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Does a community college hold the keys to your future?
It’s a little known fact that almost half of the undergraduates earning degrees in the U.S. university and 4-year college system started the college careers by earning credits in a community college. With funds tight in family budgets, it’s a good idea to look at the reasons why attending community college might be a good idea.
George R. Boggs, president and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges gives his reasons for why attending a community college is a good idea.
Price
Here are the average annual prices of tuition and fees at the various types of educational institutions: $2,402 for a community college, $6,585 for a public four-year college or university, and $25,143 for a private institution.
Convenience
Community colleges are aptly named. They are located in the communities in which their students live. Because of this, room and board can be more easily accommodated by students. Also, many community colleges offer online courses, so students can save on gas and other transportation costs. There is also the consideration of the time saved by taking an online course. Sign in and go!
Access
While many 4-year institutions require high scores on tests such as the SAT and a rigorous application process for admission, getting into a community college does not require passing a test. In fact, many high school students get a head start by taking community college courses while still in high school.
Faculty Time
While college professors have to worry about tenure and issues such as publishing papers and conducting research, community college teachers are dedicated to teaching.
Class Size
There are universities with freshman (and sophomore) courses that are required by all students. The class size can near 100 or more. Community college class sizes averages out to 35 students.
There are other advantages, too, for community college. Some community colleges have credit transfer agreements with 4-year colleges, so you can start out at a community college, save money, then move on to a 4-year degree. Contact your local community college to talk about your specific situation and to see if community college is right for you.
Comments
SOME community colleges have transfer agreements with four-year institutions? Unless they are two-year technical colleges, ALL community colleges have articulation agreements, though it is true that some state systems are better than others.
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