Community College Education: Established Tradition and Wave of the Future?

Answer 1

For decades, community colleges have filled a much needed role in the U.S. academic system. They are open to all students (there is not a traditional “application and acceptance” process) and offer classes for lower costs than most state universities. Additionally, most courses taken for credit at a community college will transfer to other institutions, meaning that a student could begin his or her career at a community college and then transfer to another institution to finish his/her B.A. degree.

Therefore, community colleges tend to serve students in transition, students who cannot afford to attend a traditional 4-year college/university, students looking to fulfill general education requirements (at a lower cost) before attending a traditional college/university, students seeking an associate’s (A.A.) degree (there are many fields in which this is the only degree required), adult students returning to school, local professionals looking to acquire more skills through certificate programs….the list goes on.

Because community college courses give students a lot of flexibility (many courses are offered online or in the evening), they also tend to attract non-degree seeking students who are looking for personal enrichment (language courses, arts courses, computer courses, etc.). Also, many states have postsecondary options, meaning that high school students can attend state colleges or community colleges during their senior year and receive college credit for the courses taken. Many students choose to complete their senior year in high school at a community college because it is a great way for them to transition to the rigorous environment of a 4-year institution.

Typically, community college professors are there because they love to teach (as opposed to some professors at major research universities who operate in a “publish or perish” climate, sometimes to the detriment of their teaching). A M.A. degree in the subject being taught is required for community college professors, but many hold Ph.D.s or other terminal degrees. Accessibility to students is a major priority of most community college professors, who hold regular office hours and are often available to clarify concepts before or after class.

With the ongoing economic downturn, community colleges have seen an increase in enrollment across most programs and majors. Many students who would have in the past gone straight to a 4-year institution are now choosing to complete their general education requirements at a community college (for less than half the price) before moving on to finish their degree. Also, community colleges are responding to changing job market needs and implementing a variety of new certificate programs (in languages, computer skills, accounting, etc.) to help professionals advance in their careers, keep their jobs or beef up their resumes.

Community colleges have also seen quite a bit of new governmental funding thanks to the current administration’s focus on accessible education. Dr. Jill Biden (wife of Vice President Joe Biden) is a community college professor and has been instrumental in communicating the importance of community colleges to both present and future students who are looking to acquire the skills to be successful in their professional lives.