Attend Community College

Sometimes community colleges are viewed in a negative light. The implication is that the education provided by community colleges is inferior, and that people who attend such institutions will be disadvantaged when they switch to a four year school. However, these perceptions are for the most part false; the education offered by community colleges is on par with equivalent university courses. Furthermore, the cost savings is enough to make the consideration of community college very wise.

According to the College Board, about 40% of high school students who graduate will attend community college before attending a university, and in some cases, instead of attending a university. Two-year colleges are one of the fastest-growing areas of education and continue to be a vital part of post-high school learning. The College Board estimates that there are more than 1,600 community colleges in the U.S. today. One of the most attractive features of community colleges is the tuition savings.

Tuition Savings

The American Association of Community Colleges states that the costs of public community colleges are on average less than half of tuition and fees of public four-year colleges; they are about one-tenth the cost of attending private four-year colleges.

The College Board states that the average yearly cost of attending a public university is around $8,000-$12,000, with the average cost of attending a private university closer to $30,000. None of this includes room and board, food, or books. According to the Project on Student Debt, most students graduate from university with at least $20,000 in student loans, and sometimes much more.

The average tuition and fees of a community college are just less than $3,000 per year. There are financial aid and grant programs in most states which can help to cover a lot of that cost. Choosing to live at home in order to avoid paying university housing fees and avoiding university food programs can also cut down additional costs. If you have a strong GPA in high school, some community colleges offer honors programs, and enrolling in honors programs will often get you free tuition. It’s best to check the community college you’re considering to see if this is an option.

Other Advantages of Community Colleges

Although these alone are very valid reasons to consider community college, there are a number of additional benefits apart from costs.

Community colleges are easier to get into. The admissions standards are lower, and if you’re having difficulty getting into the college of your choice, starting out at a community college increases your chances of later being able to transfer to that university. You can register late (sometimes a week into classes), so if you do not get into your first-choice university, you can make a last minute decision to attend community college. If you keep good grades at community college, you will find it much easier to transfer to a four-year school.

Note: Some Ivy League Universities will not accept credits from Community Colleges but most other universities will. Be sure to check first. Other top-tier universities have guaranteed acceptance programs from affiliated Community Colleges.

The College Board states that the average completion time for an undergraduate college degree is over 6 years. Because that’s the average, that means that many students take even longer to finish their undergraduate degree. Part of the reason that it can take so long is that most students change their majors at least once. Attending a community college first gives you the opportunity to explore different subjects and get a better handle on what you will ultimately choose, without the penalties of switching majors and having classes which will not transfer.

Class sizes at community colleges are smaller, which means you get more personal attention. Normally, the faculty is more focused on teaching than on research, which frees up their time to help you succeed. You will be able to get directed help in subjects which you may struggle with.

Attend Community College

Tuition Savings

Other Advantages of Community Colleges

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