10 Reasons Why Community College Can Be Right for You

Community colleges have had to continuously fight the uphill battle. I am here to set the record straight; this battle has gone on for long enough. Long thought of as a lesser form of college education, these valiant schools have begun to prosper. So, who is the right candidate for a community college education?

Almost everyone.

1. First and foremost, community colleges are usually oodles cheaper than their larger university cousins. Most CC have some form of subsidization by the state, meaning the tuition is more affordable because the state picks up some of the bill. Federal and State financial aid is still available to CC students, making the overall bill much easier to foot.

2. The teachers are second to none. Universities often hire teachers who can make money for them, either via research, book publishing, or any number of other activities. Not to take anything away from universities but the number one priority of a CC teacher is the students. No second rate teachers here, Masters degrees are the minimum, with Doctorates sprinkled into the mix.

3. Flexibility. The schedule is for busy individuals on the move. Time management is the key, and even easier with CC advancing towards more online classes. Need to work an extra job and squeeze a few classes in the week around your schedule. No Problem, you can even add a few night classes.

4. Think the degrees are too few and too general at CC, think again. The local CC here in Connecticut has two-year degrees in everything from Business Administration to Nuclear Engineering. Check your local CC for a full list of available degrees.

5. Strategy. Strategy. Strategy. Try saving some money by transferring the lower priced CC courses towards that more expensive University degree. Most CC have an agreement with four year state universities, to facilitate ease of transfer. With a little planning you can gain a two-year associates degree and transfer up to 60 credits towards a four-year program at another college. As a bonus, you can now use your two-year degree to get a better job.

6. Forgiveness. GPA not so hot in high school, just now figuring out you maybe skipped English one to many times. Take this opportunity to get some college in and prove that your time in high school was a little to distracting. I graduated with a 2.0 cumulative in high school, then changed my life goals and then went on to graduate cum laude with a cumulative of 3.58 at CC. Think that might have helped my chances being accepted to one of the top universities in America. You bet.

7. Home sweet home. I know everybody's dream is to move out at 18 and live the college life. Nice as it may be, it cost money, a little addition to the total bill called room and board. No matter where you live, there is probably a CC within 60 miles of your parent's house. Once your parents hear you planning for the future they knew you could have, their front door will stay open. Besides you get to sleep in your own bed. Just this alone could save you over $6,000 dollars if you attended a major university. If your parents aren't too receptive, offer to pay rent, it still will be cheaper and less distracting than on campus life.

8. The Student Population. Warning: there are what you will consider old people attending CC, do not call them old. The mix of students is always important in any education system. All kinds of races, religions, and gender are all found in CC with the added diversity of age. CC is often the starting point for adults who want to achieve a higher education. The students attending CC are not there for the social environment but there for the education. This means less distraction for you so your education is at the front line.

9. Sports. Community colleges offer sports just like the big boy universities. Though they may not have every sport like underwater polo teams or beach volleyball, the basics are usually covered. Some CC even have competitive nationally ranked teams. Sadly, often times there are not enough people to fulfill an entire roster. If you have any desire to play collegiate sports attend the tryout, even if you lack a little skill. Most teams will be happy you showed up to tryout.

10. A start is better than wondering what if...

Community colleges offer great opportunities for all life styles. Whether you are seeking just a two-year degree or know in your heart you want move on to the big university CC offers an excellent starting point.