10 Reasons To Attend A Community College First

Published on Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 by Nohel Category: Community Colleges

As the economy struggles, more and more people are going to school to increase their vocational training, get a certificate, Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree and even beyond. Going back to school or starting school at a community college serves many benefits. In California, these benefits are more so important to consider because of how much the four year universities are being hit. Not even the American Recovery Act can get this current trend happening in higher education repaired over night. So, how can you benefit from taking courses at a community college?

Benefits of attending a Community College

Cost of attendance is cheap. Currently in California, tuition is $26 a unit to attend for CA residents
Vocational training and vocational certificates. The community college system is designed to serve the community that the college is in. In many cases, people seek to improve their vocational skills to get better jobs
General education courses. Complete all your general educational classes needed to get your degree at a community college. The first two years of college are pretty much the same regardless if you start at a 4-year university or a community college; you’ll be taking general education and lower division courses (i.e. Math, English, History, etc.).
Attain an Associate’s Degree. This will increase your job marketability especially if you’re taking a break before continuing school and getting a Bachelor’s degree (B.A.).
Useful college resources. Community colleges have many great resources like career counselors, financial aid, and specialized programs that help you meet your goal by providing financial, and educational support.
Available internships. Internships are available for community college students. This would be a great way to test a field you have been thinking about getting into, without making a complete jump into a career you’re not sure about.
Scholarships. Scholarships and grants available at the community college often pay for all of your schooling including certificate program, degree program, or personal enrichment classes because the cost of attendance is already pretty low in comparison to the 4 year colleges and universities.
More and more cuts to courses at 4 year public universities. In California, the California State University and University of California systems are cutting classes due to budgets cuts being made by the State. Complete the same classes at a community college.
Relationships with private universities. Although a bit pricier, private 4-year colleges are partnering with community colleges to get students the degree they are seeking. There are not cuts being made to private schools as they are not affected by the state budget.
It’s close to home. You can find a community college close to home. You don’t have to worry about commuting to far or even moving because your college is far away. Most community colleges also offer online courses at the same rates as going to the physical class making it easy to attend.

This is not an exhaustive list, but it sure does show some of the benefits of attending a community college. As a community college counselor and professor, I’ve experienced all three higher educational systems here in California, UC’s, CSU’s and California Community Colleges. I do have to say that these benefits are really something students and professionals looking to increase their skills should look into.

College Help: “When choosing a college to attend, look at EVERYTHING that school has to offer and ask about classes and wait lists.”

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