Why Attend a Community College?
It is fairly impossible today to establish a career and advance within it without a college education. However, the cost of a college degree has been on the rise each year. Attending a community college is a good option for individuals who are concerned about cost, time, flexibility or are unsure of their career path.
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Cost
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A top reason why students choose community colleges is for the cost efficiency. For those who want to complete a four-year degree, completing the first two years at a community college and then transferring can save a lot of money. Many students often complete their core requirement courses for less at a two-year college and then transfer the credits to a four-year college or university.
Time Frame
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Many community colleges offer both two-year associate's degrees as well as other certificate programs than take between six months to a year to complete. If you are a person who needs certification for a particular career track, such as paralegal, nursing, Internet technology or food service, a community college is a more efficient and timely way to complete your education.
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Flexibility
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Community colleges offer more flexibility in their course design than four-year colleges and universities. This makes a community college more convenient and welcoming to non-traditional students and those with prior work or family commitments. Collegeboard.com writes, "At community colleges, the student population tends to be highly diverse with regard to age, experience, family background, socioeconomic level, and employment status. Course schedules are developed with attention to the variable needs of both part-time and full-time students, so classes are usually offered throughout the day and evening, and sometimes on weekends." Community college programs offer the diversity needed for those students who are not available to attend school full-time during the day.
Undecided
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There are many students who begin college without knowing what career path they want to choose. Collegeboard.com writes, "At a community college, you can explore different subject areas before committing to a program, without having to be so concerned about finances."
High School Transition
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For students who may not have the strongest grade point averages or feel under-prepared for college study, community colleges are a great option. Rockler-Gladen writes on Suite101.com, "Remedial classes are available to help students prepare, and if you prove yourself with a high GPA at a community college, acceptance to a four year school will be much easier." Attending a community college is a useful stepping stone to a four-year college.
Location
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If you are not not ready to leave home yet, a local community college can provide you with a college education while still being at home. Additionally, you may not be able to afford to live on campus at a four-year institution or may not want to foot the bill for the student loans it would take to do so after graduation. The benefit of a local community college means staying home with mom and dad rent-free.
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References
Resources
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