The Pros of Attending Community College

The Pros of Attending Community College > 13 million Americans currently attend community college The 1st community colleges were created by Baylor University in the 1890s 45% of America's undergraduates attend community colleges The 2nd largest college by enrollment in the United States is a community college Easier Transfer to Universities Approximately 20 % of community college students transfer to universities. Cost Overall costs of earning a degree at a community college can range from 1/3 to 1/2 lower than university costs. > 1,000 community colleges currently operate in the United States. According to College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees at a two- year school is only $3,131, just over one-third of the cost for a four-year public institution. Easier Completion of General Education Credits Community colleges make it easier for a student to earn the required general education credits prior to enrolling in a baccalaureate program. Higher Graduation CERTIFICATE Rate The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center indicates that 71 % of community college students that have transferred to universities or private colleges earn their bachelor's degrees within four years. More Flexible Proficiency Requirements American community colleges confer more than 1 million certificates and Associate's degrees each year. Community colleges are not as strict in their proficiency requirements as universities and don't require many of the same tests as universities and private colleges. Focus on Majors Community colleges offer students more direct studies on the major they've chosen unlike universities, which have instructors and professors that may focus on research. Better Hands-On Training Higher Returns on Wages Community colleges are known for providing students with not only classroom courses but also hands- on training that can be beneficial in providing students with practical experience in their fields. According to U.S. News &World Report, associate degree holders earn from $3,600 to $4,200 more than graduates of short-term certificate programs in the same field. The average community college graduate earms 20 % more money than the average high school graduate earns. Smaller Class Size Community colleges typically strive to have a 20:1 or less teacher-student ratio. About two-thirds of a community college student's classes will have fewer than 20 students. Community colleges are sometimes referred to as city colleges when they are funded by local taxes for the purpose of serving the education needs of local residents Many Possible Programs Community colleges are known for their large varieties of academic programs, which makes choosing a program much easier. Real Teachers Students in community colleges are taught by real instructors. Universities often utilize teaching assistants and graduate students in need of internship or work credits. The three most popular programs offered by community colleges are business, health and computer programs. Sources: www.collegeview.com/articles/article/two-year-vs-four-year-colleges-which-one-is-right-for-you www.usnews.com/news/blogs/stem-education/2012/02/24/stem-associates-degree-pays-better-than- liberal-arts-bachelors higher wages with STEM associate www.collegeview.com/articles/article/two-year-vs-four-year-colleges-which-one-is-right-for-you www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/11/08/high-graduation-rates-community-college-transfers www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/11/06/community-college-credentials-significantly-increase- future-earnings-employment www.usnews.com/education/blogs/professors-guide/2010/07/28/10-reasons-to-go-to-a-small-college www.aacc.nche.edu/Resources/aaccprograms/international/Documents/studentguide/sg8_ top10benefits.pdf www.scholarships.com/resources/college-prep/choosing-the-right-school/the-pros-and-cons-of- community-colleges/