Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio: Affordable and Smart Alternative

When it comes to higher learning, almost everyone is looking for a way to save money. Sometimes we're in such a frenzy to earn that scholarship or get accepted into a program that we don't notice a simple and smart solution. Why not attend community college? There are lots of reasons not to, really. Some four-year schools don't accept credits earned at a junior college. Maybe junior college doesn't seem to offer the 'college experience' of living on campus and partying every night. While these are certainly good reasons to take out loans and go to the University of your Choice, if saving money is your biggest concern, community college can be a great alternative.

Residents of Ohio's Cuyahoga County are especially lucky. Cuyahoga Community College, or Tri-C offers lots of options for students seeking a GED, Associates degree, or who are planning on transferring their credits to a four-year school. Cuyahoga County residents pay a fraction of the cost for tuition, and there are several campuses and even telecommuting options, making education available to anyone who really wants it. Programs are offered in several trades, as well as associates degrees for Arts, Sciences, and Business, and the professors all seem to appreciate inquisitive and motivated students.

Though these options deserve merit in their own right, what I feel is the greatest feature of Cuyahoga Community College is their partnerships with local private schools for transient students. For example John Carroll University, an esteemed private school , actually lists out what classes at the college would be acceptable for transferring, what classes need to be covered in order to transfer with two completed years, and even recommends classes that should be taken for students that don't intend to stay at the college for the entire two-year transient plan. They also offer scholarships for transient students, which can actually total to cover nearly all of the tuition.

On top of all that, Cuyahoga Community College offers a variety of student groups, many of which span over the different campuses, and some of which are unique to specific areas. It certainly offers a lot more in terms of the 'college experience' than many other community colleges, and at a much lower price tag. The fact that the price is so low for Cuyahoga county residents is sometimes seen as a lack of quality, but the fact of the matter is, highly regarded universities would not be partnering with Tri-C if it was below their standards.

Community college isn't for everyone, but if it's an option that you're entertaining and you live in Northeast Ohio, Cuyahoga Community College should be at the top of your list of schools to check out.