Are you trying to determine what type of college or university you want to attend? If so, you might want to seriously consider attending a community college. Believe it or not, there are actually many benefits associated with attending a community college. Here’s a look at just a few.

Expenses

With today’s troubled economy, you certainly want to find the most affordable options available to you. If you attend a four-year, public university, you can expect to pay an average of $6,585 in tuition and fees while a private institution will cost $25,143. If you choose a community college, on the other hand, the average cost is reduced to just $2,402 per year. You will also be able to save money by staying at home rather than having to stay on campus. Many community colleges also offer work-study programs, part-time jobs for students and financial aid to help further offset the costs.

Convenience

There is no doubt that attending a community college is more convenient than attending most public and private institutions. Since you can stay home, you don’t have to worry about moving and becoming familiar with a new location. In addition, many community colleges offer night and weekend classes, which makes it far easier for you to work your classes into your schedule.

Ease of Acceptance

Since community colleges do not have stringent application processes, it is easier to get into these colleges and start on the path toward a higher education. With a high school diploma or GED, you can gain admittance and get started. Even high school students can often enroll in community colleges in order to get a jump ahead on their studies.

Quality of Education

When attending a community college, you don’t have to sacrifice the quality of the education. Faculty members at community colleges tend to be quite dedicated to their students and to the teaching process. Since they don’t have to perform research and are not pressured into getting published, you can be sure they are completely focused on you and your education. In addition, community colleges are accredited by the same agencies that accredit universities, so you can be certain the quality of the content is also up to par.

Smaller Classes

In many universities, the number of students attending class is so large that you can be reduced to nothing but a number. At community colleges, however, most classes are no larger than 35 students. Therefore, you can receive the personalized attention you need in order to be successful.

Added Support

Community colleges usually offer a number of different support services that can help make your experience more enjoyable and beneficial. Services that are typically available through community colleges include:

· Advising
· Counseling
· Financial aid
· Health care
· Library services
· Tutorials

Many also offer computer labs, which are available to students who need to use them in order to complete assignments.

Freedom of Choice

Community colleges offer their students a variety of different programs to select from. In addition, they offer academic transfer programs, which means you can get started on your degree at the community college and can then complete it at a major university if you desire. Numerous vocational programs are also available at community colleges, which is why many police officers, nurses, firefighters and paramedics get the training and education they need through community colleges.

Diverse Students

Due to the “open door” policy followed at community colleges, you will also enjoy spending time with people from a wide variety of background when you attend a community college. This includes people of all ages as well as those from different ethnic backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. By interacting with people from different backgrounds, you gain valuable skills that will be helpful in the workplace as well.

Technology

Community colleges tend to have strong partnerships with industries and businesses, which means they gain access to the latest technology. As such, you receive your training on the most cutting-edge equipment, which further helps prepare you for the workforce.

Proven Success

Many well-known individuals have attended community college and have gone on to enjoy great success. Some of these people include:

· Eileen Collins – first female space shuttle commander for NASA
· Harry Reid – Senate majority leader
· J. Craig Venter – mapped the human genome
· Nick Nolte – actor
· Nolan Ryan – retired baseball pitcher
· Richard Carmona – former surgeon general of the United States

Countless other state governors, Nobel laureates, sports figures, members of Congress, distinguished business executives and famous actors have also attended community college, so rest easy in knowing you are in good company if you choose to go this route!

If you are ready to start exploring community college and online college options, visit the Top Colleges home page today!