classes that the University doesn't offer are made possible through the Outreach program. Some included courses are as wide-ranged as handgun safety for $60, photography for $65, gardening for $40 and even a dog obedience course for $135. Batteh said he thinks it's important to continue an education even after graduation, and prep courses offered by the program make this possible. "A lot of students want to continue their education after their undergraduate studies, and many of these require taking an entry test,” Batteh said. “They include the LSAT, GRE and many other prep courses, the prep classes would help students become more comfortable and confident in taking these tests and continuing their education.”

Another reason some said they are attracted to the Outreach program is because of the involvement of the professors. Such professors mentioned include Cynthia Mask, who has been a watercolor art teacher for 27 years and with the program for eight years, and Spanish teacher Greg Bethune. Programmatic offerings will fall into one of four general categories: professional development training, programs for older adults, community courses and resident summer youth camps. The courses the program offers are payable online at its Web site, auburn.edu/cconline.