WORCESTER, Mass. - Higher education is something many people struggle with because of the cost associated with a college degree. It's something second year Quinsigamond Community College student Jordan Miller knows all too well.

But with tuition and fees now being covered at community colleges in Massachusetts through the MassReconnect program, the 32-year-old Worcester County resident is ready to pursue his dream of finishing college.

"I went into the workforce right out of high school," Miller said. "And I've been fortunate enough to have a good job, but I've always wanted to be able to go back to school."

Miller works full-time doing quality control work for a machine shop. He is also a father to his now 12-year old daughter, Nora.

With adult responsibilities and financial burdens, further education felt out of reach.

"It's been tough," he said. "And I have had a couple times to really sit down and think about, 'Can I really affords to this?' I very nearly had to stop this past year, so having this program is huge."

Miller will be taking nine credits this fall, with his long-term goal of getting a masters degree in psychology and becoming a licensed therapist.

He hopes to finish his degree, not just for himself but for his daughter as well.

"I know that she's taking notes," Miller said. "I know that she's taking it all in and seeing what I'm going through and what I'm dealing with, so being able to have that example for her, that's really important to me also."