The Pros and Cons of Community College Enrollment

If you are looking to further your education, and are considering a community college, the following pros and cons can help you make the right enrollment decision for furthering your education:

Pros of Enrolling at a Community College

One: Tuition. Perhaps the most convincing pro of furthering ones education at a community college is that the tuition is significantly lower than it is as traditional four-year institutions. Because most core courses will transfer (be sure to check with an academic advisor before enrolling) to a four-year college or university, taking them at the two-year institution is a great idea for students who are a bit intimidated by the college scene, those wishing to save money, and those who want to get a good value for the money they are spending. Many four-year institutions have artriculation agreements with community colleges as well, that allow students completing their Associates in Arts degrees to enter with a full fledged junior status.

Two: Smaller classrooms. The size of classrooms in a community college are traditionally much smaller than those at a four-year college or institution. This allows for more personalized instruction, and a better chance to congregate with fellow students. It also gives the faculty a better idea of where students stand academically in the classroom, and with a smaller class, to better be able to adjust the instruction as needed.

Three: Closer learning relationships. Chances are that community college courses are going to be smaller than those at four-year institutions. As such, the relationship students can build with their teachers and fellow students is prone to being more intimate. It is easier to form small working groups and find study partners. It also enables the teacher to have a better understanding of your learning style when class sizes are not too large. This enables him or her to tailor the advice given to you based on what it is you really need to know.

Cons of Enrolling at a Community College:

One: Social Interaction. While there are clubs and organizations that exist and thrive on community college campuses, they are in no way able to compare to the number of clubs and organizations that exist and thrive in the larger institutional setting. Community colleges have a very diverse demographic, with many students being non-traditional. This means they may already work part or full-time outside of campus, have families or commitments at home, or simply be taking only the one course. As such, students may leave campus immediately after a class and not even consider community involvement among campus, or becoming a part of activities that do exist.

Two: Sports are very limited. For many students the sports activities and affiliations on a campus are the big draw that brings them in. If you are looking to participate on a college-level sports team, you probably will not want to consider the community college, unless the sport you are joining is strictly for your recreational enjoyment.

Three: Limited Curriculum and Class Choice. Community colleges generally offer far less choice in the curriculum and degrees offered than four year colleges and universities do. This can negatively affect you if you are not certain of what you want your major to be, or if you do know what you would like to do but your two year education at the community college will not transfer or does not fit into the curriculum (or does not transfer) to the four year institution.

Deciding where to pursue your upper education is a very personal choice. Be sure to do your investigative homework thoroughly before choosing the institution you would like to enroll in. Doing so will help to ensure your choice is a proper fit for your particular educational needs and goals.