Community Colleges - II

by
College Directory Columnist

May 21, 2010

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Another point to highly consider is that you may take these decisions without having to be so concerned about finances, since tuition at community colleges may be as much as 20% to 80% less than at four-year colleges and universities, (not considering the private ones).

Also it may be an excellent solution for you if you want to prepare yourself for Transfer to the University. The community college experience may be the first of several steps in your Higher education's journey. After graduating from it, you may transfer to a four-year liberal arts college to complete a bachelor's degree. Many community colleges have articulation agreements with 4-year colleges and universities. That means the courses you took in your community college receive full credit and are recognized, under articulation agreements, as equivalent to the same courses offered by the 4-year college or university you want to attend. You only have to consult the community colleges guidance to find out about these articulation agreements.

One of the most important functions of community colleges is to prepare students for the job market by offering entry-level career training, as well as courses for adult students who want to upgrade their skills for workforce re-entry or advancement.

If you are interested in finding employment after you finish your courses at the community college, you have different options you may consult before entering.

Community colleges offer a wide range of vocational (job-training) programs. These train students in hundreds of careers from Business Administration and Computer Programming to Nursing, Fashion Design, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Secretarial, Commercial Photography, Engineering or Advertising Art. Students who complete these courses earn degrees or certificates.

Considering this work or job factor, perhaps you are working now, may be you're supporting your family, or you have commitments and you really need a flexible schedule.

In fact at four-year colleges you need plenty of time because course schedules are geared primarily toward full-time, traditional students who take classes during the day. At community colleges course schedules are developed with attention to the variable needs of both part-time and full-time students, so classes are usually offered throughout the day and evening, and sometimes on weekends. So it is because the student population tends to be highly diverse with regard to age, experience, family background, socioeconomic level, and employment status. Many of these colleges offer online courses.

Furthermore, if you need special knowledge, you don't have to enroll in a specific program at your local community college. You have the option of simply taking courses in subjects that interest you.

Ok then, no matter what the reasons are, attending a community college is an excellent way to begin your college career.