Published: April 30, 2024
By: Pam Molnar
Many people overlook the opportunity to attend community college, assuming that it is just for those who aren’t accepted to “real colleges.” The truth is community colleges might be the best fit and deserve a stop on your college tour list.
Here’s why:
Affordability
We all know that attending community college will save you money, but how much? According to a College Board report in 2021, the average community college tuition and fees are $3800. Other factors, including books and room and board, are not included in that number. If we want to compare apples to apples, the average cost of tuition and fees in a public, in-state four-year college averages $10,390. Community college is almost a third of the cost.
Smaller Class Sizes
Not everyone is successful in a large auditorium-like setting. Community colleges have smaller class sizes and allow for more hands-on learning experiences and better relationships with professors. In addition, many night classes are taught by people in their field vs. a professor who has not been in the field for several years. These adjunct professors are also helpful in opening doors for future employment.
Opportunity to Explore Options
It’s hard to know what you want to do with the rest of your life at 18. Community college allows a student to try different introductory classes without committing to a semester of classes, room and board and all the expense of entering a four-year college. With smaller departments, students at community colleges may have the opportunity to shadow another student to see if that field of study is really what they want to do.
Close to home
By definition, community colleges are closer to home, which means less commuting time and no extra room and board. This is especially important for students who need help with family either physically or financially. It is also an easier transition for those students who need a little more time to adjust to post-high school life and are not ready to move away from home yet.
Flexibility
The class times at a community college, especially general education classes are offered during the day or at night, as well as some weekend and online classes. This allows the student the ability to work a full-time job or tend to other responsibilities. Some community colleges offer offsite classes in local libraries or other small campus buildings, so students don’t have to drive to the main campus.
Extra Curricular Activities
Community colleges have many of the groups you will find at a four-year college – athletics, theatre, honors societies, clubs, leadership opportunities and travel to study abroad. The average size of a community college is 5,000 students. When compared to the thousands of students in larger four-year colleges, community colleges have less competition to fill these positions.
Gateway to a Four-Year University
Community college is a great solution for students whose GPA falls just under the acceptance requirements of their dream four-year institution. Community colleges near larger universities often have transfer agreements, meaning they work together to provide a sequence of classes that gives the community college student a better chance of transfer acceptance after graduation. Many of these programs are referred to as 2 + 2 programs.
Scholarships
Community college means community involvement. Many local businesses offer scholarships to students at the college in their community with the hopes of recruiting some of these students to work for them in the future. Transfer scholarships are also available to students who choose to go to four-year colleges after graduation.
It Might Be All You Need
Dozens of careers only require a 2-year community college degree, so attending a four-year university is not the only road to success. Indeed.com recently shared a list of 25 in-demand careers you can get with a 2-year degree which include a Web Developer ($81,148), a Dental Hygienist ($98,577) a Respiratory Therapist ($103,987), an MRI Technician ($121,473) and an Air Traffic Controller ($130,420).
Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three who is a proud graduate of a community college.
Notable Graduates of Community College:
Halle Berry – Actor – Cuyahoga Community College
John & Jim Belushi – Actors – College of DuPage
Eileen Collins – Astronaut – Corning Community College
Guy Fieri – Food TV Host – American River College
Morgan Freeman – Actor – Los Angeles City College
Tom Hanks – Actor – Chabot College
Steve Jobs – Co-Founder and CEO Apple – Reed College
George Lucas – Filmmaker – Modesto Jr. College
Jackie Robinson – MLB Star – Pasadena City College
Aaron Rodgers – NFL Star – Butte College
Arnold Schwarzenegger – Former Governor of CA – Santa Monica College
Amy Tan – Author – San Jose City College