Spokane's two community colleges, along with North Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene, are closely watching President Obama's plan to provide two free years of higher education nationwide.

The White House proposal was rolled out late last week and is largely modeled after a Tennessee program that provides students with tuition-free community college enrollment in that state.

Details are still being sorted out but under the plan, students would have to enroll in either a degree program that could transfer to four-year universities or in a career training track and maintain at least a C average. The success that participating community colleges have in moving students through the programs would be tracked as well.

"Generally, we're very positive about it and looking forward to what it might entail," said Spokane Falls Community College President Janet Gullickson.

North Idaho College officials echo the sentiment.

"It's an interesting idea," said NIC spokesman Mark Browning.

Tuition for state residents at both Spokane Falls and Spokane Community College is about $4,000 for a full academic year, while North Idaho College is a bit less.

Obama is proposing a partnership with states to provide the tuition-free education. Under the plan, the federal government would cover 75 percent and the states would be responsible for the rest.

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