Advantages of Attending a Community College

Advantages of Attending a Community College

In 2018, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that more than 5.7 million students were enrolled in community colleges. Many students enroll in community colleges to seek lucrative employment and additional degrees.

These educational institutions provide a flexible route to a college degree for parents or working students who have demanding home or professional schedules and must balance their academics. Continue reading to find out why going to a community college has advantages.

Transferring from a community college to a four-year institution has some obvious advantages. These advantages include the capacity to improve your academic record and cheaper expenses.

Community colleges are sometimes perceived as a less sophisticated alternative to four-year universities. In actuality, though, it is feasible to graduate from a four-year school, transfer successfully, and pursue a prosperous career. Some two-year college graduates even gain admission to Ivy League universities.

According to the Community College Research Center at Columbia University, “49 percent of all students who completed a degree at a four-year college in 2015–16 had enrolled at a two-year college in the previous 10 years.”

Advantages of Attending a Community College

1. Lower Tuition

Compared to 4-year colleges, 2-year colleges will cost you a lot less money to attend. One might easily save up to one-third of the whole expense of college.

A two-year college’s average yearly tuition ranges from $0 to $3,660 (tuition & fees), whereas a four-year college’s average annual tuition is $10,230. A 2+2 path is better if you include an additional $11,140 for room and board at a public four-year university.

A few selected Bachelor’s degrees are being offered by several community institutions, as an attempt to step up their game. This eliminates the need for transfers and allows some students to graduate immediately.

For instance, two Bachelor’s degrees are currently available at Texas’ Collin County Community Colleges at the same price per credit ($54/credit) as an Associate degree. For less than $10,000, students can now earn two bachelor’s degrees in technology and nursing.

2. Free University

The possibility of attending a community college for free is another advantage. In sixteen states, including Texas, two-year universities provide last-dollar promise programs. The tuition not covered by other grants and scholarships is paid by these last-dollar initiatives.

For instance, seniors graduating from participating Dallas County high schools can apply for Dallas County Promise. By August 2020, there will be roughly 57 participating high schools where students can take advantage of The Dallas County Promise.

The scholarship is transferable to participating four-year colleges for students enrolled in the program. Starting at one of the partner four-year universities is also an option.

3. Career Benefits

A community college associate’s degree prepares students for entry-level positions such as those shown in the following table. Many of these are lucrative positions.

For instance, according to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for radiation therapists was $85,560 in 2019. The BLS projects that the employment of these professionals will expand at a pace of 7% between 2019 and 2029.

Those having an associate’s degree may have an advantage over those with just a high school education. Based on BLS data, the median weekly pay for those with an associate degree was $887 in 2019, but the same individuals with only a high school diploma made $746.

4. Educational Benefits

Some students find that going to a community college has advantages over a four-year institution. First, without having to pay the expensive tuition of a four-year institution, students can investigate subjects in community college classes that they might like to pursue.

Students can save time and money by transferring their community college credits to 4-year universities to fulfill the general education requirements for bachelor’s degrees.

Students who choose a community college with regional accreditation can be sure of the caliber of their education.

For students on a tight budget, attending an approved community college presents an excellent alternative because it provides the same quality of education as a university at a significantly lower cost.

5. Financial Benefits

Generally speaking, community colleges are less expensive to attend than four-year universities. The average annual cost of tuition and fees at a public 2-year university was $3,700 in 2018–2019, while the average cost of attendance at a public 4-year university was $9,200.

It should be noted that these figures do not account for living expenditures such as accommodation. Students must take out fewer student loans and graduate with less debt since community colleges have lower overall costs.

6. Time to Get Used to College Life

Many students arrive at a four-year college unprepared for the demands of living on their own. On the other hand, enrolling in a two-year college will facilitate your transition.

You must commit to developing strong study techniques, time management skills, and self-advocacy to thrive in college. Commencing in a two-year institution may aid in enhancing the competencies required to enroll in and complete college.

7. Bolster your academic record

According to a Harvard Graduate School of Education publication, just 32% of students graduate from high school intellectually prepared for a college education (Greene & Foster, 2003).” Among students who are Hispanic and Black, this ratio is even lower.”

It is hardly unexpected that a large percentage of college-bound pupils will drop out in light of these figures. Those who left school early and owe tens of thousands of dollars in student loans are the ones with the biggest debt loads.

You can also enroll in remedial classes without having to pay the exorbitant fees associated with a four-year university. If you are close to graduating, attending a community college first can help you learn how to handle a demanding course load before transferring to a four-year institution.

8. Steer Clear of Obstacles

Lower student debt is one advantage of attending a community college, but there are drawbacks as well. You can find yourself taking more credits than you need if you are not careful. Alternatively, you might neglect to enroll in the courses needed to transfer into a particular bachelor’s degree program.

You should schedule regular meetings with your advisor to steer clear of these pitfalls. Scheduling a meeting before you register for classes each semester will guarantee you are on pace for graduation. If you plan to transfer to a 4-year institution, you should talk to counselors at your present and prospective college.

Conclusion

Do your research if you plan to follow a 2+2 route, which entails community college followed by a four-year university. Consider this question: “Where can I get the best education for the least amount of money?” While it’s a fantastic alternative, not everyone should attend a two-year college. On the other hand, you will join the many success stories if you have a strong desire to succeed and don’t lose sight of your objectives.

FAQ

The benefits of attending a local community college

For students who want to continue their education after high school and obtain a two-year degree, community colleges provide an economical choice.

Students can acquire an associate degree at a community college for a comparatively inexpensive cost, and it opens up a variety of professional choices.

Advantages of community college for international students

Is Harvard a community college?

With 134 graduate programs, 32 professional programs, and 50 undergraduate majors, Harvard is a sizable, highly residential research university.

Can you get a US visa for community college?

The F, J, and M student visa categories are available from the US government. The F student visa is available for study at an authorized US college or university or for studying English at an English language school.