Community Colleges

A community college may be the door to opportunity for you. Community colleges are centers of educational opportunity - an American invention that put publicly funded higher education at close-to-home facilities, beginning nearly 100 years ago. They are inclusive institutions that welcome all whom desire to learn, regardless of wealth, heritage or previous academic experience.

More than half of all first-time college freshmen attend community colleges. The colleges' accessibility is facilitated by open admissions policies and low tuitions. Consequently, community college enrollments reflect the rich diversity of the nation, and campuses are populated with people of all ages, ethnic and cultural heritages, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

The community college is an excellent place to start your post-secondary education. You may choose to earn an associate degree or a certificate at a community college then enter the workplace, or you might go on to a bachelor's degree by transferring to a four-year institution.

In addition, community colleges have become colleges of choice for workers desiring to take classes to upgrade their skills for a promotion or raise, or to enter a new field.

Reasons for choosing to attend a community college are as varied as individuals. Low tuition, convenient locations, open admissions and comprehensive course offerings are highly persuasive factors in students' personal calculations.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I intend to transfer to a four-year college for a baccalaureate degree, how much money can I save by completing my first two years at a community college?

If you attend public institutions, the national average says you will save $3,406 over four years.

How do I know if my community college credits will transfer?

Many community colleges have articulation agreements with nearby four-year institutions, meaning if you work closely with your guidance counselor on your academic plan, your credits should transfer to the four-year college and you should experience a seamless transition. Studies show that students who transfer from community colleges do as well, if not better, than students who begin their academic careers at four-year colleges. Contact your local community college to inquire about articulation agreements.

What financial aid is available to me?

Contact your local community college financial aid office. Counselors there will assist you in identifying all types of aid available to you depending on your financial situation.

Which fields offer the best prospects for me in terms of getting a job upon graduation and earning a decent salary?

A 1997 survey indicates the top five hot programs at community colleges by starting salary and job placement are: dental hygiene ($31,750); manufacturing process technology ($30,675); telecommunications/interactive information specialists ($29,268); physical therapy assistant ($28,782); and registered nursing ($28,777).

I just need a few classes to upgrade my skills to get a new job or get a promotion at work. What does a community college have to offer me?

Community colleges offer excellent instruction, low tuition and flexible scheduling. Nearly 50 percent of community college students work full time, so naturally the colleges offer courses at times that are convenient for those students. An added bonus is that community colleges employ a great deal of adjunct professors - professionals who bring real-world experience to the classroom.

Reprinted with permission from the American Association of Community Colleges'.