Community colleges have been growing in popularity and for a good reason. These local resources offer a dizzying array of courses and study options, from career tracks designed to get you working quickly to advanced research. Here are some of the most significant advantages that community colleges have to offer students of all ages.
1. Costs are far lower. Compared to the price of a four-year college, a degree from a local community college could cost you 80–90 percent less. So, if you need education but do not want to be burdened with student debt, community college is the obvious choice.
2. You can live close to home. Moving away from home is a big step, one many young people are not fully prepared for. However, students can stay closer to their neighborhoods with community college, living either at home or in a nearby apartment complex.
3. Many courses are online. Community colleges were doing online courses long before the pandemic made virtual classrooms the norm. That means your local community college probably has a head start on private and public universities in the area.
4. Instructors come from the community. Many community colleges are pulled from the local business community, and they bring their real-world expertise to the classroom.
5. Job skills are emphasized. If you are looking to your education as a springboard to a great career, community college could benefit you. Community colleges are increasingly working with local business leaders to develop the job skills those employers are looking for.
6. Community colleges cater to adult students and lifelong learners. For people of a certain age, walking into a classroom can be intimidating, but community colleges welcome learners of all ages. No matter where you are in life, you will fit right in on your local community college campus.
7. Campus life is surprisingly rich. Community colleges are more than commuter colleges; they are meeting places for the arts, playing fields for accomplished athletes, and much more. Campus life is surprisingly rich at many community colleges so that you can enjoy the whole college experience without the high cost and other downsides.
8. Community colleges provide excellent support services. Moving from high school to college can be difficult, but there is plenty of support available. From career counselors to financial service experts, community services offer plenty of support to their students.
9. You will be supporting your local community. Of course, the “community” in community college is more than just window dressing; these educational institutions are vital parts of the towns they are located. From beefing up the local tax base to supporting charities and philanthropic endeavors, community colleges make life better for all residents, even those who never attend a single class.
Whether you are graduating from high school and looking forward to the next chapter in your life, temporarily unemployed and seeking new job skills, working your way up the corporate ladder, and searching for the next promotion, or curious about the world, taking college courses can be a sound investment in the future. But before you fill out a lengthy college application and take out thousands in student loans, you might want to give your local community college another look.
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