Making the decision to receive a college degree will have a major impact on your future. Instead of heading straight off to university, however, it may be a good idea to think about attending a community college. Here are some of the benefits of attending community college prior to university.
Save Money
One of the main reasons that many people choose to go to community colleges is to save money. Many community colleges offer classes for half the price that most universities offer them for. Completing your first two years at a community college and transferring to a university later on will help you save a lot. Whether you are paying for classes upfront or taking financial aid to pay for them, the amount that you will pay in the long run will be a portion of what you would have paid for four years at a university. Keep in mind that you are likely to be more successful at community college due to the lower cost, as you will not need to work quite as many hours to pay for a single class.
Open Admission
Many community colleges have open admission to all students interested in attending. Although certain specialized programs may not be open to everyone, it is likely that you will have an easier time getting into a community college than a university. This benefits students who did not perform well on their SAT’s, as well as older students who are attending college years after graduating from high school.
Two-Year Degrees
There are certain degrees offered at community colleges that can be completed in two years. With these careers, you will not necessarily need any further schooling upon graduation. Some examples of degrees that can be earned through community colleges include an accelerated associate’s degree in Registered Nursing, paralegal, criminal justice, dental hygiene, and business management. Although you can earn a bachelor’s degree in some of these areas, it is possible to find a job with only an associate’s degree. Be sure to check out what the community colleges near you have to offer, as you may be surprised to find a major that really sparks your interest.
Smaller Class Sizes
Generally, community colleges offer smaller class sizes than universities do. Students will be able to benefit more from a closer knit classroom, where they will receive more education on a one-on-one basis. If the idea of attending a college where you will have class with forty or more students intimidates you, community college may be a good alternative.
As you can see, there are quite a few benefits associated with attending community college prior to university. If you want to jumpstart your education at a lower rate, then community college may be a good idea for you.
