Community College- An Affordable Alternative

Answer 1

Community colleges are a popular stepping stone to larger colleges and Universities for many students. Two year colleges have made it possible for many students who would not normally be able to afford a college education to attend school. Community colleges have numerous advantages and can be a wonderful way to finish an Associates or Bachelors degree. Below are some of the advantages to a local college.

First, these schools are generally less expensive than a traditional four year school. A standard University will require a student to complete 2 years of general education classes before entering their major area of study. These classes can easily be taken at a community college for a fraction of the cost of a University. For one, the tuition in itself is cheaper. However, the student also does not have dorm and living expenses as most students can still live at home when attending a college in their community. In addition, most local college credits will transfer to a larger school without a problem. This is also beneficial for those who do not know what they want to major in or what field in which they want to pursue a career. The average savings for two years is about $10,000-$15,000.

Second, some students do not know if they are ready for the responsibility of leaving home, paying bills, and being thrust into a large environment filled with a lot of people, large classes, work, and pressure. Therefore, community college provides a transition to a larger college and can help students make the leap from high school to a University. Community colleges offer college level coursework, but still provide an environment similar to that of high school including: smaller classes, one-on-one attention, and a more laid back environment. In addition, the student still has the option of living at home and delaying the responsibility of paying for a dorm or apartment.

Third, many high schools will offer scholarships to the local colleges for superior grades. These often include free tuition for two years. These scholarships can be easier to obtain than a four year college scholarship and provide comparable coursework.

Community college is an affordable alternative to a traditional college and can provide students with a stepping stone into the pressure filled world of college.