Top 10 Reasons to Choose a Two-Year College
With nearly 45% of undergrads in the US making the choice to go to a two-year college, you're in good company. What's more, research shows your earning potential increases by about a half-million dollars more over the course of a working lifetime than a student who has only graduated from high school. And it gets even better…
1) Value
The annual fees and tuition for a full time student at a two-year college is on average one-third the cost of a public four-year college or university. This value increases ten-fold when looking at the average cost of a private institution. And did you know two-year colleges are accredited by the same agencies that accredit major universities?
2) Open - Admission Requirements
Most two-year colleges have "open access" rules. Translation: anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent can enroll. All are welcome, whether starting directly from high school or returning to college at any age.
3) Student Support
Two-year colleges offer a wide range of services to ensure student success including advising, tutorials, financial aid, library services and a full menu of classes ranging from pre-college learning support to career counseling.
4) Career Fast Track, Degrees or Transfer
A two-year college graduate may enter critical-need fields including health sciences, education and homeland security without an advanced degree, or obtain an associate degree in a number of majors or transfer to a four-year college or university.
5) Flexible Schedules
Whether attending day classes on-site or online classes on your schedule, a two-year college provides the greatest flexibility through convenient locations, variable class times and multiple course offerings.
6) Class Size & Teaching Quality
Two-year college classes are traditionally smaller, and they are taught by advanced degreed faculty committed to teaching. They are not pulled away by research interest or the need to publish. Try getting individual attention in an English class with about 400 other students at a traditional four-year college!
7) Engaged Classroom Experiences
Two-year colleges are engaged in efforts to link classroom experiences to real-world applications, giving students a greater appreciation of their classroom learning, and at the same time, connecting them to service activities that directly impact their two-year.
8) Access to Cutting - Edge Technology
Because of strong relationship with business and industry, two-year colleges often have the most up-to-date equipment and technology, which at some four-year institutions may be reserved for upper level students.
9) Real College Life
Two-year colleges provide all the fun activities offered by four-year institutions, but are more easily accessed by freshman or sophomores. The benefit of this opportunity allows individuals to shine in the arts, on the athletic field, through participation on leadership teams and in a multitude of student clubs.
10) Diversity
Two-year colleges serve the most diverse range of students within higher education. Students differ by age, ethnicity, socioeconomics and geographic considerations. This diversity provides the opportunity to share in a rich variety of student backgrounds and life experiences.
Editorial provided by Georgia Perimeter College, Atlanta, GA.
