Community College Can Do More Than You Think!

In these busy times it is difficult to think about college when you can barely make a living on off your minimum wage job, but college is an important step to getting out of that low paying job and into a fulfilling well-paying one. The modern student has many choices for the type of education they are seeking and type of educational facility they wish to study in. For many young students jumping into an expensive four-year university is simply out of the question.

Taking classes at a community college, or two-year institution, first and then transferring to a four-year institution seems to be one of the more popular ways of gaining a proper education.

Although community colleges are nothing new to the world of higher education, interest in attending such facilities has been on the rise for quite some time. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, "Forty-two percent of all undergraduates were enrolled at public two-year institutions (in 1999-2000)" (National Center for Educational Statistics/ Horn, Peter, and Rooney 2002). In addition, enrollment in such institutions is still on the rise. There are many reasons for the popularity of community colleges in today's society. One of which is the affordable, low cost tuition community colleges offer their students. For example: Los Angeles City College in Los Angeles, California offers classes for just $20.00 a credit, the cost of credits for the same class in a university can range in the hundreds. A fact that does not go overlooked by lower income families and students who are putting themselves through college. Another reason for the popularity could be the variety of classes offered to potential students. Classes ranging from auto mechanics to paralegal education. In addition, community colleges are typically located close to neighborhoods and thus within walking distance for many people or within a reasonable distance if a student must use public transportation or drive. The location also has a great impact on the housing costs involved with attending college. Finally, two-year institutions also offer flexible class schedules with either full-time or part-time enrollment available. This leaves a student or potential student with the time needed to maintain their job while still attending the classes necessary to advance in their current occupation or work toward a better more successful one.

As always, when choosing a school that is right for you take into consideration the type of education your looking for and the amount of time you can devote to it. If a four-year or two-year institution still are not for you look into some of the more progressive colleges available. It is even possible to obtain an Associates Degree or Bachelor's Degree completely online! The important part is your education, the way you get it is up to you.

National Center for Education Statistics. Education Statistics Quarterly. "Profile of Undergraduates in U.S. Postsecondary Institutions: 1999-2000."

http://nces.ed.gov/programs/quarterly/Vol_5/5_2/q4_1.asp

http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2002168 (Viewed 02/09/07).

American Association of Community Colleges.

http://www.aacc.nche.edu/Content/NavigationMenu/AboutCommunityColleges/Trends_and_Statistics/EnrollmentInfo/Enrollment_Info.htm (Viewed 02/09/07).