- It’s More Affordable. Overall, tuition is going to be significantly cheaper at a community college than it will be at a university. …
- There Are Smaller Classes. …
- You’ll Have More Flexibility. …
- You Can Transfer Your Credits. …
- You’ll Have More Job Opportunities.
Community college is not what it once was, and going to a nearby junior college has many benefits. Junior college is a place where you can finish your general education requirements and pursue your other interests on a schedule that works for you, in addition to the obvious financial benefit. We appreciate the fact that community schools can serve all students. ADVERTISEMENT.
The financial benefit is the primary motivator for enrolling in community college for students. Many junior colleges charge less than $2,000 per semester for full-time enrollment. Students who intend to transfer can use community college to get ready for the financial requirements of a 4-year institution.
Many students are unaware that community college is by far the best choice if they intend to work while they are enrolled in classes. They provide more schedule options and a much greater number of night classes than other universities. Compared to a state school or private university, the workload is lighter, and attendance is typically not required.
Why You Should Consider Community College | Benefits of Community College Versus University
What is an associate degree?
An associate degree, which takes two years to complete, is typically offered to students in community colleges. There are four different types of associate degrees, and each one aids in preparing you for a variety of academic specializations and careers. While some are career-specific and prepare you for employment after graduation, others are transferable to a four-year institution.
A. A. degrees in subjects like English, history, economics, fine art, music, psychology, and sociology emphasize general education and the liberal arts. Typically, these degrees transfer to four-year institutions and count as foundational coursework for bachelor’s degrees or higher. Although general education courses are required, elective courses in communication, natural science, history, art, and music help you develop a solid foundation in these fields.
2. Associate of Applied Arts (A.A.A.)
An A. A. A. degree has similar requirements to an A. A. degree, but the focus is more vocational. You would pursue an A. A. A. degree, for instance, if you were serious about pursuing a career as a graphic artist but did not intend to continue on to a four-year institution. Your career-specific electives in this area would include classes in advanced graphic design or art education.
3. Associate of Science (A.S.)
Like an A. A. degree, an A. S. degree is considered a transfer degree. The A. S. degree qualifies you for careers in business, engineering, computer science, and medicine. You enroll in general education classes, but you prioritize science and math in your electives.
4. Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
What is a community college?
Community colleges are postsecondary institutions with a two-year curriculum that offer courses leading to associate degrees, professional certification, or certification in a particular trade. A community college, also known as a “junior college,” frequently offers academic programs that lead to four-year degrees at a university or college.
Reasons to attend a community college
To decide if community college is the best educational choice for you, think about these benefits:
1. Cost of tuition
Community colleges frequently have cheaper tuition than four-year institutions of higher learning. Many community colleges offer in-state students discounted rates, making two-year degree programs in postsecondary education more accessible to students. The cost of certification programs at community colleges may be less than that of two- and four-year degree programs.
2. Options for financial aid
Most community colleges offer financial aid incentives for students who require help paying for college tuition, materials, even transportation or housing, in addition to lower tuition rates. Students can apply for unique grant programs or loan programs, which occasionally have interest rates lower than those of traditional student loans.
3. Greater flexibility
Students have the opportunity to investigate higher education at their own pace by enrolling in a community college. This is particularly true for students who might have had difficulty in high school, who are unsure of what they want to study, or who wonder whether college is affordable. Many junior colleges offer part-time academic programs, enabling students to attend classes only occasionally while also holding a full- or part-time job.
Flexibility also can provide a greater school-life balance. Students can design their class schedules to fit around personal commitments, achieving a better balance between work and personal activities. Many community colleges also offer daytime and evening classes, giving students more options for juggling their personal and professional commitments with their academic ones.
4. Trade and vocational focuses
In addition to associate degree programs, the majority of community colleges also offer vocational training programs. There are numerous opportunities for students who are interested in pursuing trades in technology, engineering, healthcare, and other professions to enroll in specially designed courses so they can start their careers after completing their education. Many of these vocational studies offer students courses and programs that allow them to complete professional certifications faster than they would with conventional two- and four-year degrees.
5. STEM education opportunities
6. Ability to transfer credits
Despite not offering four-year degrees, many community colleges offer admissions agreements with public and state colleges that allow students to transfer their credits toward a bachelor’s degree. You can complete your two-year degree at a community college before transferring to a four-year university as long as you meet their admission requirements. Community colleges are very advantageous because many students can choose this option that is more reasonably priced.
7. Smaller class sizes
Most community colleges have smaller classes than traditional universities. In order to succeed in their coursework, students may find it easier to receive individualized instruction, additional academic support, and additional time with instructors. Having more opportunities to interact with other students and build bonds that can support your growth and academic success is another advantage of smaller class sizes.
Instructors can create lessons that incorporate all of their students’ learning styles in smaller classes. Additionally, community colleges can offer more opportunities for students to seek academic support since they don’t typically require instructors to participate in research and publication activities.
8. Growing number of college amenities
Many of the amenities that traditional universities and four-year colleges offer are being adopted by more community colleges. For instance, some community colleges may offer accommodations for students, such as dorm rooms, that are comparable to those at four-year institutions. Community colleges are becoming significantly more appealing to prospective students thanks to the addition of food courts, sports complexes, student recreation centers, and other university-style features.
9. Opportunities for online classes
Additionally, community colleges are increasing their online offerings to give students more access to digital learning. Prior to the growth of technical applications in careers and education, junior colleges had few options for taking classes online. Now, however, many junior colleges are incorporating more methods of online learning. This can be crucial for students who may need to take one or two online classes to fit their education into their schedules due to busy schedules.
10. Academic and personal support
Community colleges typically have more student support services because they are smaller institutions. Students are assisted in navigating their post-secondary education by instructors, financial and academic advisors, and career mentors. Additionally, many junior college professors are more readily available to help students who require additional support in both their academic and personal lives. Support services like these can make going to community college enjoyable.
FAQ
What are 2 benefits of going to a community college?
- Financial Relief. Universities are expensive. …
- A Chance to Keep Improving. You might not have performed well in high school.
- Flexibility in Timing. …
- Qualified Teachers. …
- Transfer to a Traditional College/University. …
- Smaller Classrooms. …
- A Chance to Select A Major Without Pressure. …
- Transfer Credits.
What are the pros and cons of going to a community college?
- Pro: Cost of Community College. For most undergrads, college is about more than classes.
- Con: Lose Out on 4-Year Friendships. …
- Pro: Community Colleges Tend to Be Local. …
- Con: Perks and Prestige at Four-Year Universities. …
- Pro: More Flexibility. …
- Con: Fewer Programs.
Why are community colleges so important?
Community colleges provide opportunities for lifelong learning, associate degrees, and the training of the workforce necessary to support California’s economy. They also prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions. California Community Colleges enroll one in every four community college students nationwide.
What is a disadvantage of community college?
There may be fewer sections available for students to enroll in at community colleges. For instance, higher physics might only have one section, whereas its equivalent at a four-year college might have four or five. It’s possible that some equivalent lower-division major requirements won’t be offered.
