by Zane

Good question! Thanks for asking. As a perpetual student, current teacher, and former college professor, I reflect on my 30+ years in higher education and find the following considerations:
·    Money
·    Distance
·    Flexibility
·    Certificate Programs
·    Teaching Quality
·    Time to Choose a Major
·    Online Course Options

Let’s take them in order, and say a few words about each.

Money: Hands-down, yes: attending a community college costs less. Although books and supplies cost the same at all colleges, the cost of tuition is significantly cheaper. For example, a typical class for a California resident costs $60.00. Some community colleges also offer free or partially paid tuition if a student has a high GPA and/or excellent ACT/SAT scores.

Distance: Community colleges are traditionally close to home. In New Jersey, community colleges have one main campus per county. In California, some community colleges are as close as 10 miles apart. There are many advantages for students to commute from home. We can all appreciate having Mom do our laundry and Dad around to fix our car (or at least pay for it).

Flexibility: Students can take a smaller number of classes if needed and pay per class rather than a lump sum per semester. I have taken little as one class a semester or as many as five. Often the same class is offered at different times, including evening classes. Many classes are smaller than classes at four-year colleges and universities, providing greater access to the professor. Further, I never had a class taught by a teaching assistant at a community college.

Certificate programs: If you’re at a four-year school because of a specific interest or to gain the skills needed for a specific line of work, the force of general academia can seem like it’s destined to swallow you up. Community colleges have become homes for certificate programs ranging from smog technicians to interior designers. Careers that require associates degrees usually find workers from the ranks community college graduates. Licensed Vocational Nurses, Veterinary Technicians, X-ray Technicians, and Ultrasound Imaging Technicians are just a few of the jobs you can learn at a community college. Prospective students should explore each community college’s offerings to see if a career that interests them is available.

Teaching quality: Although the course offerings at community colleges are more basic, educational quality is equal or even better than the four year colleges and universities. In my experience, community college professors are highly educated and trained. Instructors in math, English, history, and art have exactly the same qualifications as professors at most four year colleges and universities. Many adjunct (part-time) professors are also working professionals who bring their rich real-world experiences into the classroom. After attending more than 19 colleges and universities both private and public, I have always found teaching quality the same or better at community colleges.

Major decisions: Plain and simple, attending a community college allows you more time to make a decision on a major. A community college student can experience courses in many disciplines while completing general degree requirements. Heading off to a four-year university without a major in mind is tricky at best. Not to mention balancing the rigors of school while living away from home for the first time makes it difficult to explore education options. Community college offers more flexibility and less pressure.

Online Course Options: A regular part of the new educational landscape is online courses. Community colleges often have many online courses on offer, so you can try different areas of study for less money before you commit to a major or a full online degree program.

All college courses are demanding and require work. But understanding the educational environment that helps you learn most effectively will speed you along the path to the career you’ve always wanted.